MAGAZ IN IAL E IC
OF
OF F
December 2014
MAGAZI NE IAL IC OF
OF F
December 2014
MAGAZIN IAL E IC
OF
OF F
Inside this issue…
Message from the President
03
Alpaca 2014 National Show Extravaganza
04
Alpaca 2014 International Photo Competition
08
AANZ Judges Evaluation
12
Australian Alpaca Association
14
Our Alpaca Industry: Imagining the Future
18
Alpacas in China
23
The Fair Trading Act: Does it Apply to the Alpaca Industry
26
Fibre Forums
30
Prevalence of and Risk Factors Associated with Mycoplasma Haemolamae in New Zealand Alpacas
34
It's About Sharing the Love
37
Farm D.I.Y. – Useful Ideas for Around the Farm that don't Cost the Earth
38
EBVs – Estimated Breeding Values
43
Advertising Breeder Profile
46
New Member Profile
48
The New Score Sheet for Shows Explained
50
Alpaca 2014 National Show Results
52
South Island Colourbration 2014 Results
56
Greg Charteris
Anya Walkington COVER PHOTO: Courtesy of Ros Scott McKenzie Fields Alpacas
Anya Walkington
Showing & Judging Sub Committee Michelle Malt Cindy Harris
John Donald
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08
Cilla Taylor
Northern, Southern and Central Regions
23
Julie‑Ann Hinkson, Cristin Dwyer and Keren Dittmer Joyce Martin
37
Frith Latham
Steve Marshall
Andy & Ros McKenzie
Ray & Yvonne Jackson
43
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Editors Robyn Anderson & Frith Latham magazine@alpaca.org.nz
Website www.alpaca.org.nz AANZ – All Enquiries Toni Soppet – AANZ Office Manager PO Box 6348, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8442 Phone (03) 341 5242. Mobile 021 368 994 tonisoppet@alpaca.org.nz or aanz@clear.net.nz
Advertising AANZ Office advertising@alpaca.org.nz Phone (03) 341 5242 Deadlines New Zealand Alpaca is produced three times per year. Deadlines for all advertising & articles for the next issue is 2nd March, 2015.
AANZ Council President Greg Charteris 128 Stan Wright Road Karaka, Auckland president@alpaca.org.nz
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Secretary Martyn Ellwood-Wade secretary@alpaca.org.nz Treasurer Wayne Allison treasurer@alpaca.org.nz Southern Region Rep. Frank Walkington southernrep@alpaca.org.nz Central Region Rep. Heather Goffin centralrep@alpaca.org.nz Northern Region Rep. Sarah Busby northernrep1@alpaca.org.nz Northern Region Rep. Willem Alblas northernrep2@alpaca.org.nz Liability Whilst all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of information this Association accepts no responsibility for any errors contained in advertisements or text. Views expressed by advertisements and contributors are not necessarily endorsed by this association. Copyright All material appearing in NZ Alpaca is copyright. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of AANZ.
I get the feeling that there is a growing optimism in our NZ industry with ever growing interest from overseas for our stock, the China market now beginning to actually happen and many people getting serious about their fibre marketing.
Message from the President Greetings and welcome to Spring, at least some parts of the country are experiencing Spring, the upper North island is getting a lot of rain while we have reports that Canterbury is already starting to dry out. I guess no matter what weather we have, farming will always be challenging, if it is wet and cold we are miserable and low on feed and if it’s hot and humid we have lots of grass and facial eczema, it’s a great life. We have just had our National Show in Christchurch and I must extend a huge thank you to Shirley Grant, Anya Walkington and their great teams of helpers for putting on such a great event. The RDA event centre was transformed into an excellent showing venue and the true extent of the work put into setting this up was only really understood after a group of us disassembled the whole show on the Sunday afternoon, to turn it back into a sand covered horse arena. For those of you who didn’t make it to the Nationals you missed a great event, we had a record number of Australian breeders come across (I think there were something like 38 Australians in attendance) and I think it is a real testament to the current state of breeding in NZ, that this number of Australian breeders want to come to see our stock. There was definitely Australian purchasing interest in our NZ stock and I believe we should be heartened by this interest as is demonstrates that we are no longer the poor cousins in the industry. The Nationals as always, was a great place to meet breeders from around the country and some excellent social activities were enjoyed by all. The auctions managed to extract some cash from our Australian friends which was a bonus and following the Nationals several Australian groups visited breeders around the Canterbury area, which again is great to see rather than always NZ breeders going to Australia. I get the feeling that there is a growing optimism in our NZ industry with ever growing interest from overseas for our stock, the China market now beginning to actually happen and many people getting serious about their fibre marketing. For most of us shearing time is fast approaching and I hope everyone is giving serious thought to the fibre they will be shearing and what they will do with it, other than heaping more into the corner of the shed. There have been some excellent fibre workshops held around the country of late and many people are getting enthused about planning for shearing, determining before shearing what they are going to do with the various classes of fibre and setting about to sort this properly at shearing time. If we arrange markets in
advance for our fibre, handle it once at shearing and get it off the property into the hands of willing buyers straight after shearing, we will see a rapid decline in the complaint that shearing costs outweigh fibre cheques. Although many people want to protect their fibre sources and markets (which I can understand from a commercial sense) I would like to see if we can collect some statistical data following the shearing season, regarding various breeders fibre sales. Without disclosing any specific markets, I would love to see a broad cost report on upper end fibre grades/ prices, duvet grades and prices and other manufacturing grade fibre prices. I am sure these sort of statistics would encourage those who are not actively selling their fibre to get together with others, pool their fibre and get it sold. There are now buyers that want fibre in the 1000kg plus range and we now need to seriously consider pooling fibre and pressing bales. The recent workshops gave attendees some excellent guidance for preparing, handling and targeting their fibre to market sectors and I feel from listening to a lot of breeder enthusiasm, that there is going to be a significant step forward in fibre marketing and income this year. I would also like to look to our bigger Alpaca farmers who are producing the bulk of fibre in NZ, to leverage off their experience and knowledge to move the whole industry forward. At the end of the day, our larger Alpaca farmers are the industry leaders in commercialising the Alpacas and while showing (and in particular genetic advancement) is vital to the ongoing industry, so too is the commercial development of Alpacas if we hope to have them seriously considered for mainstream farming in NZ. Good luck to all with the showing season now upon us, and I hope you all have a successful shearing and fibre selling November. Greg Charteris President, AANZ
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NATIONAL SHOW
EXTRAVA
GANZA
by Anya Walkington
7am Monday October 6th and Alpaca 2014 kicked off with the National Fleece Show at the RDA Equestrian Centre at Canterbury Park, Christchurch. A team of volunteers worked tirelessly for 4 days preparing the 231 fleeces for fleece sampling, judging and finally displaying. SGS, our on-site fleece testers’ micron tested 4 samples per fleece, before they were judged by Peter Kennedy. The positioning of the fleece display at the show show allowed for the fleeces to be a focal point of the event. It was an impressive display thanks to the tireless work of the many volunteers. Congratulations to Oakridge Ayla – Supreme Huacaya Fleece, exhibited by Graham and Joca Keen, Supreme Suri Fleece – Fairhaven Jazmyn exhibited by Anne & Neil Godrey and Premier Fancy Huacaya Fleece – NZ Summerhill Spot the Sir Prize exhibited by Shirley and Dallas Grant. Two days of pre show set up saw the arena transform from a cavernous hall into 250sqm of everything alpaca. Premium sponsors’ trade stands lined the entry to the main areas of the show, with trade sites offering a myriad of industry related products. 9am Friday October 10 AANZ President, Greg Charteris opened Alpaca 2014 and Amanda VandenBosch commenced 2½ days of judging the 312 alpacas entered in the national show. Amanda, having judged the first AANZ National Show back in 2004 (in Christchurch) had the honour of announcing the lucky winner of a Masterweave Alpaca Blanket, going to the exhibitor of the 5000th national show breed entry – a significant milestone for AANZ alpaca showing. Suri junior females and males were judged in an age group format, followed by Huacaya junior females and 4
males, through to championships. MC Robert Gane kept everyone on track and well informed during the entire event, as well as photographing each champion and reserve champion. Images were posted almost instantaneously onto Facebook for the wider alpaca community to keep up with events which was well received by all. Friday evening festivities started with the awarding of the Fleece Championships by Peter Kennedy, followed by a most enjoyable bbq buffet dinner. With a generous contingency of Australian alpaca breeders having made the trip over for Alpaca 2014, there was an excellent atmosphere. Saturday 9am sharp and the remaining Suri classes were back in the ring with the judging of the Supreme Suri. Congratulations to Anne & Neil Godfrey of Fairhaven Alpacas for winning the 2014 National Suri title with Fairhaven Houston! Huacaya judging got underway after everyone had the opportunity to have a close look at the National Suri Champions in the Supreme Line up, an opportunity taken up by many. And for the third time, Stoneleigh Valentino was awarded the National Supreme title, the only alpaca having achieved this outstanding result in New Zealand. Congratulations to Chris and Liz Strack of Stoneleigh Alpacas! Exhibitors and spectators were treated to a champagne show ring celebration following the Supreme Huacaya presentation and again had the opportunity to see the Champions in the Huacaya Supreme line up.
