We had a small but fabulous bunch of people come to our April Thrive seminar. It was again a mix of existing breeders like Jeff and Rita Merrifield of Campo Feliz Alpacas and people absolutely new to the world of alpacas like Nancy Vucinich and Michele Muscat of Reno.

And although just a small group there was lots of energy. Lori and Evan Harwood

who work weekends at HR Alpacas in Oregon are beginning a new alpaca transport enterprise as their way into the alpaca lifestyle. Look out for their promotions on the alpacas.com and Alpaca Nation transporters list.

Our caterers did have a comment however about this intrepid bunch...they ate as much as the larger seminars we had! And a lot of my really good wine that we buy from the Maysara vineyard just opposite us in Muddy Valley Rd has gone...of course I didn't help anyone drink anything!

Every once in while at these seminars you meet people who you just know are going to do really well in the business because of their tenacity and willingness to learn and I am sure Ken and Tracey Gemma of Estacada in Oregon are going to do just that. Whilst having their herd of ten for just a few months we wouldn't be suprised to see them making a major contribution down the track. They're goers!

Not to forget Holly Helmer of New Forest Alpacas WA who I first met up at a Northwest alpacas seminar a few years ago. Holly has assembled a small and discerning herd which will blossom under her thoughful care.

Its always a bit hard to come up with something new to say about our seminar groups but one thing that really sticks out is everyone's enthusiasm and commitment to the alpacas and the industry. There is nothing worse than being around sulking negative influences but everyone we've met has been positive and energised. A good case is Mike Currieri of Lake Stephens in WA. Mike has not had a great run of luck but now he sees the light and is positive about how we can help him breed out of a bad run.

One of the photos I'm especially pleased about is the shot of Plinzy our farm manager and our farm hands, Vicente and Jose. These guys love their work and we are proud of their work ethic and care of the alpacas.

Al Cousill

Between classes	Mike and Holly	What do you reckon?
Blinding sheen!	Farm security	Suri classing pen