Each 4-H member took home ribbons for different categories in the llamas and alpaca showmanship and fiber judging.
LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Three competitors showed animals on Sunday that are included in very few fairs in our region.
Three competitors showed animals on Sunday that are included in very few fairs in our region.
Each 4-H member took home ribbons for different categories in the llamas and alpaca showmanship and fiber judging. This is just the 5th year that these animals have been part of the Allen County Fair.
Showmen are graded based on their control over the animal, the quality and cleanliness of the wool, and the physical characteristics of their animal. Though it's not the most popular project yet, and yes, there might be a little spitting, this year's exhibitors would recommend raising llamas and alpaca to anyone interested.
"What really made me decide is I just saw an opportunity. My neighbor, she's had a little bit of everything. She's had exotics, just regular animals, and she had it, and I was like, I might as well try it. Something new; you gotta try new things to learn, so I saw an opportunity just to learn something," said 17-year-old Sheldyn Fetter, who won 1st place ribbons for senior interviews and senior showmanship.
Showmen are graded based on their control over the animal, the quality and cleanliness of the wool, and the physical characteristics of their animal.
"I personally think that they act like dogs. They all have different personalities; they're very different. They're just really easygoing. Everyone's like, Oh, they're so big and scary. They're literally the most docile animal you can get; you just gotta start with them when they're young," added 16-year-old Audra Snyder, who won Champion of Champion in showmanship and 2nd place in confirmation and fiber.
Audra and her sister Claire Snyder have been around llamas their whole lives, so they know what makes a quality show animal.
"He has very good confirmation, very straight in the front and the back legs, and he just has that exotic coat too. His wool is very exotic for him because of how thick his wool is on his neck and his legs, which isn't very common," Claire said of her llama. She won 1st place in confirmation, fiber, and judging.
The llamas and alpaca return to the ring on Wednesday at 4 p.m. for the costume contest.
