Halter Show Judge - Sara Jane Maclennan

 

Diana Timmerman

Sara Jane Maclennan has been an AOBA Certified Judge since 2005, and is a Judge Trainer for the Judge Apprenticeship Program. She has judged both halter and fleece shows across the United States as well as Canada. Sara Jane is committed to a fair and thorough examination of all alpacas entered in shows as well as clear oral reasons for placement. She believes that the show system is an excellent opportunity for breeders to learn and improve their breeding programs. Further, Sara Jane has taught many seminars at alpaca venues and is keenly interested in getting information out to the breeders with the goal of improving the American herd.

Sara Jane first encountered alpacas while living in South America. She and her husband Hugh began Dundee Farm in 1997. On their farm at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Sedalia Colorado, they raise huacaya alpacas, standing several studs.

Sara Jane is an urban designer and has spent her professional career working on large scale downtown revitalization and transportation projects in the United States, Canada, Eastern Europe, and Asia.


Fleece Show Judge - Judy Keske

Kevin O'Leary

As president of Slow & Easy Alpaca Farm, Judy began their business in 1996 with the purchase of 3 alpacas. As the industry evolved, her business branched into fiber related interests to help promote alpaca fiber. At that time, she decided to retire from nursing and devote all of her time to this fine industry. She began spinning shortly after their 2nd shearing in 1998. At the same time, she became actively involved in Lorain County Spinners & Weavers Guild. Our services include teaching, demonstrating and education re: various fiber arts at community events and schools. Since that time, she has become a member of Ohio Natural Fiber Network and continues to promote all aspects of natural fiber. Volunteering at fleece shows had become a part of her schedule, beginning in 2002 for OABA & AOBA. There is no better place to learn all about the super characteristics of alpaca fleece. Her personal service includes instruction in fleece preparation for show/spinoff, spinning and beginning crochet. She was approved as a spin off judge in 2006 and has judged competitions for many of the national and local shows. In August 2012 she became an AOBA Certified Fleece Judge after apprenticing numerous shows throughout the United States. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to continue evaluating North American alpaca fleece on various levels.