WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed INSIDE THIS EDITION AUTUMN EDITION READ ‘n’ BREED SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL MAGAZINE ISSUE NO: 75 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL MAGAZINE In this edition:- RIRDC Alpaca Excellence Conference Dental Malocclusions in Alpacas Promoting Alpacas in South Australia Mount Pleasant Show Report Plus much more…. WINTER EDITION
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WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed
INSIDE THIS EDITION
AUTUMN EDITION
READ ‘n’ BREED
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL MAGAZINE ISSUE NO: 75 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL MAGAZINE
In this edition:-
RIRDC Alpaca Excellence Conference
Dental Malocclusions in Alpacas
Promoting Alpacas in South Australia
Mount Pleasant Show Report
Plus much more….
WINTER EDITION
2 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
Stock for Sale:
All females are either pregnant with live cria guaranteed or come with matings and fertility guaranteed. Some real bargains available.
Certified males and Potential stud males – many with show records.
Males and females individually or packaged to suit your requirements.
Range of quality and prices, all with 2013 shearing statistics available.
Contact us to see what we have to suit you.
Also Offering:
An extensive range of multi-award winning huacaya males available for outside service – many colours to choose from.
Herd management solutions including long and short term agistment and birthing care.
Transport available.
Handling young stock including show preparation.
Vet castration days – take advantage of cheaper pricing.
Embryo transfer preparation.
Trendy Alpaca On-Line shop: Alpaca gear including hay mangers, fleece skirting tables, halters, rugs, coats, veterinary supplies etc. We also have our own “trendy alpaca” yarn in four natural colours.
The Future : where to from here: markets, advanced breeding techniques (AI,ET), genetics (DNA
testing, mapping of DNA), fleece collection and sale models, the AAA: members services, strategies
for our industry, the IAR register, animal health and welfare, maybe even the effects of climate
change on our region!
Showing : Who, What, How, When, and most importantly WHY???
New members / owners workshops. Perhaps open to all new owners as a way to encourage these
people to join our AAA?? Topics could cover a wide range and be presented by a number of
participants. This may take a little more effort than those above, but could well be a most worthwhile
event, or series of events…
Stress free animal handling (perhaps this belongs in the fiction section?).
Anything else???
Do you have a passion for some aspect of the above, perhaps for many of them, or better ideas for subjects (even better….).
Please contact any member of the Regional Committee to express your interest to help out. We need your experience and your
involvement to provide these services to our fellow alpaca breeders. Such efforts help our industry to continue to grow and
remain a vibrant enterprise for all its participants. I encourage you all to join in this effort and engage with your fellow members
and potential new members. All these events would be run at minimal cost to the participants, some may have a cost recovery
component built into the fee, but many would be free to attend, with perhaps a gold coin donation to offset catering costs.
The “Royal” is coming sooner than we might think, rapidly followed by the Nationals in Bendigo from the 18th to the 21 st of
September 2014. The Royal Adelaide Horticultural Society (RAHS) have very kindly offered to allow those alpacas entered in the
Nationals to depart from the RAS early this year. This will need to be arranged with Lea Richens: please contact Lea on 8842 2344
for more details, if you require early exit for your alpacas.
The region has struggled in recent years to set up and man a trade stand in the farm expo pavilion at the RAS. Without your
urgent help this stand will not be a feature of the RAS in 2014. It would be a pity should this not go ahead, particularly as we
could have the Natural Fibre Showcase available for use by the region. Without a positive response from members willing to help
set up, man and pack up this display it cannot go ahead this year.
Enough of this chatter from me, let’s hear from you: the members!! Stand up and tell us want you want from your association in
this next year or two: get involved any way you can.
But most of all, cherish those around you, both two and four legged or furred or feathered. Or in the words of Woody Allen “I am
thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.”
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 7
MARKETING REPORT
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Welcome to the Region
Linda & Anthony Favill
Sharon & Paul Harrison
Margie Gysbers
Sandra Cardillo
The SA Regional Committee would like to welcome the following members to the SA Region
Is being sought from interested members who
wish to have a stand at this year’s Murray Bridge show.
