Hello, Midwest alpaca owners I am the SpinOff coordinator for the Alpaca Association of Western Oregon (AAWO). We are holding a competition in conjunction with our exhibit at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival and are ready to accept entries. Contestants submit a two-ounce sample of their alpaca's fleece. An experienced spinner spins half of it into a small skein of yarn and evaluates the fleece based on first impression, cleanliness, uniformity, handle, lack of second cuts and guard hair, and other desirable qualities. Entries are divided into classes based on the alpaca's breed (suri or huacaya), age, and color. Fleeces from 2018 and 2019 shearings are eligible. Entry deadline is June 28, 2019. It's easy to enter, compete, and win ribbons. The deadline is June 28, 2019. There is a $100 cash prize for the Judge's Choice in both the suri and huacaya divisions, several cash prizes for Judges Choice in Youth/4-H entries, and a $100 cash prize for best entries for Suri and Huacaya in the 8 years of age and older category. You can mail in entries - no hauling your alpacas and fleeces off the farm. You need only 2 ounces of fleece; the original fleece can still be entered in other competitions. The judge does the spinning; you get a yarn sample. You receive an expert spinner's evaluation of your fleece. Your alpaca's fleece and photo and your farm name will be displayed at the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival in September 2019. You can use the results for marketing and breeding decisions. For complete information, guidelines, and to download the entry tag, visit http://www.alpacafarmsoregon.org/Alpaca_Spin-Off.html If you have questions, please email me or phone. Thank you kindly, Cammie SpinOff coordinator Alpaca Association of Western Oregon (AAWO)

A SpinOff is an easy way to compete – mail in just a 2-4 ounce sample of fleece (which leaves enough of the blanket to be entered in more shows). An experienced judge will spin a small skein and evaluate it according to fineness, handle, ease of preparation, and other desirable characteristics, giving you valuable feedback. Plus, your alpaca’s fleece and your farm name will be viewed by thousands of visitors to Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival. Fleeces from both 2018 and 2019 shearings are eligible; there is no limit on the number of entries from one farm. Since we want to be inclusive, you don't have to be an AOA or AAWO member. There are several cash awards, including $100 for alpacas 8 years and older. Youths (18 and under) and 4-H members can enter for free and qualify for more cash prizes. So check out your fleeces – those stored from last year and those still on your animals – and get them ready to send. Our deadline is June 28th – we’re looking forward to seeing all your wonderful fiber. For complete information and to download the entry tag, visit http://www.alpacafarmsoregon.org/Alpaca_Spin-Off.html

CABA Member meeting. Topic: CABA Classic Show and Auction. Food will be provided. 5:30 PM

ADGA National Show 2019 will be held July 6-13, 2019 at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, Oregon. Start making plans now to be there!