One of the many highlights of Alpaca 2014 was the Gala Dinner and Auction. Well over a hundred people headed over to Silks at Addington Raceway for a very entertaining evening, punctuated by a superb selection of items auctioned off during the course of the evening. Robert Gane, auctioneer extraordinaire, skillfully extracted generous amounts of money from a big number of punters, to the tune of over $14,000! The final day of judging on Sunday started with the Fancy section, including alpacas with appaloosa, pinto and tuxedo markings. Congratulations to Shirley and Dallas Grant of NZ Summerhill Alpacas for winning National Premier Fancy Huacaya with NZ Summerhill Spot the Sir Prize! Suri and Huacaya Colour Championships were judged and awarded. For the first time, Reserve Championships were awarded in the colour classes. Progeny classes followed for both Get of Dam and Sire’s Progeny. The closing of the show was preceded by the announcement of the Best Trade Stand – Congratulations to Maree Churchill of El dos Cadena Alpacas! - and thank you’s to our judges, Peter Kennedy and Amanda VandenBosch, Chief Steward Mary-Anne Pruden and Mark Pruden our Ring steward and of course a long list of fleece and breed show stewards and helpers with whom the show could not have taken place without their efforts. The Working Group would like to thank all the sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers for making Alpaca 2014 a HUGE success! Special mention goes to Mike Banks, Shearpac and his guys for providing the muscle for set up and breakdown. The show was also enjoyed by well over 1000 spectators who came through the show over the 3 days, thanks to concerted marketing and publicity efforts that promoted New Zealand’s premier annual alpaca event.
STONELEIGH VALENTINO AANZ National Show Supreme Champion Huacaya 2012, 2013, 2014 Last year we celebrated the very noteworthy achievement of ‘Supreme Champion of the AANZ National Show’ for two successive years awarded to Stoneleigh Valentino. This year that honour has been well and truly topped – by the third consecutive win of ’Supreme Champion of the AANZ National Show’ by Stoneleigh Valentino – a ‘first’ for New Zealand. Top: Supreme Champion Huacaya – Stoneleigh Valentino Middle: Supreme Champion Suri – Fairhaven Houston Bottom: Premier Fancy – NZ Summerhill Spot the Sir Prize
– Photos courtesy of Robert Gane
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Top Left: Greg Charteris opening the Show.  Top Right: Supreme Huacaya Lineup, Champagne Show Ring Celebration. Middle: Busy Show Day with the Public. Bottom: Outside Penning. 6
Top Left: White Huacaya Class Lineup.  Top Right: A Moment Between Exhibitor and Entrant. Middle: Fleece Display. Bottom: Gala Dinner. 7
by Anya Walkington
What a phenomenal success! Breaking from traditional photo competitions, the working group put together a photo competition that would be free and simple to enter. What we didn’t expect was 570 photo entries! We limited people to 3 entries per class with 4 classes offered. Entries were submitted online and then uploaded to Facebook, where anyone could “like” or vote for their favourite photos. Entries came from 14 different countries, highlighting alpaca passion globally.
Photo Competition Results OVERALL WINNER Alpakaruh – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany PH1 – CRIA 1st Alpakaruh – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany 2nd Me and my bud – Knapper Alpakka, Norway 3rd Contact – Heather Burn, Australia PH2 – ALPACAS INTERACTING 1st Springtime – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany 2nd The race is on! – Margit Korsak, USA 3rd Hard work – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany PH3 – FARM SCENE 1st The Legends – Megan Behler, Australia 2nd Amanecer en La Raya – Diego capillo Tarazona, Peru 3rd Winter dream – Knapper Alpakka, Norway PH4 - HUMOROUS 1st Rafa Winking – Alan Parks, Spain 2nd Mum stop ignoring me – Diane Bulpit, Australia
Overall Winner: Alpakaruh – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany
To view the photos, go to Facebook: www.facebook.com/alpaca2014photocompetition 8
3rd Counting sheep zzzz – Gayle Herring, Australia
PH1 – Cria
PH2 – Alpacas Interacting
1st Alpakaruh – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany
1st Springtime – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany
2nd Me and my bud – Knapper Alpakka, Norway
2nd The race is on! – Margit Korsak, USA
3rd Contact – Heather Burn, Australia
3rd Hard work – Alpakas vom Weinberg, Germany
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PH3 – Farm Scene
PH4 – Humorous
1st The Legends – Megan Behler, Australia
1st Rafa Winking – Alan Parks, Spain
2nd Amanecer en La Raya – Diego capillo Tarazona, Peru
2nd Mum stop ignoring me – Diane Bulpit, Australia
3rd Winter dream – Knapper Alpakka, Norway
3rd Counting sheep zzzz – Gayle Herring, Australia
Toni, Greg & Lisa Charteris Karaka, South of Auckland | phone: 09 292 7895 email: toni@tcs.net.nz | www.watersedgealpacas.co.nz
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Amanda Vanden Bosch, Lyn Dickson, Molly Gardner, Peter Kennedy [above], Diane Marks [below], Sarah Busby, Paul Garland.
AANZ JUDGES
EVALUATION by the Showing & Judging Sub Committee
Recently the Showing and Judging Sub Committee organised a two day Evaluation for the AANZ judges. It was held directly after the National Show to take advantage of Amanda VandenBosch’s expertise as a US Alpaca Judge Trainer and Evaluator while she was in NZ. Lyn Dickson, a Senior Australian Level 1 Judge, was also engaged and together they carried out a series of exercises to determine the best areas to focus training.
ABOVE: Judges sitting their exam in their personal booths. RIGHT: Fleece judging exercise.
The five judges attending were also personally assessed and will receive feedback from the two evaluators. The information will also go to the Judges Review Panel to use when judges reapply or wish to judge up to a higher level. Over 20 AANZ member volunteers also turned out during the two days to help as stewards, caterers and handlers, others provided alpaca and fleeces for judging. The weather was windy, cold and wet at times, but did not deter any of the hardy participants. AANZ accredited judges have the opportunity to attend three training sessions a year and are required to attend two, to keep current with showing matters. Last season two of the training sessions were successfully held in combination with breeders workshops. Judges are an important part of the NZ alpaca show system, they are commended for giving their time freely for training and judging appointments, demonstrating their commitment to the NZ Alpaca Industry.
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THE PROOF IS IN THE
PROGENY
Photo courtesy of Robert Gane-Canchones
Patagonia Celtic Rising Sun ET
www.shamarra-alpacas.co.nz
A k a |r o , N 5141 e w Z| einfo@shamarra-alpacas.co.nz aland Frank & Anya Walkington 03a 304
www.shamarra-alpacas.co.nz
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by Michelle Malt President, Australian Alpaca Association Owner, Big Sky Alpacas (NSW, Australia)
As I look out over my own herd of alpaca, I am reminded every day of what the Australian Alpaca industry is working towards in a world where the rare luxury of alpaca fleece has never been in higher demand.
The 2014 year has seen important developments at home and internationally that have increased confidence amongst our breeders in the commercially viable future of the industry, and highlighted for us the importance of worldwide collaboration to reach global industry goals. Increased volumes of consistent quality fleece, an increase in genetic diversity and an increasing emphasis on alpaca product are very much in focus. The Australian year began well with Turkey, one of the largest textile manufacturers in the world, selecting our genetics to start its fine breeding herd in a government research programme studying the viability of large scale fleece production. In late September the trade with Turkey was followed by a record breaking export of fine alpaca breeding stock into China. A precious cargo of 525 quality breeding males and pregnant females landed in the Shanxi Province on a chartered Singapore Airlines 747 Freighter Aircraft that left from Melbourne airport. It was the largest shipment to ever leave Australia, and the shipment will form a breeding herd at Shanxi University where China is establishing an alpaca industry to be largely founded on these bloodlines. As the giant of world textile production, China is establishing its new fibre venture at a time when demand for luxurious alpaca fleece and alpaca product has never been higher. There is enormous potential for more trade extending to other interested international producers. We see our foundation
Australia’s shipment of finely fleeced breeding stock has been keenly awaited by the Chinese team, who are looking forward to stepping into the premium Alpaca textile industry.  Image courtesy Wildflower Alpacas. 14
Superfine lobbying: Cria brokers political peace. Australian Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce, right, came together in a fleecy-fine bipartisan moment with Shadow Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon at the national capital in March to celebrate the Australian alpaca industry.
Hannah Fletcher, aged 11, enjoys the thrill of show competition at the Australian Alpaca National Show & Sale, Bendigo, Victoria, September 2014
contribution to this Chinese development herd as a huge boost to the Australian alpaca industry and testament to the two decades we have been breeding an elite Australian alpaca with fibre traits at the top end of the world industry. The China export of such a huge number of consistent quality animals was sourced from around 20 studs and demonstrates how all breeders, large or small, can enjoy commercial returns for their breeding achievements.
of the new classing programme. Sales of professionally classed Australian alpaca fibre were made to both local and overseas buyers, creating a greater awareness of the potential of this unique fibre. The finest grade in the collection has been sent for production offshore.
