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Shearing Day 2008
This year Shearing Day was scheduled for Tuesday, April 15th. We decided to keep it open to the public and were pleased to have 60-70 guests even though it was a weekday. This year, we
hosted four other farms from Smithfield, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Eure, NC.
Jamie Jones and his assistant, Matt sheared 63 alpacas in 7 hours!
We had volunteers from all over, including Pennsylvania and New York.
We would not have had such a successful and safe day if it weren't for all our volunteers.
A huge thank you to them.
If you didn't make it this year, we hope you will try to attend next year!
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Shearer Jamie Jones and his assistant Matt
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Seminars with Dr. Steve Hull
In March, we hosted two seminars put on by Steve Hull, Ph.D. of Timberlake Farms, Inc.
Steve is involved in all aspects of the Alpaca Industry including AOBA, ARI, and AFCNA. He is an international speaker and operates his farm with his business partner Tom Cameron, DVM.
The seminars were a huge success and everyone involved had excellent things to stay about
Steve and his information. We all learned so much and we have already begun to implement
many new things on our farm that will take us a step ahead.
All participants received two bound farm manuals, and the benefit of being able to consult Steve
at any time. On Sunday, we all got the chance to use the ultrasound machine, learn how to
do blood draws, glucometer readings, and body scoring.
It was a fabulous weekend - one of the first of many educational experiences that we
hope to host here. Check back frequently to see what new seminars will be coming!
 
SP Morton Elementary School, Franklin, VA
12/11/07 and 3/11/08
We had the tremendous privilege of being invited to share our alpacas with some
first graders at S.P. Morton Elementary School in Franklin, VA. Chris and her dad,
Guy Bennett, took two alpacas, visuals, and a hands on activity to show the children.
Chris taught them about where alpacas originated, several of their characteristics,
and for what they are raised. The children were wonderful listeners and asked many
good questions. The students were also able to make their own mini alpacas
out of card stock and real alpaca fiber, but the biggest hit was getting to pet and hug
Jefferson and Macchiato. It was a fabulous day, and we will be returning to the school in March.
 
2007 VAOBA Expo
We had a great time at the show - especially the costume part. Chris's mom, Louise
Bennett, made the costumes for Jefferson and Macchiato without a pattern!
Everyone loved them and the judge said Mom deserved the blue ribbon. We had
two wonderful little girls show the alpacas too, and they did a super job.
We enjoyed ourselves and came away with several ribbons as well.
Macchiato as a dragon, with his princess
Jefferson as Elvis, and a "50's" girl
Farm Work Day - October 6, 2007
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped us on Work Day - we
accomplished so much!!
 
 
Click on the newspapers to read the articles about Shearing Day
 
Our First Annual Shearing Day was a Huge Success!
We were blessed with a wonderful day. Twenty-six alpacas were shorn by Jamie Jones and his assistant, Cody, over a period of 4 hours. Over a hundred and twenty-five visitors attended and were able to observe the shearing, watch demonstrations of spinning and weaving, snack on popcorn and cookies, and purchase alpaca related items.
We were thrilled to have Woodland Trail Farm and Alpacas of Courthouse Pastures join us for this day.
Check out the article about our Open House in the Daily Press of Newport News.
Preparing an alpaca for shearing.
Bags and bags of wonderful fiber!
Rosemary Gadsby, spinner from Boykins and
Bob Hecker, weaver from Newport News, demonstrated
their fiber arts.
Al Dillon from Alpacas of Courthouse Pastures tells guests
about alpacas and their fiber.
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Check out the articles about us in the
Tidewater News - March 31, 2007 and
the Smithfield Times - April 11, 2007!
Click on the newspaper to read the article
 
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Shearing Day 2007
We are holding our first annual Shearing Day Open House
Saturday, April 14
9am-12pm
Two other local farms, Woodland Trail Farm and Courthouse Pastures, will
be joining us with several of their alpacas.
The morning will be filled with shearing, spinning and weaving
demonstrations, and alpaca items offered for sale.
Come stop by for a fun, free, and educational morning!
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March 2007
We were happy to visit the story time children at the Carrollton Library
this month. The children loved the alpacas and they had wonderful questions about all
kinds of alpaca related things. It was a great way for the kids to learn and to get
their hands on some real alpacas!
  
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HEALTH DAYS
Health days typically occur every six weeks.
Please call if you'd like to be a part of this - it's a great way to
learn "hands on".
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Welcome Our Newest Girls!
We are thrilled to announce the purchase of 4 new girls and 2 crias. Their bloodlines include
Accoyo Elite, Dom Lucilio, Snowmass Golden Heritage and Patagonia's Yukon and we
are thrilled to be able to add them to the impressive lines we already have. Come and
see (and touch) them for yourself!
 
Cherry Pie and Macchiato Madison and Jefferson
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October '06
We were pleased to host a homeschool field trip in October. The children received a short
presentation introducing alpacas, and then were able to get some real "hands on" experience.
They all enjoyed petting Hudson, as well as some of our new babies. They left with bags full of goodies and faces full of smiles!
 
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Summer '06
We were a part of Windsor's Farmer's Market this summer. We brought a couple alpacas,
as well as some of our yarn and raw fiber. Everyone loved coming over to see
our "exotic" animals and we enjoyed sharing our knowledge of alpacas with them!
We'll be back in 2007!
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April '06
Shearing Day was a huge success. We transported everyone to Richmond, where an
experienced shearer gave them a nice cool cut. The boys seemed a little less confident
without their fiber, but they will be much happier when the temperatures rise!
 
Cornerstone Farm Alpacas, LLC ~Daren & Chris Wingard~(757)-651-6335
info@cornerstonefarmalpacas.com
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