Webinar Series

In our next webinar, join Cathy Merkley as she gives a presentation on alpaca breeding for desired fleece characteristics.

Free for members.
Members can RSVP with to info@alpacaontario.ca or alpacaontarioeducation@gmail.com
Non-members can register here at a fee of $15.

In this webinar presentation, provided by Cathy Merkley, you will develop a system to prioritize and assess conformation and fleece characteristics to make breeding selections.  Understanding the traits you hope to improve will aid you in achieving your breeding goals, produce an improved next generation, have a bigger and better fibre harvest and show champions from your farm.

Cathy Merkley is a full partner in T’n’C Farms with Trudy McCall.  They purchased three huacaya alpacas in 1996 and from that base have built a very successful breeding program with show champions and high quality production alpacas.

Cathy is an owner in Alpaca Naturally, Inc., with Cathy Newby and Lynn Hilderman, a Canadian alpaca fibre and product wholesale company.

Cathy is an alpaca halter and fleece judge and has judged across Canada as well as in the United States and Germany.  She took some of her judge’s training in Peru and has been back to help with fleece judge training.  She certified as a fleece classer in 2004 and estimates that she has classed 20,000 pounds of alpaca fibre since then.  She teaches a variety of breeder and fibre specific workshops and seminars, including the Alpaca Sorter and Classer Certification program through Alpaca Ontario and Haliburton College.

Living in Outlook, Saskatchewan, she just opened A Single Strand Fibre Arts Studio, where she focuses on her hand made alpaca products and fibre arts workshops and product retail.

Cathy is a firm believer in the potential of the alpaca breeding and fibre industry and is committed to its growth and success.