alpaca advocate 2015 autumn

~ AUTUMN Edition 2015~ Alpaca Advocate ~ AUTUMN Edition 2015~

Newsletter of the AAA South Queensland and Northern NSW Region—Region of Many Colours

2015 AUTUMN Edition

2015 the Australian Year of the Alpaca.

~ AUTUMN Edition 2015~ Alpaca Advocate ~ AUTUMN Edition 2015~ 2

The Editor and South Queensland & Northern NSW Region

Committee of the AAA accept no responsibility for the

opinions expressed, information supplied or advertisements

published.

All submissions are subject to editing.

Copyright : The material published in this magazine is

subject to copyright and may not be published in part or

whole without written permission of the author.

2015 CALENDAR

South Queensland & Northern NSW AAA Ltd Region Regional Calendar of Events 2015

15th February REGIONAL MEETING—NATTAMERI ALPACAS - Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

21st February The Nutrition Workshop - Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre Contact Leanne Tunny Ph 07 5543 8988

8th March The Wonderful World of Alpacas Workshop Nattameri Alpacas Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

19th –21st March Toowoomba Royal Show Contact: Convenor Marg Hassall Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454

26th March – 8th April Royal Sydney Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Paul Haslin 02 48789429

22nd

April Maclean Agricultural Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

1st & 2nd May Grafton Colourbration Show (Judging Animal/Fleece Show & Display) Contact: Colin Glasser (02) 66476454

2nd May – 10th

May AUSTRALIAN ALPACA WEEK Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

15th – 17

th May Ipswich Show (Regional Display) Contact: Lynn Kincade Ph 0421093574

16th - 17th May Coffs Harbour Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

31st May REGIONAL MEETING – TBA QLD AREA

18th - 20th June Primex Agricultural Industries Expo Casino Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

27th June Murwillumbah Alpaca Show Contact: Rosemary Eva 02 6677 7500

27th - 28th June Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show (Display) Contact: TBA

12th July The Wonderful World of Alpacas (MCLAREN VALE ALPACAS QLD) Leanne Tunny Ph 07 5543 8988

19th July ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING - LONGUEVILLE PARK Contact: Liz 02 6677 7500

2nd August The Wonderful World of Alpacas (NATTAMERI ALPACAS) Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

7th - 16th August Royal Queensland Show ~ Ekka Judging Animal Contact: TBA Fleece: Pauline Glasser (02) 66476454

28th - 30th August Gold Coast Show (Regional Display) Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988

10th—13th September NATIONAL SHOW - SYDNEY SHOWGROUNDS

26th—27th September Nimbin Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

22nd —24th October North Coast National Lismore Show - (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 026645 9092

21st November Bangalow Show (Regional Display) Contact: Bob Coxon 02 6645 9092

22nd November XMAS REGIONAL MEETING - McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud - Contact: Leanne Tunny Ph 0755438988


Advertisers:

Grandeverge Alpaca Supplies

Julie Hockings

Melleah Jane Hewitt Photography

McLaren Vale Alpaca Stud

Longueville Park Alpaca Stud

Wahgungurry Alpaca Stud

Contents

Dear Members,

Well, it has been a busy couple of months, I'm sure the cooler weather has been

appreciated by all! The season certainly allows for those farm jobs to get

underway without the heat.

Promotion of our industry has been well supported by our region in the past month

through show displays, shows and the Australian Alpaca Week. This edition is a

pictorial of what our members have achieved. We continue to have new members

each month which is attributed to the “get out their and talk alpaca to the

community”. There certainly is a lot of interest from small farm owners. Often the

question is asked what does the industry do for me? The Nutrition workshop is an

example of our committee supporting members with information from the best in

our industry. The new panels which were purchased recently saved many hours

and cost to the region, as panels from neighbouring region were not needed to be

transported and returned. The promotion of Australian alpaca merchandise is

another example of extra funds being obtained to allow for all new members to

receive a copy of the Primary Industry book farming alpacas. The promotion of

alpacas at the Primex Agricultural display is now tradition with many repeat

customers for the handmade scarves and beanies made by members for the

regional displays. The AAW raffle is drawn at this venue, this raffle also generates

a large amount of funding. Such work is carried out by a few volunteer members

however, the overall benefits are to all members.

Do not hesitate to contact members of our region if you need resources or support

with your alpaca herd.

Our next Meeting will be the Annual Regional Meeting, hosted by Rosemary and

Liz at Longueville Park on the 19th July.

Take care,

“Happy Alpacaring!”