They are looking for members who are interested in bringing along some animals as well as/or setting up a stall for the 2 day event
Contact the regions secretary who will email the forms to you. Please be aware that your own Public liability insurance is required for the
show. Show Dates: 27th - 28th September 2014
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 9
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA
ASSOCIATION
SA REGION
DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT
2014
19th to 20th July Colour Classics Strathalbyn Harness Club James Wheeler
20th July AGM Strathalbyn Harness Club Sue Philpots-Green
5th to 14th September Royal Adelaide Show Adelaide Show Grounds Lea Richens
18th to 21st September Nationals Bendigo TBA
6th October Strathalbyn Show Strathalbyn Oval Jacinta Hartill
19th October Clare Show Clare Tracey Earl & Derrick
Hall
Workshops & Seminars to be advised
2015
TBA Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant Show Grounds
Kerry & Jolyon Porter
TBA National Alpaca Week Nick de Bruyn
TBA Colour Classic Strathalbyn Harness Club James Wheeler
4th to 12th September Royal Adelaide Show Adelaide Show Grounds Lea Richens
TBA Nationals
TBA Strathalbyn Show Strathalbyn Oval Jacinta Hartill
TBA
The SA Region’s Calendar of Events will be updated with each edition of Read n Breed.
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Treasurers Report - May 2014
The AAA SA region MYOB data is reconciled to the 30th April 2014 bank
statement.
The investment account had a balance of $20,204.78
The general cheque account had a balance of $6,457.53
Income into the region accounts so far this financial year has totalled
$29,297.14. Most of this income is received from the member capitation
rebate, merchandise, old pen panels sales, and alpaca show income
including sponsorship, newsletter advertising, and the WFI commission.
Expenses from the general cheque account this financial year have totalled
$ 28,804.26. Our expenses include - showing costs at the Colour Classic,
Royal Adelaide Show, Strathalbyn, Clare and Mount Pleasant, (including venue
hire 2 years in advance for the Colour Classic at the SA Harness Racing Club,
Strathalbyn). Region meeting and newsletter office supplies, trailer insurance,
website hosting, the end of year dinner raffle, show bunting with the new logo
and Junior Judging costs.
We have recorded a net profit in the region accounts of $492.88.
In summary the region is currently in a sound financial position, primarily due
to the enormous generosity of Konica Minolta through Julianne Buckley,
printing the SA region magazine at no cost.
Janette Law from the AAA head office is able to direct EFT bank transfers for
payment of approved accounts. I would encourage all supplier invoices and
AAA SA region reimbursement forms to be presented with EFT bank transfer
details to enable faster payment than the alternative method of counter
signing cheques.
When paying region invoices direct into the region account i.e. for
merchandise or newsletter / website advertising etc. please ensure your
invoice number and name is included as a reference to help me reconcile
the bank statements.
Ruth Goodfellow
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 11
RIRDC Alpaca Excellence
Conference While nobody remembers hearing the fat lady sing, the Conference is indeed over. The months of preparation,
challenge and at times a healthy dose of frustration are behind us and the there is little left to do, aside from enjoy the
champagne and recall with quiet satisfaction the tremendous success of the Conference. From the venue, to the range
of topics and speakers, the social events and the farm tours, it was true to its name – excellent!
Internationally acclaimed alpaca vet and lecturer from Oregon State University, Dr Chris Cebra, was the main
speaker, addressing a range of topics over the three days. His topics included:
Rickets
o Beware the subtle presentation: a change in stance, cycling leg pain, or recumbent
o Reduced UV in winter effects the unborn spring cria in the late stages of pregnancy, or
the fast growing cria born in autumn
o Supplementation can be dietary, oral or injectable
Coccidiosis
o Increasing in prevalence
o The challenge is to identify at risk individuals and to implement a treatment protocol
Exploding the myths about gastric ulcers
o The challenge of the undiagnosable gastric ulcers that turn inexplicably into untreatable
perforating ulcers!
