What an amazing show season this has been!
Our animals have exceeded our expectaions and we are so pleased with our results.
In speaking with many of our friends over the years, I have often heard people comment on how they won't attend certain shows because they feel they don't stand a chance against the large farms.
Believe me, I get it. It can be so frustrating going to show after show and not placing as well as you had hoped for.
Rather than giving up however, I use this as motivation. While we may not have the available resources others have, we can make better breeding decisions. Take an honest look at those animals that are placing above yours. These farms aren't winning because they'e bigger than yours, they're winning because their animals have superior traits.
Take it to heart, don't give up and sharpen your eyes to recognize these traits and make breeding decisions that will improve your herd.
Recently, we attended a show and after looking at the Class list, I was intimidated. "Oh my God, we're in a class with some of the top breeders in the country!" I took a deep breath and had a heart to heart conversation with myself. " You know you've got a good animal, he's won four banners already and received positive comments from the judges. Believe in yourself and your animal. Go out there and see how he compares to the best alpacas in his class and let the chips fall where they may."
Did we win? No, we placed third next to two of the best breeding programs in the country. We received positive comments from the judge and I feel so good about our animal. I'll take this as a win and am as proud of this third place ribbon as I am any of his banners.
I made a point of looking at the animals that placed above us and recognized their superior traits. As good as our animal is, the others were just that much better. We got beat fair and square.
I'll take this as motivation to keep tweaking my breeding decisions and improving my herd.
I will not be afraid to compete in any show, against any farm. I will be proud of my animals as long as we are showing improvements. Get out there and see how your animals stack up with the best in the business. Make honest assesments of your breeding stock as well as those you're competing with. Never stop trying because you feel you don't stand a chance. You may surprise yourself and acheive success beyond your expectations.
You will never win if you're afraid to lose.