Articles page

Presidents Report 4

Show Reports 5

Fleece Liaison Officer 8

Woodlawn Liaison 9

Wonder Word 10

Gardening Autumn Tips 15

Recipe 16

Australian Alpaca Week 18

Herd Sires 20

Rural Discovery Day 24

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Consider advertising in our Newsletter -

contact Pauline [email protected]

NEXT REGIONAL MEETING

ARM - JULY 19TH 2015

Longueville Park

10.30AM for 11AM Start

Please bring Lunch to share


From our President Leanne..

Presidents Report May 23rd

2015

Hello members,

Since our last regional meeting in

February, we have had a very busy

three months;

The AAA advised that they would be

implementing a fleece education and

training program. Their intention was

to train a member from each region in

fleece education with a view to them

delivering similar training to other

members back at the Regional level.

After assessing submissions received

from regions and individuals, Julie

Hockings was chosen by the AAA to

represent our region. Julie attended

the Train the Trainer Workshop at

Alpha Centauri Alpacas on 11th/12th

April 2015.

We welcome Julie Hockings to our

regional committee as our Primary

Fleece Liaison Officer and Nelly Le

Comte as our Deputy Fleece Liaison

Officer. Julie and Nelly will work

together and discuss suitable dates

and venues to present these

workshops in coming months.

As a lead up to ‘Australian Alpaca

Week’, the Queensland region invited

us to attend their ‘Urban Alpaca

event’ which was held in the Queen

Street Mall on Tuesday April 28th.

Our region had no financial input

toward the event, however individual

members did attend and paid the

Queensland region a stall fee and

commission on sales. Sales of

merchandise were extraordinary. I would suggest that if the Queensland

region intend to participate in this event again next year, that our region

contributes financially and encourages more members to become involved.

For many years, the Alpaca industry has been represented by members of our

region at a two day ‘alpaca display’ at the Mudgeeraba Show – unfortunately

this year we have declined the invitation to attend this event. Regular

organizers of the Mudgeeraba show display will be attending the

Murwillumbah Show (which falls on the same weekend) and our quest to find

someone NEW to take over this role has been unsuccessful.

14 members of our region either participated in or held, open days during

Australian Alpaca Week. Most reported that their open days were a huge

success although the weather prior to the first weekend did result in a lack of

visitors to some farms.

The Grafton Show did go on – despite torrential rain the Friday before the

show in both South Queensland and Northern NSW. Thank you to Colin &

Pauline Glasser and Bob and Jackie Coxon and their wonderful team the

Clarence Valley Alpaca Group for their ongoing support of this event.

RNA Rural Discovery Day was held on Thursday April 21st at the RNA

Showgrounds in Brisbane. A day where the ‘Country comes to the city’ –

primary schools are invited to attend the showgrounds to find out where their

food and fibre comes from. Judy Barlow brought her animals up from Cudgee

for the display and Michelle Malt and Graeme Smith (Qld member) spent the

day educating children about alpacas. Thank you to Graeme Smith for

stepping in at the last moment as I was unable to attend. Our relationship with

the Queensland region is pleasing – it is enjoyable that we can share

resources (and members) between regions on an amicable level.


A Focus Conference working

party (driven by the Queensland

region) is currently in place, the

working party is looking at

holding an ‘Alpaca Focus

Conference’ on the long weekend in June 2016

at Caloundra at the Oaks Oasis Conference

centre at Caloundra. If you would like to be part

of the working committee, please contact me.

A ‘Declaration of interest’ was sent out quite a

few months ago in regard to the Gold Coast

Show – it asked for an ‘indication’ of how many

animals entries we would receive if we ran a

halter show at the Gold Coast Show this year.

Unfortunately the numbers were too low for us to

continue with this event. The Gold Coast Show

Society however would still like alpacas

represented and has asked for an alpaca

industry display for the three days. Members are

invited to participate by bringing alpaca for the

display and to sell alpaca merchandise.

The ‘re-scheduled’ Nutrition Workshop hosted by

Dr. Jane Vaughan was held on Saturday May

30th at Murwillumbah with 36 people attending.

This workshop was extremely informative, I hope

that everyone that attended found it both

informative and entertaining.

Members are encouraged to promote the

Introduction to Alpacas workshops to new animal

owners and persons that may be interested in

learning about alpacas. This year workshops are

scheduled for: July 12th 2015 at McLaren Vale

Alpacas – Tamborine and on August 2nd 2015 at

Nattameri Alpacas – Goodwood Island NSW.

We often take for granted the very things that

most deserve our gratitude - Thank you to all

the members that have participated in the

promotion of the Australian Alpaca Industry

over the last few months, the donation of

your time, knowledge and resources is most

appreciated!

Regards,

Leanne Tunny

President – SQNNSW Region AAA Ltd

[email protected]

Mobile: 0407 748 477

TOOWOOMBA SHOW Toowoomba Show was held in March. The show was well

supported from many members from our Region. This is the first

show of the year, and the judges comments were quite important.