Other gastrointestinal calamites
o This covered a range of conditions
o Beware grain overload acidosis
Skin conditions
o A graphic and informative address covering a range of skin conditions, their diagnosis
and some treatment options
Practical tips to keep your alpaca healthy
o This covered some interesting and useful advice – something new and relevant for
everyone
12 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
Other speakers included:
Dr Laura Hardefeldt, a practicing alpaca vet from Gippsland, Victoria
Neonatal Care
o This presentation provided a good comparison of “normal” vs. “need for care”
o Observe closely – but not too closely!
o The importance of colostrums
Alpaca Nutrition
o While we think we know our alpacas and their dietary preferences, this presentation
outlined some important parameters
o When and how to supplement feed
o When to wean
o Balancing mineral requirements
Weight loss or ill thrift in young camelids
o “normal presentation” vs. subtle changes in young not doing well
o Variety if conditions covered
Chris Williams addressed the development of the alpaca industry over the last 5 years. Using the competing
statistics of: AAA membership; the number of registered alpacas; the average herd size and average micron
among others, Chris painted a picture of a diverse industry with some challenges in the future!
David Reynolds addressed Infant Animal Nutrition, with the emphasis on:
Hygiene for new born cria
The importance of passive transfer of IgG in colostrum:
o Quality
o Quantity
o Quickly
Dr Ian Carmichael’s presentation looked at Parasites in Australian Alpacas. There was lots of interesting and
useful information provided and the challenge to implement appropriate screening protocols, rather than use
mass drenching.
Alison Quagliani gave an interesting and informative presentation about Alpaca Dentistry. There were many
nods of recognition as she outlined some basic dental issues that we are sometimes at a loss to identify and
appropriately treat. This raised the matter of the need to provide a suitable alpaca dentistry service ...
Continued overleaf
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 13
Continued overleaf
Kerryn Caulfield and Luis Chaves Bellido spoke about Delivering the Fibre of the Gods. This included the
challenge of a reducing market with innovator fibres and market forces encroaching on all natural fibres.
The need to strive for finer fleece and to find niche markets was emphasised.
Cameron Holt emphasised the importance of organising the shearing shed to reduce contamination and to
increase the value of the harvested fleece.
Dr Stephen Mulholland provided an interesting perspective on the use and application of measurement,
records and statistics in alpaca breeding and husbandry. He also used maths and statistics to explain the
confounding challenge of fleece density – how to measure and assess this “quality”.
There were a number of panel discussions, including:
Veterinary panel
o Topics and questions were diverse, including an interesting debate about castrations
o The need to measure, manage and monitor was emphasised
Fleece panel
o There was some optimism and some hard reality
o The challenge of large volume requirements of commercial processors vs. niche
markets
Alpaca reproduction panel
o Problem breeders (the ones with four legs!)
There were also presentations from two outstanding South Australian business women: Angela Goode and
Kris Lloyd.
Angela Goode, well-known journalist, writer and farmer, shared her journey involving the challenge of
building a bridge between rural and city folk. The need to understand and respect where our food
comes from and the pressures to ensure that quality is maintained in the face of reducing margins. Angela
wrote a weekly “country column” for the Advertiser from 1981 to 2008, addressing both the amusing and
challenging areas of rural life. Photos of her farm and the rural landscape she calls home provided the
backdrop for her address, which challenged the relatively new alpaca industry to continue to strive for
excellence and to be prepared for possible challenges along the way.
Kris Lloyd, Woodside Cheese Wrights artisan Cheese maker and winner of many business awards,
including the 2010 Telstra Business Women's National Award for Business Innovation, also shared her
story: a tale of challenge and innovation, dedication and loyalty that ultimately leads to success. The
importance of collaboration, and her mantra of “patience, persistence and passion”, that will win the day.
The presentations mentioned above were all made in the main plenary room. Another three workshop
rooms provided opportunities for:
Some Vet only presentations
Cria birthing workshops
14 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
Suri genetics, using suri fibre and a suri fabric project
Q-Alpaca
Some business considerations
Some pasture and fodder workshops
Lessons from the wool industry
Improving fleece scores
Alpaca meat
Some areas of research
o Colour genetics
o Artificial insemination
o Camelid immunoglobulins
As always, the chance to network, socialise and catch up with friends from near and far is an important part of
any conference. The trade display area provided ample opportunity for this, with a range of trade displays
providing information, products and services. The new Natural Fibre Showcase, positioned near the trade
display area, received lots of complements. The welcome cocktail gathering on the Friday night was a fun
event, including a steady queue of delegates to chat with Angela Goode and have her sign a book or two for
them ... !! Saturday night’s dinner was lots of noisy fun, with a quiz night, another queue – this one to buy
raffle tickets for the wine wall – and a lovely meal. The Adelaide Convention Centre should be commended for
their efforts to ensure the conference was a success – the facilities, food and service were excellent.
