The Ohio State University Camelid Neonatal Conference

If you have never attended a neonatal seminar now is the time to attend this one. For those of you who have participated before you might be like me and want to go to one every year. They are incredibly informative and repeat attendance is very reinforcing.

Date & Time:

4/25/2009 8:00 AM

Location:

The Ohio State University

College of Veterinary Medicine

601 Vernon Tharp Street

Columbus, OH 43210

Contact: Office of Veterinary Continuing Education: (614) 292-8727

Course is intended for camelid owners and breeders. This course focuses on the pregnant female camelid and their care. Discussion will include the needs of the pregnant female as they get close to the birthing process. The birthing process (normal) and common problems observed during the later part of pregnancy, during the birthing process and for the first months of the crias life will also be covered along with the care and management of the newborn and its dam, as well as management factors which play a role in raising healthy camelids.

This is my alma mater--so go and enjoy the beauty of one great old university.

GO BUCKS!

As soon as the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oregon State University schedules their neonatal seminar the announcement will be posted here. Check back often so you don't miss out.

3rd Annual Alpaca Woods Ranch Open House

Mark March 28th on your calendars as the 3rd Annual Open House at Alpaca Woods Ranch.

This event is our chance to share these wonderful animals with those of you who have been pondering your interest in this growing industry as well as those of you who have stopped by before. Plenty of changes have occurred in the last year—we have added more pastures, new shelters and, of course, the best part—new crias. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge but we would appreciate an RSVP just for planning purposes.

Again this year, Peggy Stevens from Alpacas at Tucker Creek (http://www.alpacadigest.com/) in Astoria, OR will be our featured speaker addressing the tax consequences of alpaca ownership. Peggy is a retired CPA with many years of small business experience. She and her husband, Dave, have been raising alpacas since 2003. She will be discussing the great opportunities this industry has to offer as well as some of the pitfalls to avoid. Time will also be allotted for your personal alpaca tax questions. Among her topics will be the criteria applied by the IRS to classify an operation as a business instead of a hobby; how to leverage the purchase price of alpacas by using funds which might otherwise pay current taxes; the importance of a business plan and other topics of interest at a time when tax code revision is again under serious consideration. She has been a featured speaker at the 2008 Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association National Conference; the Alpaca Institute at Northwest Alpacas as well as regional affiliate meetings.

The Open House will be from Noon to 5:00 p.m. The tax presentation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Please advise if you will be able to join us on March 28th by phoning Ronnie at (770) 972-1247 when we will also provide you with driving directions.