Karen Caldwell and Dean Ford did a tremendous job over 4 days.

The Fleece entry numbers were down on last year however, the

quality was not! Congratulations to all our members who

participated. Toowoomba is always a social informative affair.

The following photos were sent in by Anne Bright (thanks Anne)

Donna Crone

first exhibit of the year.

KEIRALIZE BUTCH-KASSIDY


GRAFTON COLOURBRATION SHOW & DISPLAY

A Big Thank You to all who made Grafton Colourbration a success considering

the weather. Our Judge, Shane Carey commented during the Fleece Judging

that he had never seen such heavy rain!

Out of 105 animal entries 82 competed. A relaxed day with most staying in their

gumboots.

The inaugural Sue and Jeremy Challacombe perpetual trophy was won by

Green Gully The Joker. Congratulations to Cathy and Noel from Green

Gully Alpacas. The Trophy was presented by Murray Challacombe.

The Best of Show Huacaya Fleece was won by

Blu-Haven Lodge Alpacas—Congratulations to

Sheryl and Geoff Simper. This is the second year

in a row that Blu-Haven has won this award. The

Best of Show Suri was won by Ambleside Alpaca

Stud. Congratulations to all competitors.

All results have been posted on the Regional

Website.

Thank you to the Grafton Team— considering the

weather conditions, a job well done!

Colin Glasser—Convenor

Green Gully The Joker

The Big Top for judging—Kept exhibitor's and

animals dry, however al little difficult in the

blue light for our Judge Shane.

Gum Boots were the desired

footwear for the day.

The fleece display looked impressive -

thanks to Lehanne Robinson

It was looking very wet on Friday afternoon after the

Fleece Judging had finished!

Murray, Casey, Poppie &

Percy Challacombe .

Friday afternoon!


MACLEAN / GRAFTON /COFFS HARBOUR SHOW DISPLAYS

DISPLAYS AT MACLEAN, GRAFTON AND COFFS HARBOUR AG SHOWS

Apart from experiencing some extremely unfavourable weather conditions, particularly at Grafton, all three displays

were very successful and generated a number of enquiries form visitors genuinely interested in our industry.

Plenty of promotional material was handed out and, as always, the children loved the stickers and colouring – in

brochures.

In a financial sense product and raffle ticket sales were:

PRODUCT RAFFLE

Maclean $423.00 $83.00

Grafton $1296.00 $250.00

Coffs $1097.00 $363.00

TOTAL $2816.00 $696.00

Certainly great results with product sales continuing to increase which reflects the hard work and time & effort

contributed by the volunteers involved. THANK YOU - A FANTASTIC TEAM EFFORT.

Do you need a farm sitter?

Mary Hunt, a new member! Mary currently lives at Chillingham in NSW (near Murwillumbah), she is looking for a property at Glen Innes and has her animals agisted at Humming Hills.

Mary is a 'farm sitter, she would like to let all members know that she is available to look after farms with alpacas, horses and goats (6 years of alpaca experience).

To contact Mary phone mobile number; 0424 252 588, for more information and

Looking ahead we have the annual Primex Exhibition at

Casino NSW 18 – 20 June, Mudgeeraba Ag Show 27 – 28

June and the second running of the Murwillumbah Alpaca

Show on 27 June. Once again, Rosemary Eva (convenor) and

her team are working hard to ensure the outstanding success

of this event.

Welcome to our New Members

Since our last meeting ( Feb/15 ) the following new

members have joined our region. WELCOME.

Berry Jones Bellingen NSW

Kellie Smith Logan Village QLD

Total membership now stands at 74 which is 2 less than May

last year which is acceptable after allowing for natural attrition

and transfers to other regions.


My wife Stacey and I became interested in alpacas back in 2012, so we attended an “Introduction to

Alpacas” course at McLaren Vale Alpacas.

We joined the AAA in January 2014 just before we purchased our starter herd of animals from a breeder in central NSW. Our alpacas co-exist with our bee hives and protect our flock of chickens. We

have two properties, one in Queensland and the other in Northern NSW, we hope to move to NSW on a more permanent

arrangement in the near future.

After experiencing shearing, cria arrivals and matings, we are still getting to know all of their personalities, but are enjoying the ride. They are definitely creatures of habit, lovers of water, great stress relief and very intelligent. We now have eight Alpacas and expecting some new arrivals next year. Our next chapter involves processing fleeces and making quality products, for both home use

and for sale. You can find us on the net at – www.jaskfarm.com.au.

In November our Regional Committee put out an SOS for a role of Secretary to be filled, so put my hand up to assist. I have learned lots more about alpacas and have met a huge number of like-minded breeders. I think the importance of the association is paramount to the

successful transition of alpaca farming into the future. There are great opportunities and experiences to be had.

