Three days. Hundreds of fleeces. Countless conversations about what makes alpaca fiber exceptional.

The 2025 Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) Total Immersion Fleece Clinic in Florence, Kentucky, delivered exactly what it promised—an opportunity for judges and apprentices to deepen their skills, exchange insights, and strengthen consistency across the judging program.

Participants from across the globe evaluated more than 300 Huacaya and Suri fleeces, creating a unique environment for shared learning and calibration. The range of samples encouraged focused study of fiber traits such as micron, uniformity, density, brightness, and luster—all within AOA’s collaborative, data-driven framework.

Hands-On Experience and Shared Expertise

Guided by instructors Amanda VandenBosch, Wade Gease, and Diana Timmerman, attendees combined data analysis with practical evaluation. Judges compared scores, discussed fleece structure, and honed oral reasoning—all in a supportive setting that pushed everyone toward higher precision.

"The 2025 Total Immersion Fleece Clinic was an excellent opportunity for judges to not only expand and hone their skills, but to also collaborate with one another. Instructors continued to advance the curriculum by including measured data from fleeces to assist judges in calibrating for fleece, walking fleece, and halter shows."

— Jacob Hart

"As one of the newest fleece judge apprentices, attending my first fleece conference was everything I hoped for and more. The weekend was full of education and comaraderie ad we reset as a team and reached for next-level knowledge in all things fleece. It was a true pleasure to learn from and teach alongside colleagues who are obsessed with alpacas and their fiber as I am."

— Susan Williamson

"The clinic was full of practival learning—real examples, hands-on discussion, and a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone was open, supportive, and deeply passionate about alpacas and the work we do. I came back with new skills, fresh energy, and a sense of belonging to a community that cares about raising standards."

— Joanna Najbar

From the instructors’ side, the event confirmed the strength of the program.

"The Total Immersion Fleece Clinic was a huge success and a great example of camaraderie among judges, apprentices, volunteers, and our Show System Administrator, Margie Ault. The days were filled with exercises on fleece traits, density relationships, sample evaluations, and oral reasons. The AOA judge team left thoroughly engaged, sharpened, and inspired."

— Amanda VandenBosch

Continued Training and Certification

Events like the Total Immersion Fleece Summit are an essential part of AOA’s Judge Training and Certification Program, administered by the Judge Training and Certification Committee (JTCC).

Certified fleece judges complete the Total Immersion Fleece Clinic at least once every four years as part of their recertification cycle. These ongoing clinics—along with calibration opportunities and continuing education—ensure that every certified judge maintains alignment with AOA’s standards for fairness, accuracy, and professional integrity.

For apprentices, the path to certification includes multiple fleece shows, measured performance milestones, and mentorship from experienced Judge Trainers—creating a steady progression toward full accreditation.

Commitment to Excellence

Through events like the Fleece Clinic, AOA reinforces its mission to uphold the highest standards of education, consistency, and professionalism within the alpaca industry. Each fleece evaluated, discussion held, and connection made advances both personal mastery and the collective growth of the alpaca community.