In another 2014 trade boost, the Australian government has negotiated protocols for export to Korea and is forecasting potential markets of up to 1,000 stud animals per year. These markets are exciting immediate business opportunities for Australian studs, and extend the traditional export markets we have long established with New Zealand, Europe, and the UK for our premium bloodlines. The sale of Australia’s quality breeding stock into countries who are growing the international herds is also good news for the world industry. We are excited to be forging new markets and see increased opportunity for the world to work together on supplying the high volumes of consistent fleece quality demanded by elite fashion designers. Once these supply channels are secured markets for luxurious alpaca fleece will be enjoyed throughout the industry. The challenge internationally is to provide a consistent supply of quality fibre to meet ongoing demand. To achieve this outcome, it is necessary to deliver sufficient quantities of alpaca fibre that has been classed to a standard that is Quality Assured and has a monitoring program in place to provide buyers with a level of certainty in the product they are purchasing. Australia is working to continually improve fleece collection and ultimate shearing methods in its efforts to push up fleece quality and quantity. Recently, we developed a Quality Assurance Code of Practice and have begun using professionally trained classers to grade fleece, and an internationally recognised fibre broker to send it out. An initial trial invited contributions from both small and large breeders and accepted all fleece microns, colours and lengths of Huacaya fleece to test the effectiveness
We are fortunate to have a monitoring program for our Code of Practice in place that is undertaken by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) to provide buyers with a level of certainty in the product they are purchasing. AWEX has been selling Merino around the world for many decades, and now alpaca fleece can go out with that same internationally recognised quality assurance mark. It is key now for all growers to understand the optimum fleece requirements that will ensure cost-effective processing without sacrificing quality. On this level, it is inspiring to see Australian Suri breeders working with their New Zealand counterparts to source sufficient quantities of Suri fibre to conduct trials to determine the processing capabilities of different micron ranges and colour. Ultimately, this research will benefit growers who can use this information to determine the appropriate type of alpaca enterprise to suit their situation. We are keen to see the world work together to continually improve the quality of the worldwide alpaca herd by giving alpaca breeders the ability to source animals with highly desirable traits from the most diverse genetic pool. At the same time, it would provide greater opportunity for all of the world’s alpaca breeders to market their animals in strong local and broad international markets. The consistency and depth of quality genetic lines on show at the 2014 Australian Alpaca Association’s National Show & Sale event was recognised by selective local and international buyers drawn to breeding stock showing fleece with impressive lustre, density and fineness. At our annual premier industry event we saw the promise of the future in such things as the joy of a young girl win her first show ribbon, a well-supported and highly competitive Paraders competition, and the entry into the industry of some very impressive commercially focused studs. 15
At the event’s prestigious national auction, the top selling female was secured by a stud just 12 months old and already making a huge impact on Australia’s rural landscape. A rare Leopard Appaloosa male sold to a joint venture between an Australian and New Zealand stud. The genetics of this male will be shared across the Tasman in the type of partnership that has such a benefit to herd quality in both of our countries. Further international sales were made off the auction floor with Australian genetics making their way to the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In another area of development, we are also seeing further success in our emerging meat market with its importance in the commercial direction of the industry. Throughout the year we have seen more restaurants adding alpaca meat to the menu and it has also been featured at Wine and Fine Food expos across Australia which is generating keen interest from restaurant and discerning home chefs as a lean and versatile meat. One celebrity chef broadcast a “Paddock to Plate” TV feature on alpaca, and a prominent Sydney food writer voted an alpaca burger in his top ten picks. And as I write, news has just arrived that Australia is now set to export prime alpaca cuts direct into New Zealand, so that soon you too will be able to sample Australia’s favourite alpaca dishes.
TOP: A mound of beautiful suri fibre at a recent collection day. Photo courtesy of Dianne Marshall. ABOVE: 1250 kg of glorious Alpaca fleece baled and ready to go. Photo courtesy of Andrew & Bronwyn Munn, Alpha Centauri Alpacas.
and fibre gives me confidence to encourage others to enter the industry and to join our Association. As we increasingly focus on the international alpaca herd, I would like to see global collaboration extend into every area of the industry, particularly research. Sharing outcomes here avoids duplication of effort and maximises advances being made in genetics, reproduction, fleece measurement and so much more that is critical in breeding to perfection. With a greater awareness of what is occurring and being addressed in other countries, our collaborative efforts can be directed towards achieving a fully commercial industry on a global basis. Healthy and delicious prime alpaca cuts have captivated chefs on the Australian gourmet scene. Image courtesy Illawarra Prime Alpaca.
Our breeders are seeing now that commercial returns are possible and are not just restricted to the sale of high quality or well-marketed breeding stock for a finite number of producers. The strong international interest in quality animals, fibre and various end products has generated confidence in the market, resulting in increased business activity domestically, and assisting producers at all levels to generate sales, confirming the alpaca industry’s strong and viable future. Being the owner of a small herd, knowing there is a range of options available to me that can provide a financial return is very encouraging, and personally seeing those results through the sale of animals 16
2014 has been a very strong and positive year for Australian alpaca and we are now have clear directions as we head into new seasons. 2015 marks the 25th year since the Australian Alpaca Association was formed and we will celebrate this milestone with our members and reflect on the developments in the Australian industry during the past 25 years. As for the future, I am looking forward to being part of a world industry as it goes from strength to strength.
The Australian Alpaca Association was established in 1990 following the first imports of alpaca from South America. Today, the national herd is in excess of 160,000 animals and Australia has become a key supplier of high quality stud animals on the international market. The industry’s position at the forefront of breed development and advanced fleece style is the result of extensive genetic research and the development of sophisticated breeding techniques. An emerging meat market is now part of an industry move towards farming the whole animal and realising a fully viable, commercial future.
On Farm Quarantine Facility Setting the Suri Standard
Ch o i c e Quality
Affordability All Colours
www.surilana.com.au Â
Ian and Angela Preuss Strathbogie, Victoria, Australia, 3666 PH: +61 3 57905394 Mobile: 0407931789 Email: suris@surilana.com.au 17
OUR
ALPACA INDUSTRY IMAGINING THE FUTURE
This article is written by Cindy Harris owner of Alpacas at Windy Hill. It was originally written to comment on the U.S. alpaca industry but has been edited with Cindy’s permission to reflect upon the global alpaca industry. Cindy says “I would love to be part of an international conversation about the alpaca industry in general”. Her comments are great food for thought!
What will happen to our wonderful herds of alpacas in the next 10 years? Imagine with me for a moment what the alpaca industry might look like in 2024… If we ask the man on the street in 2024 “What is an alpaca?”, we might get a variety of answers. “Alpacas? Weren’t they like ostriches? People used to pay ridiculous prices for them but the bubble burst. Now you don’t hear about them much anymore.” “Alpacas? Yeah, they tried to make them into livestock. You know—sell the fleece to make money. But the recession of 2008 came before they got their act together. Some people tried to create a meat market, but it never caught on. I know people who still have a few in their back yards, but there isn’t much use for them. “Alpacas? Oh, they are so adorable, and their fleece is to die for! My whole winter wardrobe is alpaca, and it’s all made here. Cashmere and merino used to be the go-to natural fibres for cold weather, but now if it’s not at least 50% alpaca, I won’t buy it. It’s the only thing I can comfortably wear that lasts. I even have alpaca upholstery on my couch now—it’s beautiful and hardly shows wear, even after five years and three kids!” I “see” a real future for the alpaca industry. And what do I want it to look like in the future? Here are some of my answers. I would like to hear yours. It’s time to cast a new Vision… Which scenario would you rather see? 18
I want… • ‘Alpaca’ to be a household word. • More young families to catch the vision and join the alpaca movement. • Locally grown and manufactured alpaca products to be common in upper end department stores. • The value of an alpaca to be based on science and objective data, not just show ribbons. • Alpaca socks and long underwear to be the go-to choice for cold weather wear in sporting goods stores. • Alpaca rugs, draperies and upholstery to be common in homes. • Sports fans to take alpaca stadium pads and lap blankets with them to outdoor games. • Locally grown and spun yarn in every privately owned yarn shop. • To drive across the country and see large herds of alpacas grazing. • The number of registered alpacas to climb. • Standardized measurements for histograms and skin biopsies. • Sorting and grading become 2nd nature to breeders and growers—a standard skill in the pocket of every alpaca owner. • Alpaca farmers turning down offers from foreign entities to buy our fleece because we have a use for every scrap of fibre produced. What do you want to see happen in our Alpaca Industry?
What We Need for the Long Haul The alpaca industry has undergone a shake-down during the recession just like all industries in the U.S. prices have gone down, just like the housing market. Some breeders have trimmed their herds down to the very best. Some have taken this opportunity to retire. Most of us have had a long dry spell in alpaca sales. What used to pass for moderate quality alpacas are now relegated to the “rug yarn” herd… or even the meat market. There has been an increase in the pet/fibre market for alpacas that needed to move to someone else’s feed bill. Many people now own alpacas who could not afford them during the period when prices were high. These are all positive things. The quality of alpacas in the show ring has progressed by leaps and bounds every year, and yet many alpacas who have the desirable fleece characteristics needed for a fleece market are selling as pets for the simple reason that their owners can no longer support them. Many breeders stopped breeding altogether, some for several years, because they were out of room, or out of funds to feed additional mouths. We still need to increase our numbers by quite a bit to have the amount of fleece necessary to interest commercial fleece buyers. And we need to continue our good breeding practices that have led to the level of quality we are seeing today. WE CAN DO THIS!