Train the Trainer Course

Regional Trainers For the

delivery of Fleece Skirting,

Sorting and Packaging

Workshops

The Fibre Market Development

Reference Panel (FMDRP) recently

conducted a Train the Trainer

course, so that one or two

representatives from each Region

could be trained to deliver

workshops, covering shearing

preparation and fibre skirting,

sorting and packaging, in

accordance with the Shearing Shed

and Pre-classing Code of Practice

2012.

The course was conducted by

Cameron Holt and David Williams,

and was hosted by Andrew and

Bronwyn Munn of Alpha Centauri

Alpacas.

The purpose of this initiative is to

develop consistent fibre harvesting

techniques that prepare fleece for

classing, with the ultimate goal of

achieving the best returns for the

grower, regardless of their

intended method of sale.

I attended the course as the

representative for our Region, and

would like to briefly outline what

was covered:-

Shearing shed preparation

including shed layout,

workplace health and safety

obligations and record

keeping;

Shearing methods;

Fibre sorting - on the

shearing board/table, and on

the skirting table;

The skirting process - how

to identify the parts of the

fleece, off-sorts and

contamination, and how they

should be sorted;

Fleece handling and

packaging; and

Fleece sampling and testing.

The training package for these

workshops is currently being

developed by the FMDRP in

conjunction with the Regional

Trainers. I anticipate that the

workshops will be held in August,

September and October 2015, in

various locations throughout the

Region.

If you would like to register your

interest in attending a workshop,

please send me an email with your

name, location and proposed

shearing dates. I will provide

updates in the Alpaca Advocate as

more information becomes

available.

Julie Hockings

Fleece Liaison Officer/Regional

http://www.jaskfarm.com.au


The College experienced a dog attack some weeks ago and as

a result lost two of their three alpacas. Many students had

looked after these animals over the last ten years and they

were naturally absolutely devastated by what had happened. A

week or so after the event Roland Schwertner, Erwin Alpacas

rang to see if we knew of anyone that may have an alpaca to

donate to the College. Roland has a great relationship with the

Agricultural teacher, Mick Merlino.

We decided to give them, on behalf of our region, one of our

older pregnant females and as a result Mick decided to

purchase (with a grant from the parents and Friends

Association) another two young females so they can

commence a breeding program.

Nattameri Sabine and Florence were delivered on Thursday

21st May and the donated one will be delivered early August

after the cria is born. The students gave a very warm welcome

to Sabine and Florence who behaved perfectly as they were

lead around in front of the cameras.

We also introduced Mick to the educational programs available

for schools on AAA website and gave him a lot of promotional

material. Students will study the animals as an introduction to

agricultural production, including their feeding habits, nutrition,

diseases, worm management and fleece quality. We will of

course keep in touch with Mike and his students and hopefully

they will complete quarterly updates for the Advocate.

Media exposure was excellent with coverage on NBN TV

News that night and an article appeared in the Northern Star

newspaper the following day.

All in all it was a very heart- warming experience for all

concerned.

BOB AND JACKIE COXON—NATTAMERI ALPACAS

Have you considered giving Alpaca

Product for your special gift giving?

It is easy to buy from our Regional

Products online.

GO TO : Our Regional Website

ENTER Your Password follow instructions OR

Contact Bob Coxon on

02 66459092

[email protected]

for more information

CHECK OUT VIDEOS ON OUR

WEBSITE

30 second videos promoting alpacas.


Declaring 2015 the Australian Year of the Alpaca.

A N O H F T U G F T Y U K L

R I M A L E R W T W F L E A

G O H W E S D R A T L H I G

D F B R E E F S P E E N K H

W A T E C R A D E S E G G G

R L M T E M N G T C C P F U

T P N L C R I A M A E T L A

U A W A R E M G K P T T E R

K C E H R T A Y Y E E U E D

J A N I M E L J K L S I C A

H S T Y B R O W N T T Y E N

B T X G Y J I O K T I E T I

N E A E T M I C R O N U A M

M W O R M I N G R F G Y B A

O A W E R G N Y R U R T L L

M E D I U M F A W N R H E E

W S T U D M A L E S K T T R

E E R G H T J K U B N U Y T

R R T Y U F E M A L E S P H

V B Y T R E G Y J L Q S F H

ANIMAL

ALPACA STEW

BROWN

CRIA

EGG

ESCAPE

GUARD ANIMAL

FEMALE

FLEECE TESTING

FLEA

HALTER

MEDIUM FAWN

MICRON

STUD MALE

TAPE

FLEECE TABLE

WORMING

RIBBON PACA—SYDNEY ROYAL

Great project for fleece


Shearers Bob Dunn (02) 4930 3446

Chris Powers Mob: 0438653782

Drew Shearman (02) 49201507

Ted Winnell (Casino) (02) 66625379 Mob: 0427 343991

Bernie McInerney Mob: 0429 668240

Dusty the Aussie Shearer Mob: 0422 946697

Mike Snow via Kelli Pfeiffer [email protected]

Contacting fellow breeders in your Region for a recommendation is probably

the best way to locate a shearer.

