JUDGE

Born in Wuppertal, Germany in 1985
A-levels in England in 2004
Studied business administration in Germany, Ireland and Switzerland, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Economics and Communication
Began alpaca breeding in 2003
Breeding suitability screener for the AZVD (Alpaca Breeders Association of Germany) since 2006
Honorary member of the AZVD board from 2007-2009
2010-2013 training as AOBA Alpaca Show Judge
Over 20 shows in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany

DR. RITO HUAYTA

Veterinary doctor and zootechnist
Specialist in domestic South American Camelids,
Specialist in embryo transfer in alpacas.
Master in Andean Livestock.
He was a Worker in Rural Alianza, Pacomarca, now in Quechua benefit, and a private consultant in genetic improvement in South American camelids and embryo transfer.

Judge of alpacas in the National and International,
Professor in the training course of judges of alpacas in Peru,
Judge of alpacas in Royal Melbourne show alpaca Competition 2019 in Australia

ARTURO PENA BIOS

Arturo was born in Arequipa, Peru, and moved to United States in his twenties. Since then, he has been managing large alpaca farm operations. His love for the Alpacas and his passion for its luxury product “The Fleece” motivated him to become an Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) Certified Judge in Halter, Fiber and Performance. In addition, Arturo currently serves on the AOA Judges Advisory Committee (JAC).

He is an alpaca expert with extensive knowledge in animal health, alpaca selection, genetics and management. He has an educational background in Veterinary Medicine and has a bachelor’s degree in Management. Before devoting fulltime to alpacas, he had planned, organized and executed Dog Shows while serving as Treasurer at the Regional Peruvian Kennel Club Association. He also worked as a Travel Agent at one of the prestigious agencies in Peru where he developed his passion for traveling. He also organizes educational trip to Peru.

Arturo has judged across United States, Canada and Europe. He strongly believes that education is the key to succeed in the alpaca industry. Through Judging, seminars, workshops and consulting, he has assisted and guided new and seasoned alpaca breeders to achieve their goals.

Along the way, he has been recognized as a collaborator of a scientific and biomedical research about “Antibodies from Alpacas as Tools to Study Virus-Host Interactions”. His co-authored scientific research study “Do Differences in Maternal Immunoglobulin G Influence Passive Transfer and Subsequent Cria Growth in Alpacas?” was accepted for publication in the prestigious scientific veterinary journal, Theriogenology.

Arturo and his family donate their free time at the local library and at Cornell University Cooperative Extension 4-H Putnam County doing what he knows the best: creating awareness about the alpaca industry and trying to make the difference in his community.

He lives in North Salem, New York with his wife, Kat, their son, Nicholas, and their dog daughter, Sabrina. They love to spend time outdoors and take alpaca pictures.

DEAN FORD

Dean, former owner and operator at Vista Del Sud (sood) alpaca stud in North East Victoria, Australia now lives in Karaka on the north island in New Zealand.

Coupled with working fulltime in Biosecurity, Dean assists in the operation of the farm at Waters Edge alpacas with Toni, Greg and his Fiancé Lisa Charteris who also shares a passion for judging alpaca. We are focused on breeding elite grey Huacaya stud stock for the local and European market with a herd of approximately 150 Huacaya.

Dean is committed to the alpaca industry, having undertaken various volunteer leadership roles for the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) including past President of Victorian Central Region (VCR) and convenor of Colourbration in Bendigo, Australia’s largest alpaca show.

In early 2015 Dean completed his AAA judging apprenticeship and loves being able to contribute to the future of our stud stock industry.

Dean has a passion for fibre handling and classing wool, having successfully completed his professional Wool Classer certificate in 2012 to become a registered wool classer with AWEX. In 2013 Dean assisted in the implementation of the alpaca fibre classing programme within the Australian TAFE system and successfully completed the national curriculum for classing of alpaca fibre.

Being both an Australian and New Zealand accredited judge, Dean was honoured to be asked to judge the 2020 New Zealand National Alpaca Show (breed and fleece) and is committed to the growth and development of new judges in New Zealand piloting a new and dynamic apprentice judge training programme with the assistance of his fiancé Lisa.

Dean says “With the hands on approach to the development and education of our new judges, our show industry will continue to prosper offering a positive window for marketing capabilities to our breed society”.