Building Better Pack Llamas
June 19-21, 2026
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, building a comprehensive nutrition plan for your herd, 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.
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Schedule of Events
Thursday, June 18
Early check-in & llama registration
Early check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Any llama entered in the auction must be stationed in a 12x12 stall.
Adult males will be housed separately from females and juveniles.
Llamas not included in the auction may be housed in a stall or staked out at your campsite.
Friday, June 19
Educational Seminars.
Friday will be broken up into two learning tracks, one for those considering their first llamas and new llama owners, and one for experienced llama owners looking to improve their operations and/or breeding programs.
Following the educational seminars, the llamas available for auction will be presented in a showcase to ensure buyers can make informed decisions. Llamas available in the auction will be available for viewing throughout the day.
Friday evening will be filled with pack llama storytelling from llama owners around the country. 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.
Saturday will be filled with opportunities to get hands-on with the llamas. The beginner track will head off-site for a llama trek and a picnic in the mountains. Participants are encouraged to bring their own llamas, and there will be packers available for those who don't have or are unable to bring their own llamas. 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, and if you currently own llamas, there will be opportunities to learn from experienced llama handlers on improving your string's performance on the trail.
Those not attending the llama hike will be treated to a hands-on demonstration from the Pack Llama Trail Association. PLTA conducts field trials for pack llamas across the country, and will give insight to what those trials entail, as well as provide training for how to improve your llama's performance for both trials and backcountry settings.
Saturday afternoon, auction results will be announced from the silent auction.
Three meals will be provided. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you sign up.
Sunday, June 21
Clean-Up and NACA Screening.
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.
Early check-in & llama registration
Early check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Any llama entered in the auction must be stationed in a 12x12 stall.
Adult males will be housed separately from females and juveniles.
Llamas not included in the auction may be housed in a stall or staked out at your campsite.
Friday, June 19
Educational Seminars.
Friday will be broken up into two learning tracks, one for those considering their first llamas and new llama owners, and one for experienced llama owners looking to improve their operations and/or breeding programs.
Following the educational seminars, the llamas available for auction will be presented in a showcase to ensure buyers can make informed decisions. Llamas available in the auction will be available for viewing throughout the day.
Friday evening will be filled with pack llama storytelling from llama owners around the country. 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.
Saturday will be filled with opportunities to get hands-on with the llamas. The beginner track will head off-site for a llama trek and a picnic in the mountains. Participants are encouraged to bring their own llamas, and there will be packers available for those who don't have or are unable to bring their own llamas. 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, and if you currently own llamas, there will be opportunities to learn from experienced llama handlers on improving your string's performance on the trail.
Those not attending the llama hike will be treated to a hands-on demonstration from the Pack Llama Trail Association. PLTA conducts field trials for pack llamas across the country, and will give insight to what those trials entail, as well as provide training for how to improve your llama's performance for both trials and backcountry settings.
Saturday afternoon, auction results will be announced from the silent auction.
Three meals will be provided. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you sign up.
Sunday, June 21
Clean-Up and NACA Screening.
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
- Old Montana Inn
- Vonnie Louise Inn
- The Forge Hotel - Anaconda
- Copperhead Lodge - Anaconda
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.
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historical Site
- Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum
- Georgetown Lake
- Clark Fork River
- Philipsburg, MT - Tourist town with shops, sapphire mining and more.
Policies
- All OUT OF STATE LLAMAS and ALL SALES LLAMAS coming to this event MUST comply with the Montana board of animal health regulations.
- 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.
- All llamas at auction must be kept in provided stalls. Llamas not included in the auction may be staked out or placed in stalls.
- Llamas must be kept under control at all times. Do not allow your llama to approach someone else's llama without permission.
- Do not touch or approach any other person's llama without permission
- Only certified weed-free hay is permitted. There will be local hay available upon request.
- Please clean up after yourself and your llamas. Droppings, leftover hay and other waste should be removed from the camping grounds.
- Please use only provided restrooms. Restrooms are located in the Blue Ribbon Pavillion and outdoors east of the horse barn
- Water is available at multiple locations around the facility.
- 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.
- No dogs will be allowed at the event.