Heartland Classic Halter Judges

Wade Gease - All Female Huacaya and Suri Shorn, full fleece and Female bred and owned classes. Wade will also be judging the Performance/Obstacle classes.

Wade Gease has been an AOBA Certified Alpaca Judge for the past six years and has judged shows throughout the United States and Canada. He is one of the few alpaca judge trainers in both halter & fleece. Wade received his Camelid Fibre Sorter Certification from Olds College Natural Fibre Centre. Presently he serves as President for the Great Lakes Alpaca Association. He is co-owner of LondonDairy Alpacas which is home to over 80 Huacaya & Suri alpacas. Wade has been very active in the alpaca world which includes speaking for educational events, consulting for auctions, evaluating for private alpacas breeders and organizing private trips to Peru.

Wade has worked to produce one of the nations’ first blends of Alpaca & Bamboo fabrics. This has led to developments into the fashion industry with producing finished garments.

In his past he has been a certified flight instructor, chemistry instructor, co-owner of a retail gift store and has worked for pharmaceutical companies. Wade has earned an Associate’s Degree in Aeronautical Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry & a Masters Degree in Biochemistry.

Wade likes to bring a personal teaching perspective to his judging because of his past passion of showing and professional educating. As a judge, Wade enjoys giving breeders informative feedback through his halter class oral reasons.

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Sharon Loner – All Male Huacaya and Suri Shorn, full fleece and Male bred and owned classes. Both judges will co-judge the remaining optional halter classes.

Sharon Loner and her husband, Frank, purchased their first alpacas in 1993 and are the owners of Mile High Alpacas located in Parker, CO. Sharon soon learned that raising these beautiful animals was her calling and within three years she left her professional career to become an alpaca rancher full time.

Sharon is both AOBA and Internationally Certified to judge fleece and halter alpaca shows. In 2004 she completed her international training through the International Alpaca Judging School (IAJS) located in Peru by Maggie Krieger and Dr. Julio Sumar and that same year became AOBA certified. She remains an active farm member in the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies (ABR) and has served as a director for the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America (AFCNA).

Sharon graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and Textiles. Sharon and Frank have two daughters currently attending the University of Colorado located in Boulder, CO. She and Frank are enjoying the second phase in their lives as empty nesters.

Sharon’s goal while in the show ring is to see that every exhibitor and their alpaca are comfortable, relaxed, and at the same time having an enjoyable experience. She makes sure each and every alpaca is evaluated fairly and honestly on a comparative basis.