This leads me to ask, “What do we need?” Perhaps it is time for the mind-set of us as breeders to push the reset button on their goals and objectives, study where we have been and where we need to be, and re-write those goals to better serve the future of alpaca in the global marketplace. Here are my thoughts about the alpaca industry as we go forward. We need… People with vision who • are passionate about a commercial alpaca fleece industry • will set standards that advance the overall quality of the national herd • want to usher in the domestic alpaca fibre industry • will coordinate the collection and sale of fleece at a fair price • will run the alpaca association with drive and determination to make the local Alpaca Industry succeed at home and abroad Serious livestock-model alpaca breeders who • are in it for the long haul • breed herds of quality alpacas to create a viable domestic fleece industry • have the financial standing to get through lean times • have enough pasture land to support alpacas in an economical manner
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Objective methods for evaluating breeding stock and fleece so that • reliable choices can be made when planning breedings • the quality of the national herd continually improves • breeders have reliable means of achieving realistic breeding goals Businesses that create commercial uses for alpaca fleece to • create finished products from local alpaca fleece • create jobs with locally grown fleece • accommodate different grades of fleece • present the best possible use of each grade to the market • diversify the domestic fleece market A community of support businesses that will provide • sorting and grading services • shearing services • competent veterinary care • feed specifically aimed at healthy fleeces • equipment for alpaca handling and fleece processing • transportation and warehousing An alternative end-use community of individuals, businesses and charities that • use alpaca fleece in craft and art endeavours • absorb culls from breeding herds • as pets • as meat and hides • as therapy animals • as ambassadors to the public
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The article was originally written to reflect the U.S. market but raises many valid and interesting points that are just as relevant to us here in N.Z. or elsewhere in the world. Cindy says “I am sharing these ideas with you knowing that this is not the complete picture. I'm sure I’ve left things out, and what I have included probably needs tweaking” She invites comment on additional ideas that you think would benefit the alpaca industry as we march onward toward the goal of a commercial local and international fibre market.
Cindy Harris I developed a passion for Suri alpacas that began in 2000 while I was teaching fourth grade. Suris were visual poetry to me, with their locks shining and swinging in the breeze! I own Alpacas at Windy Hill in Somis, California. We practice intensive California-style management of a herd of 120 alpacas on 25 acres of Bermuda grass for our own herd and several boarders. We emphasize education, providing a “safety net” for new owners. We breed for excellent Suri traits across colors and origins. We shear our Suris annually, and have been extremely pleased with the results, feeling strongly that the proof of a Suri is in the regrowth. Much of our herd sits in the top 1% EPD's in the national registry. http://www.alpacalink.com/
SIRE – Hope Downs El Goro DAM – Greenwood Mischa IAR No – 339474 DOB – 23/02/2005
GREENWOOD GREYLORD New Grey Genetics from Australia SIRE: Hope Downs El Goro DAM: Greenwood Mischa IAR No: 339474 DOB: 23/02/2005
New Grey Genetics from Australia
Greylord will be based in the Auckland area until early Greylord will be based in the Auckland area until early February. This is a rare opportunity to access one of Australia's foremost grey herd sires. February. This is a rare opportunity to access one of Australia’s He has absolutely NO SPOTS. foremost grey herd sires. He has absolutely no spots. Kit & Sheryl Johnson Silverstream Alpaca Stud (03) 327 3020 Silverstream Alpaca Stud info@alpacastud.co.nz Kit & Sheryl Johnson Phone: (03) 327 3020 | Email: info@alpaca-stud.co.nz
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….selective breeding = distinctive suri alpacas …...growing lustrous fibre to produce distinctive products.
by
…... visit our website…...we will have alpacas , scarves, wraps, shawls and other alpaca products to suit your requirements.
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www.bellaveenalpacas.co.nz
ALPACAS IN
by John Donald
About a year ago, I was invited to a presentation that was attended by around 1000 business people. One of the questions that were asked was, “how many people have made an online purchase in the last 6 months”? Around 95% of the attendees put up their hands. The next question that was asked was, “how many people have made an online purchase from an overseas website in the last 6 months”? Almost the same amount of hands went up. At that moment, I was reminded that the world, economically speaking, is actually a small place. Whether we like it or not, we belong to a world marketplace, and to compete, we need to find the aspects of our business that make us special.
I first visited China in around 1986. It was an amazing introduction to a country that has held a fascination for me from as long as I can remember. Standing on a street corner early one morning, I watched in awe as what seemed like 1 billion bicycles sped past like an army of ants on a mission to find food. Recalling my thoughts at the time, they were along the lines of, “if I was a bicycle factory, I would be doing really well in China right now”. Looking around the retailers where local people shop is a great way to get a fast understanding of a country’s economy. Back in 1986, the local shops mainly stocked commodity items for living at a fairly basic level. There were no international brands available, and the brands that did exist were very obviously illegal copies, although the Chinese authorities made no serious attempt to police this practice. Nothing for sale in a store seemed to have a fixed price, because the price was whatever the merchant could get you to pay for it, and anyone with a foreign face was seen as a target for making a substantial profit. Negotiations were handled by a calculator, because very few Chinese people could speak English. One thing was very evident when travelling around China: there were a lot of factories and a lot of farms. Fair to say on my first visit, the bulk of manufacture was for export, and the bulk of farming was for domestic consumption. Having such a large population provided a huge low cost labour force, which made it very attractive to big consumer nations such as USA.
Fast forward to 2014, and over 200 visits later, the China of today is an almost unrecognizably different place. Visit downtown Shanghai, and the array of shops and brands available compete with New York or London. Late model cars clog the busy roads, and the offering of fine dining and entertainment is truly world class. The opulent hotels that were once the exclusive domain of western business people are now frequented by locals. Without a doubt, China as an economic powerhouse has arrived. There are still a huge amount of factories and farms: that hasn’t changed. Quality and labour standards have improved hugely, largely due to the pressure brought to bear from foreign countries that don’t want to have their brands compromised by poor quality or bad press. Manufacturing costs have risen steeply, however, China still offers a significant labour advantage. China is a big country, both in physical size, and population. China is also a big country in its aspirations to move ahead. It is almost unbelievable how it has moved ahead. Certainly you can get glimpses of the old China in some tucked away town or back street, but by and large, China is now a modern country. As a duel example of the size of the Chinese domestic market and how it has embraced the practice of online shopping, we only need to look at what happened on Double Ten Day last year, (this is the National Day of the Republic of China held on the 10th October). Over 1.1 billion online sales were transacted through the Chinese version of Trade Me 23
China the way it used to be.
Farmers ensure that every square centimetre of their farm is productive.
(called Taobao). I would think this is more transactions than what occurs in New Zealand in a whole year. So, what has all this got to do with alpacas, I hear you ask? Let me attempt to connect the dots. As I mentioned, we live in a global marketplace. China is a huge market and growing rapidly. Couple that with the fact that Chinese consumers are actively seeking and purchasing luxury products, and we are presented with opportunity one: China has a huge potential as a purchaser of alpaca products. There is a significant opportunity to educate the Chinese consumer on the quality aspects of alpaca, and specifically position New Zealand alpaca as a premium product. Opportunity two regards the alpaca as live animals. China is a huge agricultural nation. I couldn’t find a consistent number on how much farmland is available in China, but to give an idea of the scale, it is estimated that around 300 million people are currently working on farms. I need to qualify that a huge number of these farms are relatively small, and the Chinese have a keen eye for how to maximize profit from their available resources. Farmers ensure that every square centremetre of their farm in productive. Although there is some angst in New Zealand regarding the Australians getting an alpaca export protocol finalized before New Zealand, the reality is the market is so large that the whole world won’t be able to meet the demand in the short term. Opportunity three is using China for what it is best at: a relatively low cost manufacturing nation coupled with a “can do” attitude. Over the last few years, I have spent a lot of time investigating how to utilize alpaca fleece. I'm pleased to say we’ve managed to establish production for almost all qualities of alpaca fleece, and are currently working on ways to use the generally unusable fibre. Doing business in China is an interesting process to say the least. Most of the methods of building a brand in New 24
Zealand don’t apply, and all our understanding of how Google and its associated products work won’t help, because they don’t exist. Facebook isn’t allowed although there are a number of local social media sites that do a similar job. Business relationships can take years to foster, and unless aligned to a Chinese business partner, it is extremely difficult to get penetration into the market. What I do know is we have several factors working in our favour. Alpacas attract a huge amount of attention and fascination in China. A farm with alpaca would be considered to have the ultimate status symbol. Last year a cria was auctioned live on TV. Although the animal’s fleece resembled a yak, it sold for an unbelievable amount of NZD$18500.00. Imagine what quality genetics will fetch. New Zealand is one of China’s most desirable travel destinations and products from New Zealand are considered trusted and high quality. Being able to trade on the reputation of our wonderful country is a huge advantage. The opportunity of doing business with China is a large one, but as a word of caution, we need to resist the temptation of making a quick buck. If we are selling animals to China, don’t use it for a dumping ground for poor quality stock. If we are using China factories to manufacture, ensure good quality control methods. For alpaca products being sold in China, research the local market and position the product appropriately as a premium brand. Let’s make sure that China is the gift that keeps giving.
