Free Seminars – Open to the Public!

NEAOBA Fall Alpaca Shows
Nov 20-21
Check-in on Friday!

Joins Us for Educational Seminars
with Amanda VandenBosch

Seminars are free and open to the public!

Amanda VandenBosch - Alpaca judge

Amanda VandenBosch is a Senior AOA Halter and Fleece Judge and an Alpaca Judge Trainer and Instructor. She has judged shows in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Peru gaining an international perspective and true love for the art and science of alpaca judging.


NEAOBA fall alpaca shows 2020

“Spotlight On the Show Ring”
Friday, Nov 19 at 6:00pm

The show ring is an important, serious business that focuses on professional judges evaluating breeding stock. As we present our alpacas, our breeding programs, and the industry as a whole, together we can learn and share successes across our alpaca community and with our customers. With this knowledge, alpaca handlers look to learn as much as possible by leaning into “Show Ring Success” and “Show Ring Professionalism” through the Four P’s.

  • Preparation for show
  • Promoting recognition programs
  • Promoting the marketing impact of show winnings
  • Promoting the networking, education and social aspects of show attendance

“Innovative Fleece Assessment”
Saturday, Nov 19 at 12:30pm

Focuses on the genetic potential and processing end-use.

In the IFA alpaca judging system, no fiber goes to waste & no program is without its value.
Because of your hard work, the demand for alpaca fiber is steadily increasing, simultaneously creating opportunities for programs to supply the growing markets seeking all grades of fiber.
With an emphasis on nurturing a more sustainable industry, IFA recognizes the value of efficiently producing desired genetics, healthy stock, and increased fiber yields. Therefore, under Innovative Fleece Assessment, the primary criteria of judging is placed on fiber uniformity, fiber quality & length in their respective grades.

As alpaca breeders, we rightfully take pride in sharing our successes. As part of the IFA judging process, you receive invaluable data-driven information provided by professionally trained judges – information you can take to help you make decisions to evolve your programs relative to the end-use you choose.