Shear Elegance is a host farm for the Frederick County 4-H Alpaca Project.

HISTORY OF THE FREDERICK
COUNTY ALPACA PROJECT

The Frederick County Alpaca Project started in 2002 with 7 participants and three host farms. Each year the project has grown in popularity. In 2006, we had 42 participants ranging from ages 8 to 17 and five host farms. As the group continues to grow each year, so do our skills and opportunities for the participants.

At the start of the project we had one Master Showmanship award. The award is a silver engraved plate that is donated to the 4H Alpaca Project by the Maryland Alpaca Breeder's Association. The first place winners in each age group for showmanship were judged together for the Master Showmanship award. The project leaders felt that since all the participants worked really hard during the project, that additional awards should be added. So, as more participants join the project additional awards are being added as incentives.

The project started with 3 divisions: Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors. Each age group is mixed amongst the host farms. In 2006, a Novice group was added. The Novice group is for first year participants who are new to the alpaca project.

One of the goals in the alpaca project is to teach the participants about alpacas and how to respect them. Through our resources they will learn general care, health, history, proper handling, fiber, safety, and how to show their alpaca.

HOST FARMS -- What they do:

A host farm is someone that volunteers to provide their alpacas to the participants and to teach them how to care for them and train them. The meetings are generally held at the host farm and are usually once a week. The host farm provides the participant with an alpaca if needed. Each leader at the host farm will plan for the meetings/training that the participant attends. This person is a volunteer who has completed MCE (Maryland Cooperative Extension) training. The leader of the project works hands on with the participants to teach everyone handling skills, background information, general day-to-day care, and alpaca related activities. Each host farm opens its doors to share their passion and knowledge to enlighten the participants to the world of alpacas.

ABOUT THE ALPACA PROJECT

The Alpaca Project is a 10-week long project, starting July 1st and ending after the Frederick Fair. Since the project is only 10-weeks long, all participants must be a member of a 4H club that runs all year long. There are many clubs to choose from, including an Alpaca Club. Ask the 4H Extension Office to provide you with a list of local clubs that may be of interest to you.

If the participant doesn't have an alpaca of their own, they can lease an alpaca from an assigned host farm. The 4Her will be shown how to care and handle their alpaca. A mock show is conducted in August to help new participants with the project. The host farm will prepare the 4Her for the competition at the fairs. The participants have a great time at the fairs and there are many different awards given out for each age group. There is even an award for best Sportsmanship.

LEASING YOUR ALPACA

The Alpaca Project allows individuals to lease an alpaca from the host farm. For a nominal fee the participant and a parent will both sign a standard lease. The participant is then assigned an alpaca to work with at the host farm and to use at the Frederick Fair, Maryland State Fair, and possibly at the Will's Fair. The alpaca will always remain at the host farm and the host farm is responsible for all the needs of the alpaca.

EXPECTATIONS -- What to Expect:

Anyone participating in the Alpaca Project can expect to learn, have fun, and enjoy lots of interaction with the alpacas. They will also be taught skills that will last a lifetime.

The project starts in the spring and ends after the Frederick Fair in September. Some host farms meet weekly others may meet more frequently. Your host farm will give you their schedule. The host farms will try to accommodate the majority's schedule. Since this is a hands-on project, the participant will start learning with their very first meeting. During the project, a great deal of time is spent learning how to handle the alpaca; not only in the show ring, but for every day interaction.

Learning experiences range from taking care of basic needs of the alpaca, such as feeding to veterinarian care. An alpaca is an intriguing animal, whether you are just starting out or an experienced alpaca handler you will always learn something new. Toward the end of the 10-week project, a written test is given to the participant. The host farm will review sample questions during the 10-weeks of training. We want each participant to learn about these unique animals while having fun.