Since 1986, John has visited China more than 200 times and he now spends around 3 months of each year working from his Guangzhou based office. The business specialises in product sourcing and design, taking care of the entire process of taking an idea to manufactured product. In addition, the business offers a full range of design services such as graphic art, photography, website development and sound marketing advice. He has been an active alpaca breeder for the last 10 years. Contact: john@bright-ideas.co.nz
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THE FAIR TRADING ACT DOES IT APPLY TO THE ALPACA INDUSTRY by Cilla Taylor, Wild Palette Suri, Waimauku, Auckland Cilla teaches for Unitec in Auckland and has written their course material for the National Certificate in Real Estate, which includes, amongst other legislation, a paper on the Fair Trading Act.
The answer is an emphatic “yes”. Whether selling alpacas, alpaca products, stud services or other services connected with alpacas (such as shearing, spinning, agistment etc.), if you are “in trade” the Fair Trading Act applies to you. And the Fair Trading Act is an Act that you should take seriously. In 2013, four souvenir companies and their directors were convicted and fined a total of $601,900 for breaches of the Fair Trading Act. The breaches related to misleading descriptions of products that were sold to tourists in souvenir shops in Auckland and Rotorua. These products were predominantly alpaca products. The directors of the companies concerned appealed their sentences to the High Court, arguing that they did not realise that the mislabelling of the products was “false or misleading” partly because they were naïve, and partly because English was not their first language. However, in August this year the High Court rejected the appeal.
Just because an alpaca has vicuna markings doesn’t mean that there’s any vicuna in its ancestry. 26
So what did they do to suffer such large fines? Alpaca rugs, imported from Peru, had their “Made in Peru” labels removed and replaced
with labels which To read the Commerce read either “Proudly Commission media releases in hand made in New full that relate to this story go Zealand”, or “100% to the Commerce Commission Baby Alpaca, proudly website: www.comcom.govt.nz made in New Zealand and type alpaca in the query by Alpaca New box. Look for the media releases Zealand”. Duvets were dated Apr 2, 2013; Sept 13, labelled “100% pure 2013 and Aug 8, 2014. alpaca wool” when the content was actually only 20% alpaca. As well as the misleading labelling, staff in some souvenir shops verbally told tourists that the wool came from the “snow alpaca”, which they said is an alpaca that is “raised above the snow line in the South Island”. As a result of these misrepresentations tourists paid significantly more for the items than they were worth. The Peruvian rugs would normally retail in the range of $1,000 - $1,600, but the souvenir companies were selling them for between $4,000 and $8,000 because the tourists believed that they were made in New Zealand from New Zealand alpaca. The duvets cost around $70 to make and were sold to tourists for between $400 and $1,000. But wait – there’s more. At the time of writing, two more companies are facing charges as a result of the same investigation that uncovered the misrepresentations above. These two companies have already pleaded guilty and it is expected that the courts will advise the sentence before the end of the year. This could push the total fines up over the $800,000 mark. And if that’s not enough to convince you to take the Fair Trading Act seriously you should be aware that the fines have recently been increased to a maximum of $200,000 for an individual who breaches the Act and $600,000 for a company.
So, what does the Act actually say, and how might it apply to alpaca breeders? The Act covers misleading and deceptive conduct generally, misleading conduct in relation to goods, misleading conduct in relation to services, unsubstantiated representations and false or misleading representations.
FAIR TRADING ACT 1986 Some of the sections that apply to us are: 9. Misleading and deceptive conduct generally No person shall, in trade, engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive. 10.
Misleading conduct in relation to goods No person shall, in trade, engage in conduct that is liable to mislead the public as to the nature, manufacturing process, characteristics, suitability for a purpose, or quantity of goods.
11.
Misleading conduct in relation to services No person shall, in trade, engage in conduct that is liable to mislead the public as to the nature, characteristics, suitability for a purpose, or quantity of services.
The definition of “goods” includes animals so under the Act, alpacas are goods. Clearly the Act is not only concerned with false representations (not telling the truth), but also misleading conduct (not telling the whole truth). And the Act explains that conduct is not just what you do, it is also what you fail to do. Keeping quiet on certain issues, advertising material where the fine print substantially modifies the offer, providing outdated information (especially with regards to fleece quality) – all of these would fall into the category of misleading conduct. Basically, false representations are lies. Whether verbal or in writing, and whether intentional or unintentional, the end result is that the customer is told something that isn’t true. Unsubstantiated representations are claims that have no substance, i.e., there are no reasonable grounds for the claim. The claim, basically, is guesswork. Consider these examples:
False Representations • “90% alpaca, 10% wool” – actually it’s 80% alpaca and 20% wool • “80% alpaca, 20% fine merino” – the so-called fine merino is really 24 micron Polwarth • “100g” – it’s just 90g now that it’s dry • “Full Accoyo ancestry” – well, it is, apart from great grandmother who had an Allianza sire and a Chilean dam • “Full suri” – both parents and all four Peruvian grandparents are suri, but he has a huacaya brother • “Pregnant to the famous El Magnifico” – well, she mated him, but she got into the boys paddock six days later where Squittybum and Bareface both took turns with her – anyway, she’s spitting now • “Dam, Daisy Meadows Lolita, IAR 10134567; Sire Buttercup Valley Kingmaker, IAR 10012345” – actually Kingmaker’s nephew Prince Henry did the job, but he wasn’t certified and he’s dead now, so they registered Kingmaker as the sire
Misleading Conduct • “She’ll be a great breeding female for you, she’s had 3 beautiful cria” – but they all died within a week of birth • “Her first cria was stunning, so we have repeated the mating” – the vet who assisted at the birth recommended that she not be bred from again • “He’s only had suri cria so we’re pretty sure he’s homozygous” – but he’s only been mated to suri dams • “He consistently wins ribbons at the shows” – yes, he does, he consistently wins 2nd in a class of one • “Here’s a sample of his fleece” – but fleece of this quality covers only around 10% of his body, the rest is full of guard hair • “Here’s a sample of his fleece” – it really is his, but it was taken 5 years ago • “Fleece stats at 3rd shearing - micron 17.5, SD 3.2” but he was shorn twice in the first six months, and his 3rd shearing was when he was 18 months old. At four years of age he is really 24.1 micron with an SD of 5.3.
12A. Unsubstantiated representations (1) A person must not, in trade, make an unsubstantiated representation. (2) A representation is unsubstantiated if the person making the representation does not, when the representation is made, have reasonable grounds for the representation, irrespective of whether the representation is false or misleading. 13.
False or misleading representations No person shall, in trade, in connection with the supply or possible supply of goods or services or with the promotion by any means of the supply or use of goods or services,— (a) make a false or misleading representation that goods are of a particular kind, standard, quality, grade, quantity, composition, style, or model, or have had a particular history or particular previous use; or (b) make a false or misleading representation that services are of a particular kind, standard, quality, or quantity, or that they are supplied by any particular person or by any person of a particular trade, qualification, or skill, or by a person who has other particular characteristics; or (c) make a false or misleading representation that a particular person has agreed to acquire goods or services; or (d) make a false or misleading representation that goods are new, or that they are reconditioned, or that they were manufactured, produced, processed, or reconditioned at a particular time; or (e) make a false or misleading representation that goods or services have any sponsorship, approval, endorsement, performance characteristics, accessories, uses, or benefits; or (f) make a false or misleading representation that a person has any sponsorship, approval, endorsement, or affiliation; or (g) make a false or misleading representation with respect to the price of any goods or services; or (h) make a false or misleading representation concerning the need for any goods or services; or (i) make a false or misleading representation concerning the existence, exclusion, or effect of any condition, warranty, guarantee, right, or remedy, including (to avoid doubt) in relation to any guarantee, right, or remedy available under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993; or (j) make a false or misleading representation concerning the place of origin of goods or services.
• “Latest fleece stats – micron 19.2, SD 3.7” – he was two years old at the time and they haven’t tested the fleece since, he is now six years old Also consider when quoting mid-side sample results – where exactly was the mid-side sample taken from? And who took it – you or the shearer? Does the shearer know where the “mid-side” really is? If the buyer of the alpaca repeats the test, will the results be the same? 27
He looks like a “full suri”, but his sire is heterozygous.
Will the stud male live up to the promises you make?
Unsubstantiated Representations • “He’ll add density and fineness to your herd” – but he doesn’t have any cria on the ground yet, and his full brother (with a slightly better fleece) hasn’t produced anything great, so this is just an optimistic guess • “He’s the best fancy in the country – you’ll be able to sell his cria for $10,000 each” – really??? • “He has a vicuna great grandfather” – well, his grandmother looked a little vicuna-like but there is no evidence that either of her parents were vicuna
Fair Trading Act 1986 28B Disclosure of trader status on Internet (1) This section applies when: (a) goods or services are offered for sale to consumers on the Internet; and (b) the offer is able to be accepted via the Internet.
