The International Alpaca Odyssey (IAO) is the only alpaca show in North America where American alpacas are judged using the strict standards of the International Show Rules, competing in a format in which it is possible that no first place ribbons are awarded. By showing under the International Rules, utilizing a three judge panel and under either the 60/40 or 70/30 (Fleece/Conformation) criteria rather than the 50/50 used by most AOBA certified halter shows, breeders both small and large can see where their breeding program stands from a global perspective.
In an effort to introduce innovative show rules that could possibly benefit the North American alpaca industry as a whole, this year’s event will introduce a new classification concept that acknowledges that while it is important for continued improvement in the national herd in pursuit of a commercial fiber market, there needs to be equal recognition for the alpacas that serve the existing small processor market.
The basis for the new set of rules is the idea that the current North American Alpaca herd can be seen as two sectors. One sector is focused on breeding goals whose outcome is the best possible alpaca for large-scale fleece production to a commercial mill. The other sector is focused on our current cottage industry model where it is the value of today’s fleece to the cottage industry processor [hand spinner to the mini-mill].
What do you think about these new rules?
International Alpaca Odyssey
May 13-16 2010
Redmond, Oregon
www.iaoshow.com
I think it is a great idea to follow the international rules, but see no point in splitting the judging into two sectors. That is just confusing and does not add any important benefits.
How many countries exhibit on IAO?
Rolf Barbakken/Knapper Alpakka´s last blog ..Alpakkautstilling i Sverige!
I’m not sure I understand your question, however, only US alpacas are shown at the IAO show. It is the judges and the rules that are international. If you are asking how many countries exhibit using the international rules, I couldn’t tell you. The International Alpaca Judging School (IAJS) no longer exists.
Here is an excellent article on the Ideal Alpaca website discussing breed standards:
A Comparative Analysis Of Alpaca Breed Type And Standards By Mike Safley, Jude Anderson, and Maggie Krieg.
After reading that article and thinking about the IAO rules, the conclusion I draw as the reason that it’s possible that no first place ribbons are awarded under the international rules is that they are judging against the breed standards established by the IAJS. And, unfortunately, AOBA has resisted adopting breed standards so US alpaca breeders are potentially going in a different direction with their breeding programs than other countries. Take for instance how alpacas with lots of fleece on their faces, which actually is a fault, are still rewarded in the show ring.
CORRECTION: According to The PacaBlogger, the IAO is using rules that are different than either AOBA or the International rules.
Hi again
Thanks for the reply. I was just wondering why it was called “international” and I got my answer. Thanks
As for standards, I feel standards are good in some areas and not in others. Mike Safleys article is good reading in this aspect. I disagree with the German association’s proverb “Quality through standards”. You’ll only get standard quality through standards, as seen in the IT industry. We need standards, but standards must evolve.
Thanks again for a great blog.
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