2011 AGM Awards
To help IAGARB celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary, the following sponsors have graciously donated awards and prizes to help make our event even more special:
Aesculap-Braun Vet Care Co.
Wahl Clipper Corp.
EZ Tatt
Precision Sharp Co.
Quality Cage Co.
Wild Fibers Magazine
Leslie Samson, Samson Angora
Sally Campbell, Dark Starz Angoras
Erin Maclean, Bungalow Farm Angora
Carol Dunn
Renee Rudorfer
Check the color match of German (left) and Cormo wool (right). Its like silver on silver!
Fifty-five pounds of Black Prime German Angora ready to be blended with Grey Cormo Fleece. SILVER BLIZZARD - natural color domestically produced and processed!
Dr. Peter Cheeke, 2012 IAGARB AGM Keynote Speaker
ATTENTION –
We have had a change of program. Dr. Peter Cheeke,Professor Emeritus, Oregon State University,has agreed to be our Special Program Speaker on Sunday, April 22, 2012. We extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Dr. German.
Among the many books Dr. Cheeke has written, co-authored or edited are: Rabbit Production with Drs. Patton, Lukefar and McNitt; Rabbit Feeding and Nutrition, Natural Toxicants in Feeds, Forages and Poisonous Plants 2nd Edition, Applied Animal Nutrition: Feeds and Feeding 3rd Edition, and Contemporary Issues in Animal Agriculture.
We are very grateful that Dr. Cheeke has made time in his schedule for us. For those of you who did not have an opportunity to hear Dr. Cheeke at our Michigan AGM in 2010, do not miss this chance! We have asked Dr. Cheeke to emphasize some of the many valuable points he made during his last presentation to us.
One of the most significant was a simple statement – “Rabbits are herbivores not seed-eaters.” Learn what really happens inside a rabbit’s gut when grains and high energy supplements are introduced to its diet.
We’ve all heard the wives’ tale that “if hair is protein, then angoras will grow more hair on a high protein diet.” Dr. Cheeke will explain what the chemical components of hair actually are and what protein level is most suitable for healthy coat production.
We have asked Dr. Cheeke to devote some of his talk to Pasteurella multodica – what it is, how it becomes active, how to decrease its influence in our rabbitries.
Many of us have already made Dr. Cheeke’s YQ+ part of our daily feeding regime. Increase your YQ IQ. Learn why is this stuff so wonderful, how it benefits digestion, improves immunity and why it is so palatable. (It really does taste good!)
Do not miss this very special presentation at our 25th Anniversary AGM!
Schedule:
9:00 am – 10:30 am – IAGARB AGM business meeting
10:30 to 12:00 Dr. Cheeke’s Presentation
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Luncheon – Idaho Potato Bar / Buffet
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Dr. Cheeke’s Presentation Continued
2:00 pm Continuation of IAGARB Business meeting and Awards
Price –
For IAGARB Members, Dr. Cheeke’s Presentation is included with the AGM Luncheon.
For non-members, Luncheon and Presentation – 40.00
For non-members with student ID – 30.00
More information on the Red Lion Hotel can be found here.
SCHEDULE
JUDGING & REGISTRATION
Friday, April 20, – 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday, April 21 – 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Cedar Room
Judge Sheri Cormier at the 2011 AGM in Portland, Maine
WORKSHOPS
Scribble Lace Scarf
with Leslie Samson
Friday, April 20, 2012
9:30am – 4:30pm
Aspen Room
Scribble Lace Scarf by Leslie Samson
This is a fun workshop for felters and a valuable learning experience for angora producers!
Not all angora is free-falling prime. Some of it comes off the rabbit webbed or lightly matted. Although the staple length is good, this grade of angora is not quite prime. We have it blended and made into pencil roving.
In this workshop we will work with the 50/50 angora/merino pencil roving to make gorgeous nuno felt scarves with an energetic design. The roving will be “scribbled” onto silk to make a fine, soft laminated fabric with unique textures and patterns.
For angora producers, this class will show you how to increase the profitability of your wool by expanding your value-added markets. This is a light-hearted class. The felting is easy. Everyone will leave with a one of a kind angora/merino/silk scarf.