On-line advertising and auctions
(2) If the vendor of the goods or services is in trade, the person making the offer must make it clear to potential purchasers that the vendor is a person in trade.
If you have a TradeMe account you probably received a letter from them recently, asking if you were in trade. This is because section 28B, inserted into the Act in June 2014, requires that if vendors of goods or services promoted on the Internet are in trade they must disclose this fact to potential purchasers. There is also an obligation placed on a site’s host to take “reasonable steps” to ensure that this section of the Act is complied with, hence the letter that you received from TradeMe.
(3) If the offer and any resulting sale are managed by an intermediary that is not party to the sale (such as an intermediary that operates an online bidding process), the intermediary must take reasonable steps to ensure that the person offering the goods or services for sale complies with subsection (2).
And on the topic of online auctions – or auctions of any kind for that matter – the Act also says that bids at an auction may be withdrawn before the end of the auction. So if sooziedoozie1979 made a bid of $15,000 on your custom built float in as-new condition, and then changes her mind, she has every right to withdraw her bid as long as the auction hasn’t closed. And you, equally, can withdraw your bid on the best fancy alpaca in the country, with a vicuna great grandfather, and a 17.5 micron fleece. Now that you know that his Accoyo ancestry doesn’t include Kingmaker, why would you want him? 28
Signage on displays and labels on garments must be 100% accurate.
36ZE Bids may be withdrawn until end of auction Any bid at an auction may be withdrawn before the end of the auction.
FMG0207
You don't move out to the countryside, you move in with the countryside.
If that brought a wry smile to your face then you’ll know that whilst nothing beats country life, country life can sometimes feel like it’s beating you. From livestock liability to fire risks, each day brings a new challenge. And it takes a rural specialist to know how to deal with them - right from your home to the front gate. Ask around about us, or for some advice call 0800 366 466.
That’s what works out here.
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FIBRE FORUMS With shearing imminent, the question of what to do with this year’s clip (and perhaps last year’s) is looming. The beautiful alpaca fibre is a large part of the alpaca industry. For some of us – where to start? All three regions have held fibre forums for their members over the last few months, the most recent being Northern Region in September– Alpaca Fleece for Profit.
NORTHERN REGION Alpaca Fleece for Profit Held on Saturday 27th September in the Don Rowlands Centre, Lake Karapiro, Cambridge A number of dedicated people have made successful commercial businesses out of alpaca fleece. This seminar gave us the opportunity to hear and be inspired by their stories. It was fascinating to hear from each how they found their way into their business venture and what they've done along the way.
MartinA - Fleece carding & dyeing Bob Martin, from MartinA, took us through their journey into carding & dyeing. Bob & Joyce have about 40 Huacaya alpacas near Bombay, south of Auckland. A recurring theme throughout the day was the persistence of the presenters to overcome obstacles along the way. Bob and Joyce had originally decided to purchase industrial knitting machines. The machines were delivered but never worked as they should have, and Bob and Joyce were forced to look at other options. The Martins now own and operate offer a fleece carding service, and yarn dyeing. They can process smaller batches of just a couple of fleeces, which suits many of our members.
The Alpaca Company – Alpaca themed products Caroline Newman is from the Alpaca Company in Katikati and she introduced us to another recurring theme of the day- your first property is never big enough - Alpacas are addictive. The Newmans decided to turn their addiction into a commercial business. Caroline had some excellent advice: 1. Put a business plan together. Know what you want to achieve - then you have a direction to head in. Keep refining your business model and moving forward don't stagnate. 30
2. Work with people who know what they're doing. In the Newman's case, they partnered with others to produce garments and other products with an alpaca theme. 3. Work on your branding. 4. Network! Get out there, and get yourself known. Do the magazine articles, get yourself interviewed by the local newspaper. Now (with the exception of teddies from Peru), all 'The Alpaca Company' products are sourced from New Zealand, and they have a gift shop with a section for alpaca products in the centre of Katikati.
Design Spun - Commercial worsted spinning mill Design Spun was one of two spinning mills present at the seminar, and represented the larger end of the scale. It specialises in 'speciality' yarns like alpaca, boucle, etc, and does on-site dyeing - but not scouring (which must be done by yet another company of which there are only two left in New Zealand). Design Spun is one of only two commercial mills left in New Zealand, and was started in Napier about 30 years ago by a group of farmers. Generally the mill expects fleece quantities of over 150 kg (and preferably 200 kg) before it will agree to a production run. Peter Chatterton, who has been with Design Spun for over 20 years, explained to us the 'Worsted' spinning process and all the steps involved from scouring to final spinning of the fleece. The mills find alpaca a challenging fibre to work with and recommend that alpaca is mixed with a small amount of sheep’s wool.
Riverdale Mill - small batch spinning mill Julie & Grant Mansell run Riverdale Mill where they offer commercial spinning on machinery suited to smaller batches and the 'hobby farmer'. Their venture has also had its ups and downs but they have persisted, found solutions and are now starting to reap the benefits. One of Julie's hobbies is genealogy and her investigations have shown that she has five generations of Northern England mill workers in her background! The mill mainly processes Huacaya fleece, but has recently processed a Huacaya/Suri mix. Their simple advice is “The better the fleece and the more consistent the staple length, the better the yarn. Well skirted fleece makes all the difference”.
Rumpelstiltskin Project – Commercial use of Suri fleece Hermione, from Surico, gave us a history of the project, and how its objectives have, of necessity, changed over time. The Rumpelstiltskin project brought Suri breeders together to investigate how suri fibre could be used commercially. An initial phase investigated spinning with smaller mills, and a joint venture with Surissimo and Ag Research to produce a fine quality cloth. This was a very successful venture against many odds but when Ag Research had its funding removed the project was forced to close as there was now nowhere in New Zealand that could weave the yarn into cloth. The difficult decision was made to change the end use desired and move to yarn for knitting. Small runs that produced commercially knitted products were successful. One thing
was obvious though - to make Suri fibre commercially viable in New Zealand the formula 'small volume = high price = best quality' must be followed. Suri breeders around New Zealand were asked to pool their fleece so that enough for a commercial run could be gathered. The criteria for the batch was very strict; micron, staple length in particular maximum length and colour. As everything was a 'first', difficulties were inevitable but eventually a commercial run was processed by Design Spun, sent to be knitted, and samples are now ready for distributing to the contributors.
Cuesta – Weaving Jenny & Martin Ellwood-Wade started off with a small herd of white huacayas but now have over 100 animals, and specialise in blacks. Jenny initially invested in a spinning wheel to hand spin her alpaca fleece. Her interest grew and led on to weaving, which led on to weaving commercially. She now operates a computerised working loom. Jenny’s advice is to concentrate on the luxury end of the market, and don't under-price yourself. Calculate into the price of the items your labour as well as the material costs. 31
Nevalea – Commercial herd & knitted products Neville & Leonie own a 350 hectare farm in King Country. They raise beef cattle, sheep - and 400 alpacas! Having a mixed group of animals has been good for pasture management. The sheep and alpacas can be run together, with the more boisterous cattle kept separately. Neville shears all his own sheep and alpacas. This means he can skirt the fleece as he goes, saving time in the sorting process. With such a large herd, Nevalea can produce commercial quantities of fleece for spinning. The huacaya herd produces multiple natural colours, but in addition yarn is dyed into brighter colours. Leonie used to use a hand knitting machine for a knitwear designer, so with a plentiful supply of yarn, she decided to put her old skills to good use. She now has 14 other people working for her, knitting garments, which are sold in their on-farm shop and on their online shop. All participants were then able to delve more deeply into their areas of interest with workshops led by the speakers. Everyone brought a plate of finger food for lunch and breaks. When coupled with the inspiring stories, sharing of knowledge and expertise, and the opportunity for members to mingle and chat with each other as well as the speakers – it was a very successful day. Report by Terri Cattell, Chipperfield Alpacas
CENTRAL REGION We all know and accept that owning and breeding alpacas is delightful but the on-going question for alpaca owners, both small scale and large, is “What am I going to do with the fleece after shearing?” In Central Region this question is addressed at the Alpaca Fibre Forum, held for the second year on 19 July 2014. The strategy for the forum has been to gather together a range of people active in the alpaca fleece market to allow them to present to the meeting the nature of their business and how the growers might inter-face with them. The aim is to get the fleece out of storage and into the supply chain somewhere, following the growers’ aspirations and preferences, to advance the alpaca industry in NZ. We are indebted to Taonui School, near Fielding, for the use of their hall for this event. The hall is centrally located within Central Region and has been an ideal venue.