Arrange well ahead of time as the shearers are booked out quickly.

The AAA Website also has a list of shearers on the home page.

qldnsw.alpaca.asn.au

Fibre Testing Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA)

Geelong office 03 5277 9842

Melbourne office 03 9371 2100

Australian Alpaca Fleece Testing (AAFT) (AWEX accredited)

Paul Vallely, PO Box 246, Crookwell, NSW 2583

Phone/Fax: 02 4834 2132

International Fibre Centre, Gordon Institute of TAFE, Geelong

Geelong 03 5227 2358

Howe, Watts & Co

Mudgee 02 6373 3403

Micron Man Pty Ltd

Email for more information

[email protected]

New England Fibre Testing Service

Walcha 02 6777 2122

Riverina Wool Testers Pty Ltd

Wagga Wagga 02 6925 1407

Riverina Fleece Testing Services (RFTS)

Wodonga 02 6026 0551

Southern Tablelands Fibre Testing (STFT) (AWEX Accredited)

Kim Cartwright, Thalaba Downs, Laggan 2583

Phone/Fax: 02 4837 3210 Mobile: 0427 373 211

SHEARING


Sire Name Colour IAR Stud Stud Fee Photo

Alpha Centauri

Tahvo Huacaya,

Solid White

134917

Cobaki Creek Alpacas $450.00

Encantador Alonzo (ET)

Huacaya,

Light Fawn

118157

Cobaki Creek Alpacas $500.00

Grand Flowerdale

Traviator

Huacaya Medium

Fawn 130107 Creekside Alpacas $600.00

Erragolia Double

Ice Huacaya,

Solid White

129715 Erragolia Alpacas $ 400

Wilari Park

Ballantyne Huacaya,

Solid White

72710 Erragolia Alpacas $ 200.00

Erragolia Collaroy Huacaya,

Dark Fawn

114843 Erragolia Alpacas $ 300 .00

Longueville Park

Black Opal Huacaya Black 50527 Erragolia Alpacas

Co Owned with

Misty Mountain

$ 300 .00

Wyona

CENOTAPH

Huacaya Solid

Black 115482 Longueville Park $660.00

Longueville

Park

RHYLEY

Huacaya Solid


Longueville Park

PEGASUS

Huacaya Solid


Longueville Park

PHOENIX

Huacaya Solid


Longueville Park

BRIGANTINE

Huacaya Solid


HERD SIRES


Pacofino

RITZVILLE

Suri Solid

Dark Fawn 125158 Mangowood

Alpacas

$880.00

Balfour Haven NOBLE

MONACH

Huacaya Dark Fawn

producing greys

125054 Misty Mountain Stud $300

Silcron

MARS

Huacaya

Dark Fawn

74257 McLaren Vale

Alpacas

$300

Arcady Auberon

KALLAROO Huacaya Grey Kallaroo Alpacas POA

Barkala

GARCIA

Solid White 91399 Nattameri Alpacas $400.00

Anawol

JACKAROO Huacaya

Dark Brown/

Black

131214 Nattameri Alpacas $400.00

Discount for multiples

Ninbella

MATT

Huacaya

Medium Fawn 74124 Wahgungurry Alpacas $400.00

Deadline for next advocate - AUGUST 31ST

Send in your

HERD SIRES

MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST You can put the fallen leaves to good use in your garden by composting them and returning their valuable nutrients to your soil. You can make compost with a combination of leaves, lawn clippings, alpaca manure, fruit and vegie scraps and water. It's important to keep it balanced so never add too much of one thing. Using a garden fork to turn your compost occasionally helps it to decompose.

MAKE YOUR OWN MULCH Now is an ideal time for mulching, which will improve your soil quality, keep it moist, stop it eroding, and stop weeds from growing. There are a number of different mulch options you can choose to suit different garden beds. Before you put down mulch, remove any weeds.

Your mulch should be 5-10cms thick.

