We met at MCL Cafeteria at Castleton on February 3rd, 2018 with 14 in attendance.  Introduction of new members present was made.  Beth Sheets, treasurer, gave a treasurer report. We have roughly $16,000 in our two accounts. Andy Hammersley lead the meeting. She reviewed the ideas collected from last meeting at Gentleman's Jacks Alpaca Ranch.

Preparation for Shearing

Generic what to do with fiber

Basic Vet Care

Reference books: Norm Evan's Field Manual

                          Fiber Source Book.

We need a list of veternarians

Nutrition

Poop Management- 

1 gal zip lock bag dry poop makes 5 gals of "alpaca tea"  $10

50# poop  $25    Members state this sells like wildfire.

Sorting and Grading

Felting Class-Nuno

How to register and transfer animals

Promotion of Fiber Arts

What to do about pesky flies?    Solar Fly Traps was suggested.

What do you do with alpaca bodies when an animal dies?

Have you had your fiber graded?

How much Grade 3 in what colors do you have on your farm.

We are working on this list. Several ideas were brought out today.

All members are able to post and promote events on IAA website and IAA Facebook.

We scheduled a Craft Day at Sheets Farm on June 16th 10a-3p.

We will post more on Craft Day closer to date.

Elizabeth Taylor gave us a great presentation on Collection of fiber, grading, sorting, uses, overview of fiber harvest. We had a question and answer time.

The food at the MCL was delish!

Andy Hammersley, President of Indiana Alpaca Association.