The presentations were begun by Paul Eising, who has been contract shearing alpacas for many years, travelling over a wide area of Wairarapa, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Wanganui. Paul gave advice concerning the preparation and presentation of animals for shearing, including the provision of shade where shearing is to be conducted outside. Jenny Phillips is a member of the AANZ Fibre Subcommittee which has been responsible for the Fibre Kit. Jenny displayed this kit, which is intended to be set up at A&P shows. The message boards answer for the public the many Frequently Asked Questions. The kit can easily be broken down and packed for transportation and will be highly visible at shows over the spring and summer. Bay Carding attended from Hawkes Bay. Dallas Carroll and Christine Spooner introduced their business and described the sequence involved in producing carded fleece into slivers and duvet/felting batting. Dallas explained how detrimental contamination with vegetable matter is during the process and the high level of wastage that results. She strongly advised scrupulous de-contamination by the grower for optimum results. Pacific Alpacas classes alpaca fleeces taken in and aggregates into different lines according to fibre diameter and colour. John Carr explained that even though buyers of those lines are mostly within NZ, the value of the NZ dollar internationally still affects the price paid locally: if the asking price is too high, the NZ processor can and will simply source the raw material overseas to meet their requirements. Wadsworth is also a fleece brokerage, buying from growers and on-selling to processors. Jonathon Heap explained that there is a market for all fleece; obviously the blanket but also necks, legs, hairy skirting and even the dags. He pointed out that severe skirting at shearing will allow the blanket to be classed as high as it possibly could, whereas a poorly skirted fleece will be downgraded into a bin of lesser value. Jonathon discussed transportation costs as a major influence on management of a brokerage and indicated his intention to have strategically placed collection points around the country. Martin Townend has been involved in the spinning and weaving industry for many years. The business where he currently works is Town and Country Weaving in Manawatu. During Martin’s presentation he explained the preparation of alpaca yarn before it arrives at his factory, where the yarn is woven into cloth He displayed a variety of end products, including travel rugs made from average quality alpaca fleece, which looked enticingly cozy. The quality of the end product of course depends on the fineness of the fleece shorn from the alpaca initially. Martin’s message to breeders was to keep striving for low Mean Fibre Diameter, breed for white and boost production as much as possible. After the morning barrage of information it was time for refreshments and a chance to talk with the speakers to discuss individual issues. Of course, at meetings like this we can catch up on news from alpaca friends we haven’t seen for a while. “Networking” it is called and rightfully is an important source of enjoyment being an alpaca farmer. The Central Region Committee is confident that the Alpaca Fibre Forum will inspire and encourage members who have yet to embark on processing to get their fleeces out of storage and into the supply chain. Report by Neil Watson
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SOUTH ISLAND Fibre Field Day Held on Sunday 16th March 2014 It was a very wet Sunday morning when 35 alpaca breeders got together at Leo and Karen Ponsonby’s farm. Once everyone had given us their opinion on the weather Leo introduced himself and his Greenacres Fibre processing mill. Before I go on I should explain that Leo has spent many years involved with the sheep industry and is currently a breeder of coloured sheep and a colour sheep and wool judge. Leo started off by explaining and showing us all the types of fleeces that he is capable of processing and those fleeces that are not suitable for processing for example fleeces to short or too long and the ones full of vegie matter. We then moved on to talk about the washing or better known as scouring the fibre and the need for this to be done. After this Leo set his big drum carding machine into action turning the washed fibre into a long teased length of fibre called roving’s. We then moved onto the gilling machine which helps to draw out and evenly aligns the fibres. The next step was the actual spinning of the fibre to the customer’s requirements for example 8 ply knitting yarn as you can imagine this all comes off the spinning machine onto a cone in one long length and this brought us along to the finishing station of putting your yarn into 100 or 200 gram hanks. Leo explained about some of his other services like just carding your fleece for home spinners or felters and making the fibre into bats. Thank you Leo and Karen for taking the time to open your mill up for us and I know we all learned a heap more about the finer parts of having our alpaca fleece turned into yarn. After we finished at the Greenacre fibre mill most of the alpaca breeders went back to Sherlin Alpacas for lunch and a general discussion on the weather and of course alpacas An interesting and informative day was had by all Report by Lindsay Riddle, South Island Region President
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PREVALENCE OF AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MYCOPLASMA HAEMOLAMAE IN NEW ZEALAND ALPACAS by Julie‑Ann Hinkson, Cristin Dwyer, and Keren Dittmer
Haemoplasmas are bacteria that parasitise red blood cells and are an emerging group of organisms that can cause disease in many different species around the world. Mycoplasma haemolamae is a member of this family, and specifically infects New World camelids.
Haemoplasmas can cause a clinical spectrum of infection from asymptomatic, mild to severe anaemia, to life threatening infections, The symptoms seen depend on host susceptibility and the species of bacteria involved. Mycoplasma haemolamae was first diagnosed in 1990, in Kentucky USA, and since then has been detected in alpaca populations worldwide, including Australia, Peru, Chile, and Europe. Traditionally the organism has been diagnosed looking at blood smears with a microscope and searching for the tiny organisms sitting on the surface of red blood cells. However, this is not a sensitive method for diagnosing infection. In a recent New Zealand study in cats, less than 10% of infected animals had organisms visible on blood smears. The advent of DNA technology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method for amplifying specific segments of DNA, has enabled more sensitive detection of the organism. Using this technology, the first confirmed diagnosis of Mycoplasma haemolamae in New Zealand was made in 2013.
Clinical signs and Transmission in Alpacas and Llamas Mycoplasma haemolamae may cause a mild to severe anaemia, lethargy, weight loss or reduced weight gain, depression, low blood glucose, and fever. There are also reports of asymptomatic carriers in alpacas, and infected animals are potential carriers for life. Young animals are more susceptible to acute disease, especially when there is other concurrent disease or stress. The mode of transmission is unknown but most likely is associated with transmission of infected blood by ticks or blood sucking parasites. There is also the possibility of iatrogenic transmission. In utero transmission appears to be rare and transmammary transmission seems unlikely. 34
Aims and study design of the study After Mycoplasma haemolamae was confirmed as present in New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industry was interested in determining the prevalence of Mycoplasma haemolamae in New Zealand. The organism is detected by extracting DNA from alpaca blood samples and using PCR to detect DNA specific to the Mycoplasma haemolamae organism. The prevalence of the Mycoplasma haemolamae overseas ranges from 10-30%, and infection is most common in adult animals; therefore in order to be relatively sure of detecting the organism in our study we planned to sample 10-15% of the adult alpacas in a herd. In addition, we specifically targeted imported animals, and animals with a history of poor health or anaemia. As part of this study we planned to also assess risk factors for infection and determine if infected animals were anaemic. In some animals there is a clear link between immunosuppression and infection/disease caused by Mycoplasmas. For example, a cat is 10 times more likely to be infected with a haemoplasma organism if it is also infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. Potential causes of immunosuppression in alpacas include: bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) infection, trace element deficiencies, vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency, gastrointestinal parasitism and facial eczema. Therefore in this study we designed a one page questionnaire to assess some of these factors, and we collected samples in order to test for BVD, copper, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin D and parasitism (faecal egg counts and larval culture). Samples were collected from 15 August 2013 to 30 September 2014 by vets directly involved with the project, volunteer vets, MPI vets, and some samples sent into commercial diagnostic laboratories. In total we collected 206 suitable samples from 15 alpaca farms and a commercial diagnostic laboratory.
The regions sampled were Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu‑Wanganui, Wellington, Tasman, Canterbury and Otago.
larval cultures was Haemonchus (Barber’s pole), with more than 50% of the larvae cultured being Haemonchus, and in some farms, this was more than 80%.
The samples were analysed in phases and processing of all samples is not yet complete. Table 1 shows the phases of the study and the progress on each phase as of 15th October 2014.
Of the 192 blood samples taken 100 were from the North Island, 75 from South Island and 12 were from unknown locations. All of the animals sampled on the farms were clinically normal but anaemic and marginally anaemic animals were common. In fact, 22% of animals were classified as anaemic, while 38% were marginal.
Table 1: showing the phases of work done on the Mycoplasma haemolamae prevalence study and the progress of each phase. Phase Work Done Risk factor questionnaire and blood and faecal sampling Faecal and larval culture Packed cell volume and total protein Mycoplasma haemolamae by PCR and blood smear exam Bovine viral diarrhoea testing (antibody) Trace element and vitamin testing
Sample Analysis
1 2 3 4 5 6
Progress 100% 90% 100% 33% 100% 0%
Results so far The risk factor questionnaire in phase 1 was completed by 13 farms in 7 regions. All regions imported animals, most from Australia; dewormed regularly and supplemented with vitamin D. Mycoplasma haemolamae had not been previously diagnosed in any of the farms represented in the questionnaire. Prior to the study, most farmers considered that their animals were not affected by BVD, and that facial eczema was not a common problem. Further results are seen in table 2.
Auckland
Hawke's Bay
Taranaki
Manawatu/Wanganui
Wellington
Canterbury
Imported alpacas Other species on farm BVD positive Persistently infected BVD alpacas Persistently infected BVD cattle Mycoplasma haemolamae Facial Eczema Supplement with copper Supplement with selenium Supplement with vitamin B12 Supplement with vitamin D Supplement with zinc Deworm regularly Mix graze with other species
Northland
Table 2: showing the results from the phase 1 risk factor questionnaire.
Most faecal samples were collected from Canterbury region and 75% of them were below clinically significant worm burden values. This value is similar for North Island samples with 78% being less than 200 eggs per gram. However, 23% animals did have clinically significant worm burdens and required treatment. The most common parasite found in the
All of the samples (206) have been tested for BVD antibody, of these one was positive. So far 131 samples have been tested for Mycoplasma haemolamae by PCR, all of which were negative.