Livestock Manure Comparison

Animal Nitrogen % Phosphorus % Potassium %

Llama / Alpaca 1.7 0.69 .66

Chicken 1.0 0.8 0.4

Cow 0.6 0.15 0.45

Goat 2.0 0.5 0.6

Horse 0.7 0.25 0.55

Pig 0.5 0.35 0.4

Sheep 0.95 0.35 1.0

http://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor-garden/gardening-landscaping/planting-growing/how-to-make-and-manage-garden-compost

http://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/outdoor-garden/gardening-landscaping/choosing-the-right-product/how-to-choose-garden-mulch

http://alpacasofmontana.com/naturalfertilizers.html


FOR SALE Potential Stud Males

Longueville Park Broad Ribbon Genetics

Genuine Enquiries

please contact Liz or Rosemary on 66777500

or e-mail [email protected]

FRIEND OR FOE? SNAKE VERSUS CANE TOAD

Liz Coles, Longueville Park Alpaca Stud, Murwillumbah

How many times do you hear it said that “The only good snake is a dead snake” or “ It wriggled under my

shovel….”

This photo shows a keelback snake (Tropidonophis mairii) also known as Freshwater snake, catching and

eating a cane toad. This snake is common in the northern NSW and Queensland and frequents wet and

dry bushlands and lowland creeks. They are active by day and night and feed mainly on frogs and lizards

and one of the few animals able to consume young cane toads. This is a similar story with the red-bellied

black but he is certainly a FOE to both man and alpaca.

mailto:[email protected]


Weeds an everlasting problem! Like worms, Farmers keep under control, they never go away!

Autumn is a prime time for weeds to raise their ugly heads and start causing problems. Most alpacas will not eat poisonous weeds if there is plenty of feed on the ground for them. However, they have been know to accidentally eat weeds when grazing on grasses

nearby. Some weeds are so deadly it only takes a leaf to kill an alpaca like Oleander and other weeds build up poison in the body over years like Deadly Nightshade, fire weed and balloon cotton (wild cotton) However, when we have wet weather - followed quickly by warm / sunny conditions ...... this is when the weeds start coming up. What can you do about the weeds?

Walk paddocks after this type of weather pattern and hand pull out any weeds. When removing weeds, be careful

not to allow seeds to drop. Carry large plastic bags, pull weeds including the roots, place in bag and then let them die in the bag in the sun, before you put into the bin - therefore not allowing weed spread thereafter. Do not burn weeds as sometimes this can cause the seeds to be spread and then germinated after another source of rain.

If you have a large weed problem, herbicide and then slash 14 days later. Some weeds are poisonous after they

are dead - so you may need to remove them before slashing.

Regular slashing, leaving leaf litter on the ground to help stop the regrowth of weeds.

When not enough feed on the ground make sure that you are supplementary feeding your livestock morning/night

and offering good quality hay at all times.

What type of weeds affect alpacas?

Anything that a horse can't eat, an alpaca can't eat too.

Some of the nastier weeds include: Blackberry Nightshade, Mother of Millions, Balloon Cotton, Rattlepod, Verbena, Ground Cherry, Rubber Vine, Cape Tulips, Pheasant's Eye.

Some common garden plants that end up in paddocks from seed spread by birds that are very poisonous include:

Oleander, Foxglove, Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Daphne.

Some vegetables that pop up in paddocks that are also poisonous include: Potato and tomato plants and leaves.

Don't think that you are free of weeds in your paddock ever - as birds are the main source of these arriving on your property. Birds eat the plants, fruits and seeds of weeds and then deposit them on your farm as they travel it or fly over in their dung. Some weeds are just a nuisance such as tobacco bush, Parramatta grass, For a full list of poisonous plants known to be harmful to alpacas see: www.alpaca.asn.au/docs/about/husbandry/poison_plants.pdf Weeds have also been known to crop up in feed supplies, such as chaffs and hays. Therefore it is extremely important that you purchase prime feed that is guaranteed to be weed free.

WEEDS are an ongoing problem for the farmer - so be vigilant

Horse Nettle Deadly Nightshade

Balloon Cotton


HANDICRAFT

1. Hacking Knot 1. Fold scarf in half widthways - one end of the scarf will now be

folded, the other will be where the two ends of the scarf meet. Drape scarf around your neck.

2. Insert the open end of the scarf through the loop made by the

folded end. Pull tails through and position loop comfortably at your neck. Wear to the side or in the centre.

Looks best with a fitted tee.

3. Faux bow 1. Drape scarf around your neck and tie a single loose

knot under your chin.

2. Fold both tails back and wrap them around your neck,

then back over your shoulders to the front again. Insert one end through the knot (toward the opposite shoulder) and leave to hang. Repeat with the other side. Tighten comfortably.

Looks best with a tailored jacket.

4. The stole 1. Drape a long scarf around your neck, even at each

side, then smooth to flatten.

2. Fasten a belt around your waist, on top of the

scarf. Draw the two lengths together at your waist, then flair out over your hips, or keep the two tails parallel.

Looks best over a trench coat.

