Group’s main source of funding is dwindling
The treasurer of Llama Canada fears the demise of the organization unless the group can find new members or convince former members to return.
Christina Lanz of Etzikom, Alta., said membership has dwindled to 26 members from a high of 146 in 2006.
Membership fees are the main source of income for Llama Canada, and the group has had to cancel events and trade show appearances.
“We have tried everything we can think of to get the expenses down,” said Lanz.
A downturn in llama interest, lower prices and an aging base of llama breeders are the main causes of reduced membership, she added.
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The discovery of BSE in Canada in 2003 closed borders to llamas as well as most other livestock, so breeders were limited to existing bloodlines and were unable to improve herds, said Lanz.
The border is now open but import and export requirements are onerous and may discourage some in the business. Llama Canada offers members information about breeders, shearing, llama health and other aspects of production and care.
“I think the llama people have to realize they’re not just pets. There’s a lot of things you can do with them,” Lanz said.
Llamas make good guard animals, produce usable fibre and can be good pack animals or trained to pull carts. They are low maintenance and economical to feed, she said.
“They pretty well look after themselves, but they do need a certain amount of maintenance. I suspect that’s not happening a lot.”
For example, she often sees llamas in farmers’ fields that haven’t been sheared. A heavy hair coat can weaken a llama’s skin and produce heat stress in summer.
Llama Canada could help producers find a shearer or organize a clinic if several people were interested, said Lanz.
In a letter, she urged llama owners to join and use the organization.
“You owe it to yourself to learn all that you can. You would do this for the new puppy you just got. You would do this for any animal you own. Why not for a llama?” she wrote.
Lori May, executive administrator for the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association, confirmed llama registrations have shrunk in recent years. There were 14,814 registered llamas in Canada at the end of December and the number continues to fall.
