June 19-21, 2026
DEER LODGE, MT
Building Better Pack Llamas
​      The North American Ccara Association is proud to present the Working Llama Summit, June 19-21, 2026, in Deer Lodge, Montana. This event will focus on education, demonstration and hands-on training for both llama rookies and experienced llama owners alike. Whether you're considering getting your first llamas or have owned llamas for decades, there will be something for everyone. Seminars will feature experts from around the country, covering topics including proper llama conformation and selecting your first llamas, training llamas, first aid, breeding approaches, tips and techniques, and more.
​      In addition to educational seminars, there will be a llama hike for new llama owners or the llama-curious. The Pack Llama Trail Association will be on site to give hands-on instruction for developing your llamas into elite packers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their llamas for hands-on training. Whether your llama has bad habits you're trying to break, or you just want them to be more capable on and off the trail, you'll have the opportunity to learn from some of the best llama handlers in the world.
​      There will be a silent llama auction.   Attendees will have the opportunity to both sell and purchase llamas.  If you're looking to start your string, grow your herd, or add in the missing component to a breeding program, there will be great llamas available.
      Participants are encouraged to camp on site at the Powell County Fairgrounds. There will be electrical hookups available for RV campers, as well as tent sites.  Meals will be provided Friday through Sunday.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 11.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, June 18
Check-in & llama registration
      Check-in is between 4:00-8:00 PM
 

Friday, June 19
Check-in & Educational seminars 
  • Registration and Check-in are between 7:00-8:00 AM at the Blue Ribbon Pavillion.
  • Breakfast 7:30-8:00
  • Choosing your first pack Llama(s), and conformation of the Ccara Llama.  Class taught by Wes Holmquist
   
Beginner learning track.
  • Introduction to packing: saddling, trail gear, backcountry gear, etc.  Class and demonstration by Dennis Duenas
  • Herd maintenance 101.  Class taught by Lee & Lauretta Hauck
  • Llama First Aid. What you need on the ranch and on the trail.  Class taught by Kristy Brown, DMV

Advanced learning track
  • Managing herd dynamics.  Class taught by Wes Holmquist
  • Responsible breeding and breeding techniques.  Class taught by Patrick Sievert 
  • Running a Successful Pack Llama Business. Class taught by Stan Ebel
  • Developing a holistic feed and nutrition program for your herd.
 
  • Llama Showcase for Silent Auction.
  • Storytime.  After dinner, plan to listen in when Pack Llama Legends from around the country visit. You'll want to be there to hear stories from those who have experienced it all in the backcountry.
      
      Three meals will be provided. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you sign up.

Saturday, June 20
Hands-On Demonstrations.
  • Breakfast 7:30-8:00
  •  Get hands-on with the llamas. The beginner track will head off-site for a llama trek and a picnic in the mountains. Saddling, leading, navigating basic obstacles, water crossings, and lunch on the trail.  Participants are encouraged to bring their own llamas. There will be llamas available for those who don't own or can't bring theirs.  It's a great opportunity to see how these animals perform in the field. If you're considering your first llamas, you'll be able to see and experience what it's like to have a trusted llama companion by your side.    The hike will be led by Patrick Sievert
  • Those not attending the llama hike will be treated to a hands-on demonstration from the Pack Llama Trail Association.  Class will be taught by Lisa Wolf.
  • Llama Obstacle course. (Kids Only). 
  • Training Seminar taught by Marty Mcgee Bennett 
  • Stud Showcase. 
  • Silent Auction Results announced
  • The Importance of Public Lands & A Call to Action
  • After dinner there will be social hour.
      
​     Three meals will be provided. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you sign up.

​Sunday, June 21
Clean-Up and NACA Screening.
  • Breakfast 7:30-8:00 
  • NACA screeners will be on hand to talk about the screening process and screen your llamas into the NACA registry for a fee.  Observing is an educational hands-on experience any llama enthusiast will benefit from.
  • Those who purchased llamas at auction will be able to take their llamas home with them this day. 

       Breakfast will be provided. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you sign up.
Off-site Lodging
Area Attractions
There are several local attractions you may be interested in, if you arrive before the event begins or if you choose to extend your stay.
Policies
  1. All OUT OF STATE LLAMAS and ALL SALES LLAMAS coming to this event MUST comply with the Montana board of animal health regulations. 
  2. Llamas must be on a lead, tied up, staked out, or placed in stalls at all times. You are free to walk your llamas around the property.
  3. All llamas at auction must be kept in provided stalls. Llamas not included in the auction may be staked out or placed in stalls.
  4. Llamas must be kept under control at all times. Do not allow your llama to approach someone else's llama without permission.
  5. Do not touch or approach any other person's llama without permission
  6. Only certified weed-free hay is permitted.  There will be local hay available upon request.
  7. Please clean up after yourself and your llamas. Droppings, leftover hay and other waste should be removed from the camping grounds.
  8. Please use only provided restrooms. Restrooms are located in the Blue Ribbon Pavillion and outdoors east of the horse barn
  9. Water is available at multiple locations around the facility.
  10. Please maintain a 5-mph speed limit on roadways inside the fairgrounds. This will be a crowded event with children present, and we want to ensure everyone goes home safe and happy.
  11. No dogs will be allowed at the event. ​