The first annual Alpaca Shearing Festival will be at the Circle L Arena in Belgrade on Saturday, June 1. Hosted by the Yellowstone Alpaca Breeders Association, the festival will provide a closer look at the shearing process: from pasture to product, including owner, shearer, sorter and manufacturer responsibilities.
Alpaca owners, shearers and mill owners from around the state will give professional advice on how to care for the animals and maximize efficiency in each level of the production process.
Geared towards educating both alpaca farmers and the general public, the event will also include a silent auction, 10-20 Montana vendors selling various alpaca products, and an obstacle course for alpacas, which kids can participate in with adult supervision and the assistance of a handler.
For more information, visit yabasite.org/events or email prez@yabasite.org.