What is TLC?

The Tennessee Llama Community is a fun and active group of people in and around Tennessee who love llamas and alpacas. Over the years, TLC has grown to become an organization comprised of almost 100 members, representing over 50 farms in Tennessee, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and other states.

If you own llamas and/or alpacas in the Tennessee area, you NEED to be a member of TLC! Here are a few reasons why:

Shows

TLC is an active organization, hosting several major events each year. The largest event is the annual Spring Show, held each year in Middle Tennessee. This show is one of the largest in the eastern United States, with over 300 llamas and alpacas registered each year. The Fall Show, held typically in East in September, is typically limited to 100 animals. Both shows are low-pressure events, and the competition is friendly, with the goal being to enjoy the animals and have a good time. A third annual show, to be held in West Tennessee, is also being considered.

Events

TLC sponsors other events. In past years, TLC has sponsored weekend seminars at the University of Tennessee Vet School in Knoxville, with talks, demonstrations, and discussions on all aspects of llama care. This weekend usually includes supper and an auction at one of the local farms. In the past year, TLC has also held weekend clinics on cart driving, spinning and weaving, preparing and showing llamas, and farm management and pasture maintenance. Each Fall, there's a weekend trek to the Charit Creek Lodge in East Tennessee, which everyone always looks forward to attending.

Meetings

TLC holds four quarterly meetings each year. Meetings are held at member farms in West Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and East Tennessee. The fourth meeting is held during the TLC Spring Show at MTSU in Murfreesboro. Meetings are informal and usually include lunch provided by the host farm. All TLC members are welcome at all meetings.

Networking

TLC is a strong, well-informed, and helpful organization. Members are genuinely interested in other members and help is always available for any question or problem that arises. Help is not limited only to other TLC members, and in fact, some members spend considerable time working with non-members who encounter problems or difficulties.

By Laws

Voted in by the Board on Nov 18th, 2007, these are the governing version of bylaws.

What are some TLC Member Benefits?

TLC members enjoy the many benefits of networking with each other. TLC has a support network where people with llama crises can find help. Information on almost any aspect of llama care or training is also available from many of our members.

TLC has a large lending library (books, videos, magazines) that is available for the use of all members. The only charge is for postage. TLC members also receive a quarterly newsletter that contains articles on shows, events, medical care and treatment, members' experiences, etc.

Here are some of the many benefits TLC members enjoy:

• Opportunities to network and learn from other llama owners around Tennessee
• Regular TLC Newsletters with articles of interest
• Fun and educational TLC Events
  • Regional Meetings
  • Regional Educational and Marketing Events
  • Llama Medical/Health Seminars
  • Llama Fiber Seminars
  • Llama Shows
  • Llama Treks
• Use of the TLC Book and Video Resource Library
• The right to display the TLC logo on your website
  to show that you are a valid TLC member

TLC members represent all llama-related interests. Trekking, hiking and packing are popular in the mountains of East Tennessee and North Carolina. Obstacle courses are popular everywhere and obstacle course events are included in each show. Spinning and weaving are growing in popularity and spinners and weavers are numerous in East Tennessee. Some members are professional llama and alpaca breeders, while others simply enjoy llamas as pets.

Some members have large farms with many llamas; other members have no llamas, but are able to participate in activities by "borrowing" llamas from other members. Many members participate in the shows, entering llamas in either the halter or performance classes, or both. Some members are interested in llama rescue work, and rescue organizations are being formed. TLC llamas can also be used for educational purposes, and can often be found in local parades, public and private schools and senior citizens' homes.

All sizes of farms are represented by TLC members. Some members have one or two animals in their backyard, while some farms are larger than 400 acres. Some members have no animals at all, but belong to TLC because they have a keen interest in llamas.

TLC Member Farms (by Region)

Members of the Tennessee Llama Community (by Name)

Tennessee Llama Vets (by Region)

 

Membership

If you own llamas and/or alpacas in the Tennessee area, you NEED to be a member of TLC!

The TLC membership year is from June 1 through the following May 30.

There are three levels of membership: the Associate membership ($10), which is limited to first-time members and commercial vendors (no voting privileges), the Individual membership ($25, 1 vote), and the Joint or Farm membership ($30, 2 votes). All membership dues are prorated, and members joining in the middle of the membership year will have the following year's dues prorated accordingly.

TLC eagerly welcomes new members, and has a place for all interests. To join, simply complete and print the online membership application, and send it along with your check for the appropriate amount to:

Tennessee Llama Community
Rebecca Wood, Secretary/Treasurer
Roxywood Farms
1690 Canadaville Loop Road
Eads, TN 38028
901-233-7331

Please include your name, address, farm name, e-mail address, website URL address, phone number, and fax number. Your name will be added to the TLC mailing list for the newsletter and links to your e-mail and/or website address will be added to the TLC website. In the near future, you will receive a membership packet with all the information you'll need to become an active member of TLC.

We look forward to networking with you!