2. The Ascot 1. Drape scarf around neck and flip one length over

the other into a knot.

2. Fan out the top portion at the base of the knot so it

looks puffy. Tuck ends away to show only the puffed part.

Looks best with a blouse and knit vest or long cardigan.

http://www.homelife.com.au/recipe/fold+a+scarf+four+ways,3734

http://www.allfreeknitting.com


SOUTH QUEENSLAND AND

NORTHERN NSW AAA Ltd

REGION

TRAINING COURSE

INTRODUCTION TO THE

WONDERFUL WORLD OF

ALPACAS

This course is suitable for people who are

considering entering the wonderful world of

alpacas as well as the new breeder.

This full day workshop will provide you

with all you need to know when starting out on

this adventure.

The presenters include breeders with

many years of experience in management of

Alpacas.

When: 2ND AUGUST 2015

Where: NATTAMERI

ALPACA STUD GOODWOOD ISLAND NSW

Want more information?

Contact Bob Coxon

[email protected] or

phone 02 66459092

FREE advertisement in the next Alpaca

Advocate !

First member who emails [email protected]

explaining what the above photo is all about.

Carding Alpaca !

Alpaca at 2015 Sydney Royal

Our Facebook Page

Our likes continue to grow; up from 95 in February to

117 now. Our Alpaca Week Promotion has certainly

assisted with the growth in the likes.

https://www.facebook.com/qldnsw.alpaca



Hi, 100 people each day, I have a horse throat. Great weather, people stayed and eat, drank tea/coffee. Greg and Shane cooked alpaca to try, a few possible sales in the future I think. Plenty of kids sat on my girls and lead trained the show 6 month males. Big advert in local paper, some photos attached. Hope your day was a success as well. Regards Judy

Australian Alpaca Week


Roland Schwertner celebrating Australian Alpaca Week in Ballina. Roland's sister made Alpaca shaped

Biscuits for visitors to the ERWIN ALPACA STUD


Sunday May 10th was a beautiful day in comparison to last year when the weather was atrocious.

Our opening time was advertised as 10 am and we had two groups already there and anxious to learn about alpacas.

Our closing time was 4pm and at no time were we without visitors. There was real interest in alpacas... breeding, fleece and good company.

Our guests were introduced to our herd and our new cria, Elizabeth, was a big hit. Open day seems to bring people together and our neighbours, Christine and Stuart

volunteered to help with the guests who enjoyed refreshments (Including Margot’s Anzac biscuits) and a visit to out waterfall and swimming hole.

The day was a very worthwhile experience. Photographic memories are Elizabeth, Nina with Mr.Pip - David and Margot



6 Studs Celebrated

Creekside

Jatz

Jask

McLaren Vale

Stanmore Park


Bob Coxon and Pauline Glasser celebrate AAW

14 batches of plain scones (36

DOZ) , 4 batches of pumpkin

scones (12 DOZ) , 1.8ml cream

and 5 Jars of strawberry jam

formed the basis of the Devonshire

Teas on offer at our Mothers Day

Open Day. Definitely well received

with over 300 visitors between 10

and 3pm.



AUSTRALIAN ALPACA WEEK (AAW) 2 -10 MAY 2015

A total of 14 studs registered to participate in AAW 2015 with another two helping out at various events during the week. Also, some

of our members participated in the highly successful “Random Act of Urban Alpaca” in Queen St Mall which was hosted by QLD

Region.

Once again AAW in our region was extremely successful with excellent numbers attending most events. The standouts were Jatz

Pacas and team, estimated 500, Wahgungurry/Nattameri 304 (counted) and Kallaroo over 200.

A considerable amount of free advertising via NBN TV, ABC Radio and local newspapers was achieved mainly due to the efforts of

some members who took the initiative and used their creative skills to promote their events. Also, your committee spent $1300.00 on

local newspaper advertising to help promote the event and to support the national advertising campaign.

Very worthy of special mention is Roland Schwertner, Erwin Stud. Roland, the week before AAW took two alpacas for a walk down

the main street of Ballina. This initiative resulted in an editorial in the local paper, a spot on NBN TV news and an interview on the

ABC morning Rural Report. Well done Roland.

Many thanks to all members who took part in AAW 2015, our Webmaster Stephen Rowley for the great work in setting up our

dedicated website and I look forward to more members joining in next year.


RNA RURAL DISCOVERYDAY The day was extremely successful. A number of media groups were at the event, & we were approached to film a segment for "Totally Wild" (Channel 10), as well as filming by Channel 7 news & QUT Media (Bris 31). Groups were invited to feel raw fleece, carded fleece & yarn, as well as a range of product made from Huacaya and Suri fibre. Each group were provided with a resource kit to assist in further education of the students, which included the Primary School Education resource package & the regional members listing. A huge thanks to Judy who arrived very early, provided animals & set up a great display, with informative banners, spinning wheel & fibre samples. The

children were well behaved (although they clearly became tired as the day went on!) & in many cases

the adults were just as captivated.

