Speaker Bios

C. Norm Evans, DVM, Llama Wellness Service, Inc

Norm Evans, DVM has worked with camelids for twenty years. With an existing background in large animals, he brought to the industry an interest in health, nutrition, and reproductive issues. Observations of the available forages, feeds, and vitamin-mineral products used by owners have been a primary focus. These observations have affected his opinions regarding health and fiber production. Stresses encountered and the resulting affect on blood values as they relate to herd health and management has been a major interest. His present focus is genetic fiber improvement.

Cheryl Gehly

Cheryl Gehly came to the alpaca world with a background of 25 years in education. Her subsequent immersion and fascination with alpaca fleece arose from an innocent decision to volunteer with shearing back in 1998. Once hooked, she pursued a desire to learn more and ultimately became an AOBA Certified Fleece Judge in 2002. She has volunteered as a fleece show superintendent on several occasions and became a familiar face to many as she helped at numerous annual AOBA National Conference Fleece Shows. Cheryl has also volunteered her time with AOBA by being a member and chairperson of the Judge Training and Certification Committee. In addition, she has shared her knowledge with judges and apprentices as an Instructor at JTCC sponsored Judge Training Clinics. Most recently, Cheryl was appointed as a member of the AOBA Judge Advisory Committee.

Jerry Forstner, Magical Farms, Inc.

Jerry holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Case Western Reserve University and a degree in finance and accounting from Bowling Green State University.

Jerry has employed his education in the private business sector where he has become known as the ?Entrepreneur?s Entrepreneur?. He has successfully started businesses in 11 different segments of the economy. While his various companies may appear diverse and unrelated (mini storages, automatic screw machine company, mortgage banking company, car washes, quick oil change facilities, real estate, insurance, plastic bag manufacturing, ultraviolet coating company, horse stables, and alpaca farm), all require excellent marketing and financial skills, honesty, and a strong belief in the industry and its people.

He and his wife Libby purchased their first alpaca in 1993 and now have one of the largest herds in the country at their farm in Litchfield, OH (Magical Farms, Inc.). Jerry has been a very active volunteer in the alpaca community. He was the President of AOBA in 1995/1996, past Chair of the Marketing Committee, and currently serves as the Treasurer of AOBA.

Marketing your alpacas, as well as your farm, should always be at the forefront of every breeders mind. Come and take advantage of the information and advice Jerry has to offer after nearly 15 years of marketing success in the alpaca business!