improve your quality

My Services

As you grow your alpaca herd, having a neutral well-trained eye helping you evaluate your current and future potential, can be more valuable than the alpacas themselves.

Speaking Engagements & Lectures - Having judged thousands of alpacas, I can offer insight on a range of topics to new or experienced breeders seeking to improve the quality of their herd.

Upcoming Talks

Fall In New England Alpaca Pen Sale - Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Chase Tavern Farm, Bowdoin, Maine 

  • 11am - Alpacas 101 - Head to Hoof - Interested in learning more about the fiber and conformational aspects of alpacas? This lecture is for you. Step by step review of the alpaca from head to hoof. Great for beginners or breeders looking to understand the proper character aspects of the alpaca for improved show placements.
  • 1pm - Selective Breeding Traits for Next Generation Improvement - Just because they took a ribbon in the show ring doesn't mean they might be the right for your female when it comes to breeding. Examine all aspects of breeding to improve quality including a discussion on lock character in both huacaya and suris.
  • 3pm - Preparing your Fleece for the showring - Back by popular demand, Tim will help walk you through the characteristics of a fleece in-depth and show you want the judge's are looking for and what they are not! In scoring for show, even half a point can make a difference in placement, so bring your fleeces and get ready for the fall shows!
  • 4pm - Q & A Discussion - Have a question? He hopes he has the answer. Ask away!

All lectures are free and open to the public. 

Herd Evaluations and Breeding Strategies -  This service provides the client with a complete head to under-tail evaluation of their entire alpaca herd  or pre-selected alpacas.  Pertinent positive and negative traits will be highlighted and a formal written report will be given noting the positive and negative traits of each alpaca - conformation and fleece. Additionally, photograph's outlining these traits will be included. Breeding strategies for herd improvement can be included as well. Cost for this service is variable based on needs but is designed around an hourly fee plus any travel expenses to or from the location. It is suggested that if a smaller farm wished to engage these services, cooping with other farms in your area could help keep some of the travel related expenses down.

Private Consultations - This service provides for private consultation on a personal basis. These could include:

  • Evaluation of an alpaca(s) pre-sale to obtain the highest fair market value as seller.
  • Evaluation of an alpaca(s) objective overall view of the alpaca(s) before purchasing.
  • Evaluation of an alpaca(s) post-sale to obtain the next step in a breeding strategy.
  • Farms/Ranches that may want a complete herd evaluation plus guidance for the future of their entire breeding program with a strategy and formulated program to help them achieve this.

These services will be billed hourly and will include all expenses related to travel. Day rate may apply.

Please contact me directly for a quote and your specific needs.

Copywritten 2006-8 by Tim Lavan. All rights Reserved and Reprint by Permission Only.