About
CAL-ILA –History
Llamas have been finding their way to North America for many years. William Randolph Hearst imported llamas for his private collection in the 1920’s. There are the famous postcards with llamas riding in New York City Yellow Cabs taking in the sights of the big apple. Zoo’s, animal parks, exotic trainers and private owners all imported llamas.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s a rancher in New England began importing large numbers of llamas. Together with several other large ranchers across the country, these importers began selling llamas to small ranchers. Organizations such as the International Llama Association (ILA) soon were formed to address issues facing this new “industry.” One important accomplishment made early on was ensuring llamas and alpacas were categorized as livestock instead of exotics.
The ILA funded research into reproduction, herd health and veterinary medicine for the rapidly expanding North American camelid population. Local chapters were formed across the country.
CAL-ILA formed in 1984 when a group of Northern California llama ranches/breeders saw the desperate need for education and research, as raising llamas was a new enterprise. The University of California, Davis was contacted for help. The ILA had been formed in 1981 and it was decided that this group of ranchers and breeders would become an affiliate chapter. As a California affiliate of the ILA, the name CAL-ILA (California - International Llama Association) was chosen. The original intent of this membership association was to hold annual meetings at UC Davis where the veterinarians could educate the growing numbers of llama owners, and in return CAL-ILA would hold a raffle at the meeting and then donate the proceeds back to UC Davis for llama research.
In 1993 the CAL-ILA Board of Directors realized that the association had outgrown its original organizational structure. At the 1994 UC Davis Membership meeting a new set of By-Laws was approved by the membership and later that year the IRS approved CAL-ILA as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. In 2009 the membership again approved updates to the By-Laws.
CAL-ILA is a Community
The llama community is unique. The people are friendly, helpful and more than willing to drop whatever they are doing to share some insights, lend a helping hand and have a good time. While the competition may be serious, Llama shows don’t have that cutthroat feeling. We believe that the friendships made are more important and longer lasting than a couple of show ribbons.
Not Just California
While most of CAL-ILA’s activities are concentrated in Northern California, we have members from throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
CAL-ILA’s Youth Program
We support the youth programs of the local community (4-H, FFA, Scouting and others) by providing llama related program encouragement and assistance. Through scholarships, such as the Pat Keller Memorial Youth Award, youth oriented activities, Youth Judging competitions, sponsorship of Youth programs and events, Youth Project Guides, and the Youth Fund Raffle at the Grass Valley Show CAL-ILA helps insure that our youth have the opportunity for a rich and rewarding llama experience. CAL-ILA encourages participation in LANA’s (Llama Association of North America) Youth Across America Program that supports competition for awards in Art, Essays, Record Books and Community Service. We are committed to recognizing and honoring the achievements of our youth and their importance to the llama community.
Annual Meeting
Each winter we sponsor an annual meeting. This had been held at the UC Davis campus. With the success of the Camelid Symposium, the Annual Membership Meeting takes place at another Northern California venue. This is an all day meeting with a focus on education about llamas and alpacas. Featured speakers include veterinarians, researchers and llama “experts” sharing the latest information. A short business meeting is conducted including the election of Board Members.
Llama Research
Through the fund raising activities at the annual meeting, CAL-ILA directly funds llama research programs at UC Davis and other institutions. The research committee, comprised of veterinarians, reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Research results are made available to CAL-ILA members and the veterinarian community.
Educational Opportunities
Ranch tours, clinics and seminars are all part of the overall educational opportunities provide through membership in CAL-ILA. Offered throughout the year the clinics have covered diverse subjects such as showing, grooming and general llama maintenance.
CAL-ILA Membership Directory
Provides a listing of local llama veterinarians and llama advertising in addition to member information.
CAL-ILA Breeders Directory
This breeder and service guide is sent to every CAL-ILA member, all outside inquires and is available at all CAL-ILA sponsored events.
CAL-ILA’s Board of Directors and Our Dedicated Volunteers
Members have their voices heard to continuously improve and update the organization. By getting involved and chairing or joining committees, members can help maintain the low cost of membership and our focus on the important issues facing the llama community.
Voting
A privilege of membership is exercising your right to one vote. Members can take an active role in the organization by being nominated and elected to the Board of Directors and can get involved by attending any Board of Director’s Meeting and by serving as the Chair or member of any committee.