Showing for success

BAS judge Barbara Hetherington, Beck Brow Alpacas, outlines why the UK’s show circuit is crucial to the future prosperity of the UK alpaca community and how show ring assessment drives ongoing improvement in the national herd.

It has felt so good to get back in the show ring this autumn after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Firstly, I had the pleasure of judging the YAG halter show, followed by exhibiting at the Northern, Midlands and NEBAG Shows. After so many rule changes I think we all had to temper our excitement until the dawn of each show, when we were sure things could go ahead.

It was very evident, from the three shows that we attended, that breeders had not only missed the social side of showing, but had also missed having their alpacas assessed and compared to those belonging to others. The detailed oral reasoning from the judges makes showing alpacas very informative and can be an aid when making breeding/purchasing decisions.

This aspect of evaluating and comparing herd improvement is a big part of showing and has been a loss for the industry.

We are extremely fortunate in the UK to have so many halter shows (both spring and autumn) and for these to cover a wide geographical area.

The regional shows are a real credit to all the volunteers who give up vast amounts of time to ensure that the shows represent BAS and the alpaca industry so well. These events would not be possible without their dedication, and of course, the generosity of the sponsors and those entering the show.

Healthy market

It would be easy to think that showing alpacas is only of interest and value to those who actually take part. Often we hear that showing only represents a small number of BAS members, but of course the shows are crucial if the alpaca industry is to prosper – should there be no credible show circuit, then this would impact on all alpaca owners, both pet and commercial.

Most importantly, it is the show circuit that keeps the market value of those top quality alpacas buoyant. Without the accolades for breeding increasingly improved alpacas, and the desire for many to win those accolades, the market would be much less competitive at the top. This higher value for the sought after show quality alpacas of course cascades down, helping everyone whatever their goals of ownership.

We are one of only a few farms who have a herd size big enough to provide us with an income through breeding alone. However, our breeding numbers do make it necessary for us both to be employed fulltime on the farm. With relatively small numbers (when compared to most sheep and cattle farms) prices for the top quality show stock does need to be at a certain level to fund the business. This then enables us to provide non-show stock at competitive prices, be that for pets or for trekking and therapy businesses. We also provide starter herds of pet quality females for those not wishing to show. Importantly, it is our experience gained from caring for hundreds of alpacas over the years that means we can provide expert support with health and welfare issues.

Of course the show circuit reflects the qualities the fleece industry requires and thus is a driving force in improving our national herd. It is vital that we breed alpacas with continually improving fleece qualities (ultimately this is

where the value will be) who are healthy and robust. The added value from showing also allows money to be put back into the industry for all. I believe that a thriving show circuit creates a healthy market place which in turn supports a healthy national herd.

Why we show

It is fairly safe to say that I am addicted to trying to breed the very best alpacas we possibly can. Not just Huacayas, and not just a couple of colours, we breed both Suri and Huacaya and across the colour chart (okay not grey so much). Our breeding programme is simply based on breeding quality.

The shows are a good marketing and networking opportunity but ultimately it is the taking part in the competition that is the most exciting part for me. How are our youngsters stacking up? This is the constant question until they get in the ring.

Of course being a BAS qualified judge I could just assess my own alpacas. I don’t need to go to the shows. But it is the challenge of competing against others, of hopefully coming out on top, and if not looking at those who are taking the top spots. However, win or lose the alpaca show circuit is a friendly place to be. I am sure most would agree many friendships are forged at the shows despite the competitive nature of the event. If anyone is interested in showing and hasn’t done so yet, do get in touch with your regional group and get involved. Equally, if you do not wish to exhibit but wish to help and observe you would be most welcome. Of course the BAS National Show also relies on a team of volunteers who put in months of work leading up to the event, any help is always gratefully received there too.

Choosing our National Show team

The BAS National Show 2022 is planned to be a spectacular event. After a two year hiatus the National Show Committee are pulling out all the stops. Live streaming will be constant from both rings. For those attending the show, there will be approximately 630 alpacas to see and a large screen split to show the close ups in each ring. To add to the excitement there will be an auction of top quality alpacas as part of the Saturday night event and of course the Champion of Champions fleece winners will be on display as well as the winners from the Fibre Zone.

With all this in mind we need to make every member of our show team count. Under normal circumstances our show team is largely made up of youngsters, as the adults have usually had their day in the ring and have either proven themselves to be winners or otherwise. However, with no halter shows in 2020 we have a number of adults who have missed their opportunity for glory at the National Show.

Our entries are generally limited by the decision as to whether to drive one or two trailers to the show. With two trailers we can fit in around 21 alpacas, but not if we have too many adults. Lots to consider for our National Show team this year but we will certainly both be towing.

We often get asked when do we start selecting our show team. I would answer that by saying the planning of our show team starts with breeding decisions. Whilst, there are a few breedings each year that I am happy to experiment with (sometimes we just need to see what a male can do) the vast majority are bred to have predictability of quality (not always guaranteed). We rarely use one male extensively, but aim for a good mixture of genetics and hopefully colours.

Our provisional National Show team consists of at least one male and one female Huacaya in each colour (with the exception of grey) and representation of our Suri herd in the coloured categories (not white or light). Our aim is to demonstrate the quality across the breeds and colours. A strategy that is likely to mean that we leave some high ranking alpacas at home. I just need to make the right call in February hoping that they look as good by the end of March. Whilst showing might be essential for the alpaca industry, we can’t all win and certainly not all of the time, we just have to enjoy being part of this spectacular event that promotes British alpacas worldwide.