Michelle Malt closed the conference with her address “Where are the goalposts?” – a timely reminder about
where we are going and how we are measuring our success.
Overall, the conference was an outstanding success and commendations are extended to Susan Haese, Nick de
Bruyn and the hard working committee who donated time, effort and sleepless nights to ensure the success of
the conference. (For those unable to attend, a copy of the Conference proceedings is available from the AAA
for $50; a most valuable investment.)
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 15
NATIONAL CONFERENCE PHOTOS
Some Fun Pics: ...Left: Laura & Nicolai,
Centre: Chris Williams & Right: Janette Law
and Kristine Brown
Above are some photo’s from the weekend
16 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA SHOWING OFF ITS EXCELLENCE
The AAA’s Australian Alpaca Showcase made a very special touring appearance last month at
the Australian Alpaca Excellence National Conference in Adelaide.
The brand new exhibit focuses on all that is soft, luxurious and very special about Australian
Alpaca and Alpaca products, and has been built for AAA by green, green grass communications
to educate general audiences at large scale events around the country.
Following its April launch in Sydney to an estimated audience of 900,000 at the Royal Easter
Show, the Showcase came straight to Adelaide where it welcomed conference delegates to the
Adelaide Convention Centre.
The Showcase has been designed to include interactive and educational elements to attract
people of all ages and interests, and had no problem in drawing audiences during Conference
weekend.
Special thanks go to Sue Drogemuller of Adaminca Alpaca Stud, Cynthia Hall from Somadale
Alpacas and Misty O’Connell from the Alpaca Shop in Hahndorf who all kindly lent a range of
quality and sophisticated merchandise to show alpaca at its best.
Products displayed included superb hand knitted baby clothes and accessories, sweaters and
bedding , delicate hand knitted one off pieces and gorgeously soft alpaca toys.
Greg Scarlett and Lee Sadler from Fleur de Lys Alpacas and Sarah and Perry Wheeler from
Prados provided fleeces so people could feel the soft, silky luxury of alpaca.
Keep an eye out for the Showcase at future events, and if you know of an event where an
appearance may be appropriate, contact AAA at [email protected] now. Touring schedules are
being compiled for the balance of 2014, and it is expected to be kept busy out on the road
helping members teach thousands all about the benefits of Australian Alpaca.
MEDIA CONTACT: For more information and images, contact Karen Davies 0421-611-482 or Tracy Bell 0422-110-223 at green, green grass communications. [email protected]. [email protected]
Show Convenors/Contact directoryShow Convenors/Contact directory
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 25
The judge for the show was Joanne Ham, Rainbows End Alpacas, Trawalla Vic who executed her duties
with ease and confidence over the two days of fleece and halter classes. Entries were well down in the
animal classes with only 119 animals (2013=168 entries) and a modest 39 fleeces entered. Many of the
larger studs were absent from the show ring; however, this enabled other studs to shine.
Fleece judging went smoothly, with the assistance of Rosalie Brinkworth as scribe, finishing earlier than
expected which gave the judge extra time to wind down before dinner and the next day's judging.
Champion Suri Fleece was awarded to Marquez Hannah, exhibited by John & Jenny Duggin, Marquez
Alpacas, with Champion Huacaya Fleece being awarded to Windsong Valley Thorn 2, jointly owned by
Jolyon & Kerry Porter, Yacka Ridge Alpacas and Brian & Kay Gursansky, Kinedana Alpacas.
Set up at the showgrounds on Friday also went smoothly with Jolyon being joined by Derrick Hall and
Bernard and Sue Croese to complete the penning and other jobs by just after lunch time. This help is truly
appreciated by Jolyon, or any convenor for that matter, as it allows time for all the 'little things' to be
finished off, after the major items on the list are completed.
Saturday's procession of animals started with 15 suris (double 2013), a great effort by those breeders
who were able to bring exhibits. We look forward to this number being the norm at the regional shows, so
it will encourage more breeders to swell the suri ranks as years go by. Congratulations go to John & Jenny
Duggin with Marquez Hermione taking out Grand Champion Suri award. The judging of the huacayas
proved that small numbers doesn't necessarily mean less quality - Joanne still had to make many hard
choices between exhibits at all ages! The Champion Huacaya proved that colour can win! Congratulations
to Stansbury's Alpacas , Steve & Joanne Marshall with Stansbury's H4 Alexander, a dark fawn adult male.