No experience necessary. All materials, use of supplies and tools will be provided. You don’t have to bring anything. Price – $75 for members / $85 for non-members
Another great use for our pencil roving. This hat and scarf were knitted directly from the pencil roving cake by Susan Wiley. When they were complete, Susan felted them. The hand is soft and cushy. We have asked Susan to bring these to our meeting.
Scissors, Clippers and Holds
with Leslie Samson, Rosalie Truong and Erin Maclean
Saturday, April 21
9:30am – 11:30 am
Aspen Room
You’ve got the rabbits, now how are you going to take off the wool? This is a demonstration class where you will learn about equipment options, care and use in this class. Blades, clipper motors – which ones last and which ones don’t. Learn about different scissors and how to use them safely on your rabbits.
There are gentle holds that will keep your rabbits still and feeling secure while you remove their wool coats. Shearing should never be a wrestling match. It is a calm, quiet experience once you learn how to work with your rabbit’s natural behaviors and triggers.
Post-shearing care and diets will be discussed. Human care will also be presented. The tricks and tips in this class will save you time and trouble in your angora venture.
Price – $15.00 for members / $20 for non-members
Grading and Optimal Use of Angora Fiber
with Leslie Samson
Saturday, April 21
12:30pm – 2:30 pm
Aspen Room
Crimpy Wool
Grading is a critical skill for any angora producer. We will start by examining the four angora fiber types present on ALL angoras. We will separate the different sections of shorn wool into their respective grades and discuss uses for them. Prime is easy. The challenge is in optimizing the other grades of wool. You may be surprised at how valuable they can be.
If you have a spinning wheel, please bring it to this class and learn how to quickly make a spectacular novelty yarn that knits up like a breeze and is joyful to wear!
Price – $15.00 for members / $20 for non-members. There will be a $5.00 material fee for spinning fiber.
The Importance of Record Keeping
with Leslie Samson and Rosalie Truong
Saturday, April 21
2:45pm – 4:30 pm
Aspen Room
Great record keeping is the key to the development of the angora in Germany. Objective data is the foundation of excellent breeding selection. In this class, different systems will be presented. We will look at the most important information to track. The class will then open for discussion.
Price – $15.00 for members / $20 for non-members
If you take all three Saturday classes, the full day price is 35.00 for members or 45.00 for non-members.
MEETINGS
Standards Committee Meeting
Open to Members
Friday, April 20
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Aspen Room
This will be a working meeting to formulate proposals and recommendations to be presented at the AGM on Sunday. There will be two significant topics.
1. Changes to the language of the IAGARB standard with regard to colored angoras as well as specific descriptions of non-sychronized coat growth. The IAGARB color guidelines within the context of a colored wool market.
2. It is time to implement the IAGARB Rabbitry Certification program – details of a point system, forms, judging criteria.
IAGARB’s 25th Anniversary
Annual General Meeting
Open to Members
Sunday, April 22
9:30am – 11:30 am
Aspen Room
Twenty-five years ago, IAGARB was founded in Hayden Lake, Idaho. Our mandate was simple – maintain the German Angora in the system in which it was created.
This year, we return to Idaho to celebrate the accomplishments of our association and our plans for the future.
Business will commence promptly at 9:30 am. Our meetings are swift and efficient. Results of the Friday night meeting will be presented. This is a nomination year for our fall election. There will also be goodies, games and prizes. This will be a important meeting. Don’t miss it!
Lunch
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Aspen Room
How can we think of the great state of Idaho without thinking of Potatoes? Let’s enjoy the best of this famous icon with a Potato Buffet! Stuff your spuds with a selection of treats – chili, beef, bacon, cheese, sour cream etc. Lunch includes dessert, coffee, tea or iced tea. Price is 17.00
Special Program Speaker
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The keynote speaker for the 2012 IAGARB AGM is Dr. Ellen German, DVM of Animal Health Hospital in Boise, Idaho. In addition to focusing on dog, cats and exotic animals in her veterinary practice, Dr. German also specializes in homeopathic care for pets.
Her presentation on Sunday, April 22nd is titled ‘Rabbit Health: Homeopathic Treatments for Rabbits.’
TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS AND THE LUNCHEON AND GUEST SPEAKER ONLINE, CLICK HERE
To register using a downloadable MAIL IN form, click HERE
ACCOMMODATIONS AND HOTEL LINK:
To book your room online at the Red Lion Hotel, use the link below.
