In the words of one
of our RMLA members.
"Belonging to an association that provides the event
insurance which makes it possible for me to participate in llama shows, pack trials and
other events - $40 per year.
Receiving e-mail announcements about upcoming events as
well as notices about current health issues and other useful information -
$40 per year.
Having free access to a large and varied collection of lama
related books,
videos and publications - $40 per year.
Having the opportunity to advertise animals, goods and
services for sale at a reasonable cost in the Service Directory and the
Journal - $40 per year.
Receiving a quarterly magazine with interesting articles on
a wide variety
of topics relating to lamas and information about lama events in the Rocky
Mountain region on a regular and timely basis - $40 per year.
Having the opportunity to attend conferences where I can
socialize with and learn from people like Murray Fowler, Chris Switzer, Sharon
Beacham, Charlie Hackbarth and Stan Ebel (to name just a few) - $250 to $350 per year.
Belonging to an association which exists for the primary
purpose of
networking with other lama owners, sharing information and learning from
each other instead of just competing or trying to sell animals * PRICELESS!"
Cheryl, Spring 2006
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In 2002, RMLA kept all of you informed about the status of Foot
& Mouth Disease, including the possible government regulations that might have been
imposed, in case of a major outbreak like that in the United Kingdom.
In 2003, RMLA kept all of you informed about the status of West
Nile Virus, symptoms, treatments and the possible preventive vaccine(s) available.
In 2004 RMLA made you aware of a Government program
to Identify each individual animal in the US Livestock industry,
(including Llamas and Alpacas) and we kept you informed about your
Farm/Ranch Identification requirements. Please be aware that this is
an ongoing situation, and RMLA will do it's best to keep you all up to
date on the latest information.
In 2005 we were made aware of an emerging disease: BVDV -
postings about the disease are on "Health"
As many of you will recall, RMLA worked with other lama
organizations to successfully defeat a misguided effort by one rogue National Parks
Superintendent to ban llamas from its park lands claiming that llamas carried Johnes
Disease. Now RMLA is supporting new lama research to
determine the actual prevalence of Johnes in lamas. We feel that this research will prove
once and for all that lamas are not carriers of Johnes and head off any efforts by
government agencies to ban lamas or require any sort of testing of lamas for the disease.
RMLA has participated in past years’ attempts to "unify" the efforts of the llama and alpaca communities.
We have been members of and supported Llama Assembly, The Alpaca and Llama Symposium and
The Lama Steering Committee. 2006 will see the continued evolutionary process that will
ultimately result in greater support for national issues affecting government relations
and medical research - projects affecting us all.
This past year RMLA sponsored over 26
events for lamas including ALSA shows, the JellyBean Classic fun day,
Fairplay Llama Race, the Denver St. Patricks Day Parade, and a number of fiber and training workshops.
RMLA continues to support and promote
the very successful Fiber Co-op. The Co-op has been
successful in creating a marketplace for llama fiber and has given RMLA members a sales
outlet for the fiber their animals are naturally producing.
RMLA continues to hold Mini-Conferences at different locations. A typical conference
costs around $25.00 and includes topics such as fiber, packing, marketing, pasture
management, shearing, youth showing and caring for your lama. A scrumptious meal follows
the classes providing a wonderful opportunity to gather with fellow lama owners. Afterward
we hold our RMLA Board meeting with the membership.
RMLA publishes Caring for Llamas and
Alpacas . . . the industry standard. This book covers all the routine health
maintenance issues concerning llamas and alpacas in an easy to understand format.
The Service Directory: "The
Yellow Pages" of the llama industry was distributed to over 1500 non-RMLA members in
the Rocky Mountain Region and continues to be your very best means of advertising. All
RMLA members received a copy of this directory. It will be passed out at shows and county
fairs, and distributed to those seeking information about llamas or alpacas. This year the
Directory will be an integral part of our marketing plan. Don't miss this opportunity to
promote your ranch, your store or your special services. Your "Service
Directory" hard copy advertisement may be placed, by category, on the RMLA web for a
small additional fee. Remember you must be a member to advertise! Our Web
receives thousands of visitors every week, from all over the world. (Ads
for the Service Directory must be placed from January 1 through March 31
each year - sorry we only do this once a year!)
Internet: Many of our members are
getting results from the RMLA web site and we will be expanding and enhancing our presence
on the net in 2007.
Adult RMLA members are listed under
"Members" on the RMLA web with Names, Farm/Ranch Name address,
phone, fax, email and web listed for only the cost of the membership.
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