2013 calendar

Herd management Saturdays are held towards the end of each month, and we try to cover a topic of interest to those in attendance.  These days are designed to help Blue Moon Ranch customers learn how to effectively care for their own alpacas and run a successful alpaca business.  Occasionally, we will have space for other interested people as well.  There is no charge for these classes for Blue Moon Ranch customers. If you have purchased alpacas else where and would like to attend our classes, there will be a $50 per person fee due before each class.  Special classes and clinics taught by other people are offered throughout the year and those fees are explained below.

Classes also added throughout the year, please check back or sign up for our monthly email newsletter to be in the know!.

January 26, 2013  Basic handling review to include proper halter fit and working with the babies. If weather permits we'll be walking them around the "race track"  It's good for your soul  to take a walk with an alpaca.  RSVP by Jan 22 please .

February 9, 2013  Spinning Saturday at Blue Moon Ranch. 2 - 4 pm Bring a wheel or a drop spindle, we will have batts and roving for sale.  postponed due to weather. :(

February 23, 2013  Do you know how to take a temperature?  Give a shot in an emergency?  Things often go wrong when you can't seem to get a vet.  Lets talk about how to handle emergencies and what to do when you can't find a vet.   RSVP before Feb 19 please.

March 30, 2013   Farm set up.  Fencing - catch pens, designing a barn and pasture areas.  How to get the most use of your facility.  We made a few  mistakes early on - I'll tell you about that so you won't have to!  Please email to confirm your attendance before March 24- I will have handouts.

April 27,2013  Alpaca Business Class  What you need to have to run a successful business. What kind of advertising works? How to get good exposure for little expense.  If you love alpacas, but are unsure about the business side, come to this class. For a break we will visit with the alpacas of course. RSVP by April 20

May 18, 2013  Please join us for the grand opening of Yaya's Yarn Barn (and gift shop). We're also calling it a fiber retreat day because you can come and knit or spin  with us all day too. 10 - 4  Light refreshments provided.  This is an outside event, check back for weather updates as we near the date.

May 25, 2013  It's almost time to start watching for the crias to be born!! That means it's time for our birthing class. We have been through hundreds of normal births, and a few unusual ones too. We will adapt this class to the needs of the participants.  I totally recommend a neonatal class (taught by a vet) for the 10% of the time that you need to know how to solve a crisis, but today we'll talk about the 90% that you will most likely see and how to deal with that.  Also a brief discussion on naming your crias.  Not as simple as you might think!  Please email your RSVP before May 20  to confirm your attendance .  Class will be from 9:00 am til 11:00 am. 

June   shearing - date to be announced as soon as we know when it will happen. We are hoping for Saturday June 8.  (Date to be confirmed)

July 27, 2013  Working with fleeces.  Show or processing? How to decide and how to proceed once you do.  Bring a fleece if you have one. If not, come anyway we have many to show you.

August 24, 2013   Alpacas 101.  Perfect for the newbie! Or a refresher if you want a good basic review.  Reservations required, please email linda@bluemoonranch.net by August 20 to confirm your spot.   We will cover basic alpaca care, and how to get a good start in the alpaca world.  Class will start at 10:00 a.m.  and we should be finished by noon.

September 28 and 29, 2013   Ninth Annual Fall open Barn Days!   10 - 4 both Saturday and Sunday

October 26, 2013  Curious about buying alpacas? Maybe you just want to ask questions?  This is your opportunity! The yarn will be put away and this time we'll be ready to talk to you about purchasing some of our amazing animals! No pressure as always.  We'll talk about how to evaluate an alpaca and what to be aware of before you purchase. Do you want a fiber herd?  Or a breeding herd?  We'll have special prices on many alpacas for this weekend event. please RSVP

November 16, 2013  Get ready for fall knitting with our Yarn Party!  Come feel the softness of alpaca yarn. Bring a friend, shop for yarn, have some hot chocolate or coffee with us.   1 - 4  no appointment necessary. For  driving directions click here

December 28, 2013  If you need to de-stress from holiday craziness and take some deep breaths,  we will do herd observation from 10 - noon today.  To sit and watch your alpacas is the best way evaluate their health. They are very stoic, but do give clues if you watch closely.

Please let me know if there is a topic you would like to have covered!