To take advantage of group pricing use access code: IAGARB25
The All Important Rabbits!
This is a Rabbit Event and we have made special arrangements for the comfort and safety of your rabbits. Tables will be provided on which you can set your cages. Feed and equipment can be stored underneath. If you have draping for your table, bring it to keep your table(s) and area looking tidy.
The Cedar Room is heated and close to an exterior exit. The room will be secured at night.
Whether you bring rabbits to register or sell, please review our rules.
Here’s a clue: We are going back to where it all started, 25 years ago. Here are some photos of the host city. So save the date! April 20-22, 2012.
SAFF is a wonderful fiber event located in the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina.
IAGARB made it’s first presence there with a booth located between two IAGARB breeders. We had information, demonstrations, a Power Point display, and answered lots of questions. We also picked up a few new members. Welcome!
IAGARB Booth at SAFF
Shearing Demo at SAFF
This gallery contains 10 photos.
Margie shearing ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
The last of the IAGARB Spring shearing events on the West Coast was held at Margie and Al’s May 7 & 8 in Grants Pass Oregon. The event was well attended with 13 rabbits tested for registration.
Katie and Bungalow Farm's Odessa ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
One highlight of many, was Katie’s magnificent doe, Bungalow Farm’s Odessa who managed to ‘squeek out’ 501 g. of wool on a 90 day coat (2004 g./yr)! It was close, but Odessa now holds the record for highest wool production for a Colored Angora. Of course there is still the remainder of the year for someone to break this record, but it’s been a longstanding one as Harvest Moon’s Amaryllis has held the record since 2008 (1912 g.). Odessa now also holds the distinction of being the first colored angora to exceed 2,000 g./yr. Congratulations to Katie!
The weekend was a lot lot of fun especially since the weather cooperated by not raining (too much). Good food, good company and fantastic hosts, Margie and Al!
Margie and Raspberry Farm's Grizelda ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
Cindy and CT's Anton ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
Kyle and Aundi's Storm ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
Diana and her black buck ©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
Bungalow Farm's Brunhilde Reg. 2079 g./yr.©2011 Bungalow Farm Angora
Spring time in Maine! And with any luck it will be more spring-like than winter-like April 8-10, 2011 in Portland Maine.
The meeting, workshops and registration testing will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Portland, Maine.We will be holding testing for registration on Friday and Saturday. There is a special guest speaker planned for Saturday morning. The speaker is a vet who will be talking about Bio Security. It should be very interesting!
A Felted Beret by Leslie Samson workshop is planned for Saturday afternoon. We also have planned a wonderful dinner at the hotel for Saturday evening. The menu will include lobster of course, if anyone is so inclined. For more information regarding the dinner and the luncheon, the menus are included in the latest newsletter.
Saturday Afternoon Workshop:
A Delightfully Easy Angora Beret
Inspired by a recent trip to France, Leslie Samson will show us how to make a fashionable felted beret. We will work with a prepared angora blend. Its quick, easy and adorable! No special skills or tools required. Fee, including materials: $40 Members/$55 non members. If you would like to attend the workshop, please contact Erin Maclean. Fee is payable by check made to IAGARB or by Paypal (paypal [at] iagarb [dot] com). Please sign up as soon as possible in order to grab your spot!
The Annual Meeting and luncheon will be held on Sunday.
Proposed Meeting Schedule:
9:00 am – AGM Reports & Business 12:00 pm Luncheon and Awards 1:00 – 2:00 pm Presentation – History of Angora Rabbits by Leslie Samson
History of Angora Rabbits:
It’s the Year of the Rabbit! What is a rabbit anyway? And where did they come
from? How did Angoras get so hairy? What was the importance of fish in the development of fuzzy rabbits? Were angora rabbits really worshipped as gods in Babylonia? Do German angoras really have 3 types of fibers in their coats where other types can be distinquished by only 2 fiber types?
Leslie Samson will present a time line that will put all of these questions in a useful perspective as we come to understand the evolution, natural behavior and domestication of Oryctolagus cuniculus.
She will include a report on her recent trip to France to visit with angora producers in that country.
