Alpacas – A Unique ‘Tree Change’
Alpacas have been in Australia for over 20 years and are fast becoming part of the fabric of farm life. A unique agribusiness for small and broad acreages these endearing animals are popular for their ease of handling and their beautiful much sought after fleece. Once seen as unusual, alpacas are proving to be an exciting burgeoning industry for many Australians. Since the inception of the Australian Alpaca Industry in 1988 intensive breeding and importation has grown the national herd to around 90,000 animals.
The Queensland Region of the Australian Alpaca Association welcomes all visitors to our open week from the 19th – 27th April. Farms around the State will be open for visitors to view stud animals, animals for sale, merchandise, industry displays, educational presentations, baby alpacas and spinning demonstrations. A perfect opportunity for farmers and those interested or curious about the animals to find out first hand their diverse uses. This includes being used to produce elite fibre, commercial herds for studs and shows, as pets (stress relievers) or use of wethered alpacas by sheep and goat graziers as guardians against foxes at lambing and kidding times.
The Australian Alpaca Industry continues to demonstrate that alpaca farming is more than just a “lifestyle”option as it moves closer to a viable fleece industry.
For more information about the upcoming open week or to find an open farm near you please phone:
Esme Graham – President
Qld. Region Aust. Alpaca Assoc Ltd
Ph 07-3425 3405
Email: info@alpacasalescentre.com
Some Alpaca Facts:
Alpacas are members of the South American camelid family and close relatives of the llama. They have been in Australia since 1988 and are successfully farmed in a range of climates and conditions throughout Australia. As at November 2007 the total number of alpacas registered with the AAA stood at 86,691. This total is made up of 9,651 Suri and 77,040 Huacaya.
Alpacas are bred for their beautiful fibre, highly prized for its very soft feel and beautiful range of natural colours – white, fawns, browns, greys to jet black. Fibre can be sold locally to hand spinners or sent to AAFL. Alpacas are shorn once a year usually in spring and their fleece is used for products from high fashion through to homewares including carpet.
Alpacas are gentle, curious and intelligent. They are quite hardy and require no special management, ideal for small acreage or as a diversification to an existing rural enterprise. There is no additional expense for special fencing or other facilities although shade is important in Queensland.
Alpacas can be bred once a year. Gestation takes just over 11 months and pregnancy is generally problem free. Alpaca births almost always take place during the day.
The Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) has over 2000 members represented throughout Australian by 14 Regions. The Queensland Region covers the whole state north of Brisbane.
So cute! Young Sam with Zac the Alpaca.
The Queensland Region under the auspices of the AAA organizes animal and fleece shows, seminars, education days, introductory days for new breeders and fleece collection events. Its committee meets regularly to discuss regional happenings and plan the program of events and an AGM is held during the middle of each year. Members are welcome to attend these meetings.
