We are not llamas

JULY 2018

ALPACAS HAVE been in Australia there are still many questions that people ask when they see them.

Australian Alpaca Association Tasmanian President, Mark Jessop, said that the questions have changed over the past 20 years, and a lot less people call his alpacas llamas, but he still spends a lot of time at events saying things like “Yes they do spit,” but only when they are telling each other off; “No the big ones are llama”; “We call it fleece, not wool”; “Sheep fencing is fine, they need as much land as a sheep.”

Each year, the Association runs a full day ‘Introduction to Alpacas’ workshop which includes hands-on demonstrations as well as information on topics including: selecting an alpaca, property requirements for alpacas, managing your alpaca, fleece management and production, mating and birthing, and a year in your alpaca’s life, what you need to know and do.

On 15th July, Glen and Kellie Boyd will be hosting the workshop at their Classic Alpaca Stud in Westbury. The Boyds were one of the first alpaca farms in Tasmania and they have used their experience in the wool industry to breed a high quality line of alpacas. Glen shears alpacas in his spare time and Kellie is a wool classer.

The workshops are run by local members, so it also encourages people to build up a network of people who can support them after they purchase their alpacas. The workshop runs from 9.40am to 4.30pm. It is free but please bring your lunch.

Mr Jessop can be contacted on 0412 430 982 or mail@mossvalealpacas.com.au for further information. Bookings are essential.

Photo | Mike Moores