The secretary was late when she arrived:

Peter Buckingham was discussing the state rules and regulations for testing alpacas coming in to NH; alerting members to a public hearing for a formal waiving of the currents rules. The importance of veterinary support of the waiver was stressed.

NEAOBA president will write a letter in the state vet supporting a formal waiver.

Elections were held.
The new Treasurer is Laura Busky.
The new Secretary is Sephanie Pfieffer.
President: Jan Hensle
Vice-president: Jim Mullen

National Fiber Co-op:

Presentation/update by John Callen. Clip-care manual should be out by the time you get these notes. Small farms are invited to bring fiber to the national conference. Fiber will be packed and shipped from the conference, in an effort to reduce the expense of shipping fiber to Texas.

Collection dates are July 1 to mid August.


There has been a discussion of regionalization of the national conference as it is getting too big. MAPACA and NEAOBA are considering the possibility of the regional education conference.

Ana Romanik presented a brief update of the AOBA national conference (which is over).

Mark Russell of Balfour Farm discussed a national competition &Make it with wool" that is used to promote awareness of fiber. Up to 30% alpaca is allowed in a wool garment. All entries must be handmade. Participation in this competition has aided the mohair industry. For additional information contact Mark Russell.

There was a general annoucement encouraging people to take alpacas and alpaca fiber/fiber products to local events.

Jim King was elected the of board of directors of AOBA. Katherine Thompson is also on the board so there are two people from the east coast!!!!

Dawn Brooker retired as newsletter editor.

Treasurer report---NEAOBA is doing good.

Big thanks to Greg Girard for making NEAF happen again in 2000.

Update on website from Al:
There is now a members only area. The two key words are alpaca and neaoba. Access to the data base is possible via the members only area.

Oct 10-13 there will be a Tufts animal expo. Both vendors and reasearch will be present. For more information contact Stephanie Pfieffer of Hawke Hill Farm.

Unless another site is located and reserved soon (suggestion from Jim Mullen) NEAF will be at Topsfield in the year 2001. A committee of Jim Mullen and Jim King are investigating possible other sites.