Letter from New Zealand

Brother and sister team Ros and Andy Scott, McKenzie Fields Alpacas, have been breeding alpaca since 2006. The herd is based on New Zealand’s North Island and is managed by Ros while Andy, who lives in Auckland visits regularly to look after the property.

When I moved up from Wellington to the family farm in

2004 I wanted to do something a bit different, writes Ros. The dairy farm has been in our family for over 140 years, not long by UK standards, but something to be proud of here in New Zealand (NZ).

Like many, I first came across alpacas at a local show and instantly fell in love with these curious animals. I started breeding Suri, focusing on greys, however I quickly realised I was limiting myself in the market so I introduced Huacyas into the herd.

Now we have more than 100 alpacas. The main emphasis is definitely Huacaya but we still run a small Suri herd. I certainly have a soft spot for the breed and there is nothing better than seeing a full fleeced Suri pronk around the paddock.

Silver grey genetics

Focussing on beautiful silver greys we aim to produce solid greys. Because of this, over the years, I’ve packed the herd with silver grey genetics and I am now introducing different solid colours predominantly roans (modern greys) and smoky fawns.

I have been lucky enough to have some spectacular males join the herd and put their stamp on their progeny, whilst also using outside matings from other NZ breeders. Our latest addition, Empire Tapestry originally bred by a

joint UK/NZ herd, is certainly one of those males. He is a beautiful roan male (modern grey) that has proven himself in the showring. An incredibly proud moment was when he won both Champion Fleece and Breed at our National Show. This validated my decision to have him join our herd.

He started his breeding career early and this season sired two stunning roan boys; he has been a busy boy this mating season. Boys however are only half the equation and I’ve invested in, and bred, some fantastic females. Fleece qualities and conformation are incredibly important, but equally, temperament plays a key part in any breeding decision.

Good to handle

Being short in stature and doing most of the hands-on work by myself I need animals that are going to be easy to handle. I spend a lot of time with the alpacas, checking them daily is the quickest way to determine if one of them isn’t quite right. Due to their stoic nature it’s the slightest change in behaviour that can mean they need a closer inspection. I also have many visitors to the farm which helps the alpacas get use to different situations – family and friends love having paddock picnics with the herd. I also run workshops each year aimed at new breeders or those that are thinking about owning alpacas. I always want to make sure that people have as much information before making any decisions. The more informed they are the better it is for the animals.

One of my biggest challenges on the farm is lack of time. I work full time in a reasonably demanding job and at an insurance company called Farmers Mutual Group (FMG); FMG is similar to the National Farmers Union (NFU). It’s a mutual society and supports the rural community. Fortunately, I am able to work flexibly to fit around activities on the farm.

As with many other organisations Covid-19 sped up recognition that working from home can be a viable option. This of course is fantastic during birthing season (Dec-April). FMG also benefits from me having a farm that they can use for different photo shoots or internal videos – the latest one being a safety video with one of my alpacas called Kamakazi being an absolute superstar!

Farm layout to ease management

Over the years I’ve reconfigured the farm to make both my own and the alpaca’s lives a bit less stressful. Establishing raceways ensures I can efficiently get the alpacas into the main shed. A quick clap of the hands and they all come running. As I like to weigh the herd every six weeks I have set up a weigh scale so the animals can walk in, get weighed and let out through a gate at the opposite end. Being clever, the alpacas know the drill and line up ready and waiting knowing that there is tempting feed at the other end.

Loading and transporting animals singlehandedly can also be a challenge if the animals aren’t halter trained. I’ve set up an area where my horsebox can be attached to a pen. I put food in the horsebox and then just leave them for 30 minutes. They quickly get use to walking up and down the “scary” ramp.

I am an active member of the alpaca community and exhibit at shows, I also help convene shows including the Alpaca Association NZ (AANZ) National show, and I am a member of several committees and have sat on our National Council.

Supporting others or just meeting breeders throughout the world via social media has all added to the enjoyment of owning alpacas. I still think though there is nothing better than seeing a brand new cria taking his or her first steps and then seeing beautiful bundles of fleece – I am looking forward to the next 20 years.

For more information about McKenzie Fields Alpacas:  www.mckenziealpcas.co.nz facebook-square McKenzie Fields Alpacas, or Ros Scott