As an aside, if I'm available, I'll certainly participate

in this event again.

Michelle Malt

PROMOTING

OUR

ALPACA

INDUSTRY


UPDATE FROM BOARD MEMBER, JEFF WILLIS

During 2014 the AAA board established and set up a number of investigations into the various

sections of our membership and the functions required to service these groups. To assist the board the Constitution allows for the formation of ‘Working Parties’ from within our membership to investigate a particular issue and report back to the board on its findings with recommendations.

Also the board may call for industry experts to form a ’Reference Panel’ to provide ongoing advise to the board on specific areas of interest to our membership.

The findings of both the Working Parties’ and Reference Panels are taken back to the AAA board for deliberation, and approval or not. The responsibility of steering either of these reference groups and bringing their findings to the board, fall to the Director in charge of the portfolio related to the business in hand.

As a Director on the AAA board, my particular areas of responsibility are: Membership Services, National Youth Development, Training & Education. Within this area of responsibility the AAA board has set up a ‘Youth Advisory Reference Panel’ a ‘Fibre Market Development Panel’ and a ‘Membership Services Working Party’.

Progress so far from Youth Development has seen a ’Working with Children’ policy formulated and put in place across all states, the development and approval of the Paraders Handbook, and an International Paraders judge brought to Australia for training workshops.

In Fibre Market Development a classing Code of Practice has been developed, an AWEX stencil has been approved an accepted by the Australian Wool industry and significant training has been done by certified wool classers to allow them to also class Alpaca to provide ‘quality assurance’ on the Australian and International wool auction floor.

Since Christmas a Membership Services working party has been established. This group of members come from all types of membership, all states and from a range of herd sizes both Huacaya and Suri. This group has been charged with reshaping the membership benefits of our organization for all sections of our membership. The first meeting of this group has been one of both enthusiasm and genuine concern to grow our industry into a vibrant agribusiness and breed society. Many aspects of our business is now under the microscope and opportunity for input/suggestions will be welcomed from the membership at large during this course of reassessment.

All of this new direction has come about after a Strategic Plan was formulated and approved during the last financial year. This is now up on the AAA website and whilst the time table for the implementation will need to flexible it now is now a clear direction for all our energies.

Regards, ... Jeff Willis .. (AAA Director)


NORCO PRIMEX EXHIBITION CASINO NSW 18, 19 & 20 JUNE 2015

After running Primex for the past 30 years Exhibition Marketing decided to move on and the event

will now be operated by Rural Press Events (RPE), a division of Fairfax Agricultural Media. RPE

own and operate a number of similar events including Australia’s largest, Commonwealth Bank Ag

Quip in Gunnedah NSW and Queensland’s largest, CRT Farm Fest in Toowoomba.

Our region will be represented again in 2015 with our usual display of alpacas, fleece and products

for sale as well as raffle tickets and plenty of promotional material will be available.

To support the AAA current advertising campaign our theme for the event will be “Australian

Alpaca – Our Smart Future”.

Some members have already put their hand up to assist but a few more volunteers are required to help man the display over the three days. So if you are interested please let me know [email protected] as soon as possible so the roster can be finalised.

AAW/PRIMEX RAFFLE

To date approximately $1600.00 has

been raised against a target of

$2500.00 so we need to get a

wriggle on. Tickets can be

purchased at the Nutrition Workshop

30 May and the Regional Meeting 31

May. Also, if you would like to help

out by selling a few tickets please let



One Head is better than two!

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp olive oil

1 leek, trimmed, washed, thinly sliced

2 carrots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, trimmed, sliced

1 small turnip, peeled, chopped

1 L chicken stock

2 cups water

1/3 cup soup mix, rinsed

300 g can corn kernels, drained

100 g green beans, trimmed, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 tbsp chopped parsley

croutons, to serve

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan on high. Saute

leek, carrot, celery and turnip for 4-5 minutes until leek is tender.

2. Add stock, water and soup mix. Bring to boil.

Simmer, covered for 35 minutes.

3. Stir in corn, beans and zucchini. Season to

taste. Simmer, uncovered, for a further 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir parsley through soup. Serve topped with croutons.

METHOD

Tips

Use a finely chopped onion if you don't have a leek.

Make croutons by toasting crustless bread and cutting into cubes. Alternatively, fry cubes of bread in a little oil or butter until golden.


On the side of the road in

Tasmania

alpaca advocate 2015 autumn

Documents