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Become an ABFS Graduate!
ABFS Breeder Graduates Program ™
Knowledge is the key to success in any business. ABFS has developed an intensive and professional course of study that encompasses herd management, alpaca genetics, health and nutrition, fiber technology, reproduction, business and marketing. Students who commit to this program will enroll in a three year program.
ABFS Graduates bring our industry to a higher level of professionalism. Earning the ABFS Graduate status will be an enormous asset to your alpaca business as well. ABFS Graduates will use this distinction in their own business marketing, designating the level of industry knowledge and expertise they have to offer clients.
ABFS will publicize the criteria which designates the educational achievement so that such distinction is recognized by the breeder community as denoting high standards and a knowledgeable, professional alpaca livestock breeder.
Who has developed the ABFS Graduates Program™ criteria and process?
The Faculty and Leadership of the Alpaca Breeders Fiber School™ have worked to develop the ABFS curriculum and credits. Each ABFS faculty member has input into the curriculum, course objectives and develops the examination questions. The primary objective is developing knowledgeable alpaca livestock breeders who operate professional businesses and contribute to the ongoing development of the industry.
Enrollment
1. To become a candidate for the ABFS Graduates Program™, students may enroll prior to any course online at the ABFS website or register at any course they may take.
2. A Graduates Program registration fee of $50 US will be charged to cover the cost of administration of the programming at the time of enrollment.
Program requirements:
1. ABFS Graduates will agree to abide by the following ethical industry standards:
A. ABFS Graduates shall follow and utilize any International Breed Standard, including those developed in the USA for both Huacayas and Suris, or any approved breeding program when selecting and breeding alpacas.
B. BFS Graduates shall not deliberately falsify any herd records or registration certificates for the purpose of hiding any genealogy or genetic background of any alpacas within their herds.
C. ABFS Graduates breeders shall keep detailed records on herd management including; breeding records, health records, nutrition records, birthing records, medical records with details of regular health checks and any treatments that alpacas have received for illnesses or traumas. Also, accurate shearing records with all fleece statistics and shearing dates.
D. Breeders in the ABFS Graduates Program™ shall make every effort to keep current with changes and developments in the alpaca industry and to keep their knowledge and education up to date. For this purpose, ongoing continuing education will be required and may include, but is not limited to any of the following:
1. Assisting with research projects that are beneficial to the breeding and production of alpacas.
2. Writing resource information that is beneficial to the educating of alpaca breeders.
3. Attending ABFS courses for further continuing education credits.
4. ABFS Graduates Breeders shall abide by the show rules and ethics required by any alpaca show organization under which they show their alpacas or alpaca fleeces.
5. Successful graduates agree to continue their professional education and earn at least 16 credits each year.
2. Candidates in the program are fully expected to maintain the highest of professional standards in all aspects of their alpaca livestock business, understanding that their practices and inter-relationships in the industry reflect not only on their own business, but on the industry as a whole.
3. Credits will be earned by individuals who, having enrolled in the Graduates Program™, successfully complete practical courses, then pass a written or practical examination on the course content following the course. The pass mark for all written course tests shall be 80%. The number of credits required to obtain graduate status with ABFS shall be 60 over a period of three years.
4. Once the required credit level is met, the candidate will apply to the ABFS Administrator for their Graduate status. The accumulated credits will be verified and certification awarded.
Benefits for ABFS Graduates
Earning the ABFS Graduates status will be an enormous asset to your alpaca business. Breeders who earn this accreditation bring our industry to a higher level of professionalism. Graduates will use this distinction in their own business marketing, designating the level of industry knowledge and expertise they have to offer clients.
- Advertising. Successful candidates will be given use of a specially designed logo that may be used in their promotional materials and on their website.
- High Standards. ABFS will promote the Graduates Program™ logo as being a sign of an ethical educated breeder that subscribes to the high ethical standards of ABFS.
Credits are accumulated:
1. Credits are assigned according to course content and the categories covered. Students will earn those credits by successfully completing the course and the exam.
2. Credits can also be earned for approved educational experiences or experiential learning. Students may contact the ABFS Administrator for further information.
3. Credits can also be earned for publications or research that are written or performed for the benefit of the future alpaca industry. Please contact ABFS administrator for further information on this issue.
In order to promote balanced education and development of expertise in all areas of knowledge there shall be a minimum number of credits required to be earned in the seven main categories of credits:
A. Health and Nutrition 10 credit minimum
B. Fiber technology, 10 credit minimum
C. Conformation, 6 credit minimum
D. Reproduction, 10 credit minimum
E. Genetics, 10 credit minimum
F. Marketing and business, 4 credit minimum
G. Herd management, 10 credit minimum
60 total credits needed to obtain graduate status
Course credit allotments can be found on the ABFS website for each course.
Click Here to register!
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