Shearing with a difference at TOFT ...

Kerry's Dog Pete got his winter clothes cut off this week and is now all set to enjoy the summer...

Alpaca stars emerging...

The new borns are starting to fill out as their secondary fibre comes through and it was such a magnificent evening last night that a few summer photies are a must at this special time

And the winner was...

A white Huacaya intermediate male took Supreme at the Ireland Alpaca Association Halter show, Bellurgan Park, County Louth Agricultural Show. A structure and handle to die for on a male which now needs sheared and the sun on its back ...Congratulations 

Irish Alpaca Association halter show at the County Louth Agricultural Show

Great day yesterday at Bellurgan Park in County Louth,Eire judging the halter classes at the Irish Alpaca Association halter show. Great weather, good humour and plenty of challenges in the black and brown classes to get the judge thinking. Terrific turnout in the young handler section. Huge crowds on the Showground. A massive thanks to Berie Neary of Mullagh Lane Alpacas for organising and her friend Siobahn who managed rosettes and microphone like a real pro. Thanks to all the exhibitors and helpers who made this showcase for the alpacas. 

Thanks to the Alpaca Association of Ireland for inviting me. I have so much fun in your wonderful country -I will be back.  Have a great season, may all your cria be girls and see you all soon.

Judging fleece at the Three Counties Show...

Just returned from Malvern where I have been judging the alpaca fleeces at the Three Counties Show. Off to Ireland in two hours with the companion animal to judge halter show at the Dundalk Show tomorrow for the Irish Alpaca Association.

Had a lot of laughs the past two days at the the Three Counties, Julia Corrigan Stuart of CS Alpacas was my apprentice for the show and did a very fine job indeed.  A huge  TOFT thanks to Pauline and Trisha for their dedication in laying out, putting away, scribing and secretarial work. We were a little short handed at times but we got there in the end. 

Ashwood alpacas will be delighted with the results as they took both Supreme and Reserve in the Huacaya. Top score was 95 points with a handle that took your breath away as it swam in your hands- congratulations.

Thanks to Roger Mount of Snowshill, Jay Holland of Pure and Val Fullerlove of Hanley Hall ( show committee) for inviting me. We saw some quality Huacaya and Suris in all colours and had a fab day yesterday talking and educating the schools. Good luck everyone with the halter today I hope the weather holds.

Back at TOFT with my old friend John...

Back to cutting and doing at TOFT after a five day 'break' at the SWAG alpaca show at the Royal Bath & West and then the Irish Association Summer Show at Mullingar. Great break, met some great people, had a good laugh and talked an awful lot of alpaca...as you do. It's a tough life being a companion animal to Mrs TOFT Alpaca judge  but someone's got to do it. 

Next? I'm judging the Three Counties Fleece Show and then a return to Eire to judge  the Irish Association National Show in Dundalk!  Perfick!

Mrs TOFT Alpaca judge at the Royal Bath & West

Busy week for Mr and Mrs TOFT Alpaca judge Friday and Saturday Shirley was judging the alpacas at the South West Alpaca Group a Show at the Royal Bath & West show. Your truly was on the mic keeping the crowd interested whilst the judging took place. After a tricky start when the heavens opened and wouldn't let go we had a great two days. We kicked off in a tent then got outside around lunchtime on Thursday were we stayed right through to last knockings. Although the sun shone it was the cold wind that kept grabbing at those of us sat at the table. So much so myself and Dawn Crawford had to get out and buy a new coat each. Despite the cold start everything soon warmed up for us to enjoy the show. The crowds came out on the Saturday and we held them around the alpaca ring right up until lays knockings. Congratulations to the organisers,stewards, exhibitors and of course the winners for providing a great showcase for the alpacas. Well done Mrs TOFT Alpaca Judge and see you all soon.