The Junior Handler Section from before show day was always going to be big. However, by close of
entries on the day we had 53 handlers wanting to show their stuff! We had anticipated about 24 handlers
and arrangements were made for a separate 'judge' to conduct this section and extra animals to be
brought in to the show ground. A huge thank you to Sharon Warland who was judge to all the Urrbrae
students, and Kymberley Warren from Urrbrae Ag who adjudicated on all non-Urrbrae entrants which
included amongst other schools, many Birdwood and Willunga High students. For results please refer to the
show results elsewhere or online. This section seems to be growing almost exponentially and will need
some considerable thought by the convenors to accommodate all those who want to enter as well as
having enough animals available to use when judging goes past the lunch period. A dedicated judge or
judges will also need to be found so exhibitors can concentrate on the main show ring and their place in it.
Whether we need to cap numbers or only have pre entries such as the animals will all have to be thought
MT PLEASANT SHOW 2014 - REPORT
Continued Overleaf
26 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
through. If you would like to contribute with any ideas, please feel free to email these to Jolyon or myself
and we will present them at the next Show Convenors Group meeting.
Unloading was relatively speedy with the Jenny Brown (vet) being assigned in the flow management of
vehicles out front, even helping unload gear & animals. She remarked on the day 'how nice we all were and
not as difficult as she had been warned'! Thanks everyone for leaving a great impression.
The volunteer stewards are always a blessing to have over the day. Those wonderful people include Derrick
Hall, Dave Mace, Honey Lindner, Denise Moysey, Margaret Thompson, Tracey Earl, Jen Duggin, Sue Croese,
Carmen Bubner, Jacinta Hartill, the two Urrbrae girls who acted as ribbon and gate stewards and of course
anyone that I have missed - sorry. Our sincere thanks to you all again.
All exhibitors are thanked for their commitment to packing up the panels and leaving the shed relatively
clean before they left. This makes our job easier before we get to call it quits for another year and get
home. Speaking of next year - the convening job still needs a new master but we are sure we will catch
you all again in 2015, in one role or another. Please contact us to get the ball rolling with convening.
On a sad note, the region members received news during the day that Ben Schmaal's youngest son Oskar
died suddenly that morning in his mother's arms. Our heartfelt condolences to Ben and Emma on their tragic
loss.
Jolyon and Kerry Porter
There’s a story behind every person. There’s a reason why they’re the way they are.
Think about that before you judge someone.
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 27
Mount Pleasant 2014
SNAPS FROM THE DAYSNAPS FROM THE DAY
28 Read ‘n’ Breed WINTER EDITION
You don’t ever have to feel guilty about removing toxic people from your life. It doesn’t matter whether
someone is a relative, romantic interest, employer, childhood friend, or a new acquaintance
You don’t have to make room for people who cause you pain or make you feel small. It’s one thing if a person owns up to their behaviour and makes an effort to change. But if a person disregards your feelings, ignores your
boundaries, and “continues” to treat you in a harmful way, they need to go.
Danielle Koepke
FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FORSALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE
Alpaca Float, Custom built by Olympic. Will suit a small breeder, can be divided into 3 separate pens which has a wooden floor. Measurements inside 172cm high x 164cm wide x 270cm long $3000.00
3 X Metal Feed Troughs, 204cm long x 50cm wide x 50cm high $150.00 the lot
Skirting Fleece Metal Table, 170cm x 150cm with 5cm x 5cm mesh and 84cm high $40.00
Wooden table with A-Frame Legs, 71cm long and 60cm wide $40.00
4 x Metal Chaff Drums with Lids 50cm high $40.00
Enquiries to Leanne Pearce
Mobile 0438 889 575
WINTER EDITION Read ‘n’ Breed 29
2014 National Show & Sale at Bendigo
WANTED!!!…… Any members who would like to help with
organising this major showing event.
You CAN help from the
comfort of your home.
If you are interested please contact Greg on 0408969044 who will pass your contact information
on to Trevor the co-ordinator of the show
Position 1: MT Pleasant Show Convenor/s
Looking for enthusiastic, members who are looking for a rewarding challenge in
convening the Mount Pleasant show. If interested please contact either the Region-