The Suri Herd Improvement Program (SHIP) and Why it Matters- Learn from Breeders Who Use It
Thursday, February 19^th at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific

Have you wondered if a SHIP herd evaluation is worth your time and investment? Maybe you’ve considered enrolling but haven’t taken the next step. Or perhaps you tried SHIP once and did not fully see how to use the results.

This second session of the Suri Network Education Committee’s Masterclass series features a virtual panel discussion with Suri Network members who actively use SHIP and believe in its value.

You’ll hear from experienced breeders who will share:

• What is SHIP, why it matters, and how to get started.
  
• What are the results and how to interpret them.
  
• How to apply SHIP results in a breeding program.
  
• How to use SHIP herd evaluations when communicating with buyers.
  
• What they would tell their past selves if they were just starting out.

If you are new to SHIP, this will help you understand the big picture. If you are already in SHIP, this will help you get more value from the information you receive.
Attendees will be able to submit questions and hear candid, real-world answers from breeders who have been there and learned along the way.

FREE for Suri Network Members!
Non-Suri Network members: $25.
$25 for each Masterclass or $100 for Masterclass series which provides a 1 year Suri Network Membership.

Our Speakers:

Lisa Collura and Bob Figular:
Based in central New Jersey, Memory Macres is a Suri alpaca breeding program focused on sound conformation, high-quality fleece, and sustainable farm management. Lisa Collura and Bob Figular began their alpaca journey in 2012, with Suri llamas and later Huacaya alpacas as they developed a practical foundation in husbandry, fiber evaluation, and showing.

Their program evolved toward Suri alpacas following mentorship experiences at the AOA National Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which helped shape their breeding philosophy and long-term goals. Today, they maintain a carefully managed herd representing a broad range of natural Suri colors, including black, gray, white, fawn, and brown. They are committed to sharing experience-based knowledge that supports both new and established alpaca breeders.

Tim Sheets: 
Tim Sheets, along with his wife Beth, owns and operates Heritage Farm Alpacas & Events in north central Indiana. They began raising Suri alpacas in 2003 and today manage a herd focused on both seed stock and fiber production. Their farm has grown into a working alpaca operation and agritourism destination that hosts farm stays, weddings, events, and educational programs.

Tim has been active in the alpaca industry for over two decades, including serving in leadership roles with the Suri Network and other alpaca organizations. He is passionate about good herd management, meaningful record keeping, and helping new and experienced breeders succeed. He and Beth enjoy sharing their farm, their animals, and their love for the Suri breed with others.

Bill Vonderhaar:  
Bill and his wife Heather operate Alpaca Bella Suri Farm in Morrow Ohio (north of Cincinnati) and have been Suri breeders since 2003. They currently have a herd of 30 Suri alpacas. Bill earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has 39 years of experience in in Facility Management & Real Estate. Bill served on various Suri Network committees back in the early days when the Suri Network was in its infancy. 

Moderated by Julie Roy:
Julie Roy (Alpaca Julie) has been helping alpaca owners grow revenue since 2004. She specializes in marketing, farm tourism, retail merchandising, and sponsorship programs that turn visitors’ smiles into sustainable income. She is the co-founder of a monthly membership program called alpacaEDU. And creates weekly lessons on topics to help the alpaca owner grow their farm business.

Future Masterclass Sessions:

  May 6, 2026
  August 5, 2026

Future Masterclass Sessions:

  May 6, 2026
  August 5, 2026