Conclusion Although not all samples have been tested yet, it appears that Mycoplasma haemolamae infection is uncommon in New Zealand, and seemingly less than the 10-30% prevalence in other countries. Two out of the fifteen farms had animals with antibody to BVD, and so alpacas in New Zealand are being exposed to the virus, and therefore if naïve dams are infected during pregnancy there is the potential for persistently infected crias to be born. We plan to test for BVD antigen (which enables diagnosis of persistently infected animals), when funds become available in the future. Faecal egg counts and larval culture have indicated that gastrointestinal parasitism is common in alpacas, and that the blood-sucking parasite Haemonchus contortus is the most common nematode infecting alpacas. Therefore, haemonchosis should be considered a top differential for anaemia, lethargy, depression and recumbency in New Zealand alpacas. More work will be needed to evaluate how whole herd worming vs selective worming based on faecal egg counts impacts overall Haemonchus numbers. Anaemia was common in alpacas in this study, despite them appearing clinically normal. Due to the shape of their red blood cells alpacas are able to cope with anaemia until they have very low numbers of red blood cells, at which stage they tend to crash, and this makes the diagnosis of anaemia challenging. It seems most likely that the anaemia in most animals was associated with parasitism, as for the most part these animals also had high faecal egg counts. Unfortunately funding is not available at this time for the trace element and vitamin measurement; however the samples will be stockpiled until this becomes available.
Acknowledgements Special thanks to Massey University Post Graduate Fund, Ministry for Primary Industry, New Zealand Veterinary Pathology Palmerston North staff and all farmers who participated in this study. For further enquiries with regards to testing for Mycoplasma haemolamae contact: Keren Dittmer k.e.dittmer@massey.ac.nz
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Worsted spinner
Design Spun Ltd – Napier Commission yarn spinners experienced in the processing of alpaca fibre for application in a variety of end uses. Also converting wool , mohair, possum The mill is a worsted and fancy yarn spinner with specialist equipment installed some years ago specifically to improve the handling of alpaca. Yarn is available finished on cone , hank or ball and dyed to customers shades if required. Minimum batch sizes apply for spinning and dyeing. For further info please contact Peter Chatterton on 068433174 or peter@designspun.co.nz Location – 5 Husheer Place, Onekawa, Napier , Hawkes Bay 4110
Also visit www.skeinz.co.nz for online yarns
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IT'S ABOUT SHARING
THE LOVE by Joyce Martin, MartinA Alpacas
What a great feeling to be showcasing our animals Julius and Caesar to such a lovely audience. Bob and I had heard of a local lady who took alpacas into rest homes and is no longer doing it, so it made us think. We have some really quiet, friendly, halter trained alpacas, which are adorable (of course, aren’t they all) so we decided we would like to give it a try. Bob’s parents are in a rest home in Whangarei and we knew that they would love a visit from alpacas, so we made contact with a hospital in Pukekohe and explained what we would like to do. We talked initially with Donna in the rest home part and she was keen to try it with us. She did wonder if they would be left with deposits that they didn’t need but we assured her they were not likely to embarrass her or us. Our initial visit was made into the rest home part and both the animals and the residents were well behaved and we all enjoyed the morning with no extra deposits left. A couple of weeks went by and we were contacted by the hospital part of the same rest home and asked if we would take the alpacas there. We expected to be going around hospital beds, but no, the residents were mostly in the lounge and were just finishing morning tea when we got there. One of the ladies was keen to share her cheese with Caesar, but he is watching his diet and politely refused, although I’m sure he was tempted. The “boys” were happy to get up close to everyone and were patted and told how lovely and soft they were. Julius was happy to accept a kiss from a lovely lady who was really taken by him. Everyone chatted and asked questions, while the boys just stood patiently and allowed people to touch and pat as they posed for photos. The local paper was there as well and did an article with many photos, all good for spreading the word on alpacas. The visits were a resounding success; both the staff and residents thoroughly enjoyed the visits and asked for more in the future which we will happily do. Bob and Joyce have since returned to the Palms Aged Care rest home along with the 7 Sharp news crew for a segment on that show. It’s was so good to be showing our animals and demonstrating their friendly temperament in such a calm setting knowing how much they were appreciated.
TOP: Palms Aged Care Hospital. ABOVE: Ada Edlin meets an alpaca up close for the first time.
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FARM
Useful Ideas For Around the Farm That Don't Cost the Earth by Frith Latham
New Zealand has a great tradition of innovative D.I.Y. items that are used around the farm, the old Number 8 wire mentality is alive and well on alpaca farms too. Here is a selection of ideas that have caught my eye recently. If you have some great ideas that save time, money or are just darn sensible then send them to the editor and spread the love! Feeders PVC spouting feeders are light enough to move around the paddocks. They are durable and allow space for hungry alpacas. Ice cream containers are pretty common when the facial eczema season arrives and individual feeds need to be managed with as little fuss as possible. While these containers aren’t too durable they’re cheap! Here they are kept off the ground away from the ducks and have a hole in the bottom to drain rainwater.
Chipperfield Alpacas 38
Chipperfield Alpacas
Hay feeders
Skirting tables
Plenty of great ideas here. Art and Terry’s Fish bin feeder is a cracker!
In a previous issue we showed this light weight table made from PVC pipe.
Here’s a skirting that has been created from offcuts of decking timber.
Chipperfield Alpacas
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shadow Wood
Water trough Art and Terri have found another use for fish bins!
1). Aspen Run Alpacas, Maryland 2). thatfamilyblog.com, Michigan 3). Rocky Road Ranch Alpacas, Ohio 4). Bellhaven Farms, Ontario
Wooden pallets and project leftovers can be creatively assembled to form very functional hay feeders. And it’s not just New Zealanders that have an eye for the creative and economical. Here are some ideas from around the world. Chipperfield Alpacas
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Shelter Graham Keen has constructed some solid paddock shelters – they’ve withstood a few savage Canterbury storms. Graham says “The shelters are 6 metres by 3 metres (high enough so that I don't bang my head), made up with 6 poles driven into the ground by post driver, plywood on each end, second‑hand iron on roof and back”. Here is another practical idea from Graham at High Chaparral Alpacas. His “Handy Pen”. He says “Our laneway is the width of a 14 foot gate - to make it easy for a large vehicle to enter the paddock we angled the gates from the laneway fence to the dividing fence on both sides – added another two gates across the laneway making up the pen. Works a real treat”. High Chaparral Alpacas
So send in your photos. Those ideas may be just the inspiration that some else needs.
Is your logo/branding looking a bit
Tired? Let me evaluate it for FREE and see what options I can offer!
GRAPHICDESIGN
JASON PEGLER Call/Text: 021 174 0577 Email: jspegler@gmail.com
Cherry lane alpacas
Because alpacas are our passion We love alpacas, and we enjoy sharing our passion for alpacas with others. We have: -breeding stock -lifestyle pets -alpaca fleece -prize winning alpacas -for sale or to view Give us a call, email us or stop in for tea or coffee today. We would be happy to show you around our farm and introduce you to our alpacas and alpaca farming.
Contact us today! Ph Anne: (07) 3323445 email: apbannan@yahoo.co.nz
6 Sunnex road, RD2, Rotorua 40
Reclass, Processing and Marketing Rosala Alpaca, Black and Coloured Wool Alpacas and Specialty Ross Fibres & Alanah Brabham richard@wooltechnologies.co.nz Breeders of Top Quality
WOOL TECHNOLOGIES CASH PAID FOR ALPACA FIBRE
Reclass, Processing and Marketing Alpaca, Black and Coloured Wool and Specialty Fibres richard@wooltechnologies.co.nz
NORTH ISLAND CASH Philippa Wright PAID FOR FIBRE PhilippaALPACA Wright Wool Merchants 8 Coughlan Road, Waipukurau NORTH ISLAND Ph: 06 858Philippa 9434 orWright 027 242 2033 philippa@wrightwool.co.nz Philippa Wright Wool Merchants 8 Coughlan Road, Waipukurau Ph: 06 858 9434 or 027 242 2033 philippa@wrightwool.co.nz
Coloured Huacaya
293 Ararimu Valley Road RD2, Waimauku Auckland 0882
SOUTH ISLAND Lindsay Riddle Sherlin Suri Alpaca Stud Lawford Road, RD5, Christchurch Ph: 03 349 7524 or 0274 331 094 leriddle@xtra.co.nz P: 64 9 411 9188 E: info@rosala-alpacas.con.nz W: rosala-alpacas.co.nz
SOUTH ISLAND Lindsay Riddle Sherlin Suri Alpaca Stud Lawford Road, RD5, Christchurch Ph: 03 349 7524 or 0274 331 094 leriddle@xtra.co.nz
New Zealand’s Alpaca Fibre Pool Fibre collection, sorting, scouring and sales of all microns, colors and quantities of Huacaya fibre. We consolidate all growers together and get economies of scale for sorting, testing, scouring and sale in bale quantity, for end use in various industries.
Mailing Address PO Box 28684 Remuera Auckland 1541
Processing 1 Pigeon Rock Road Cornish Point Cromwell RD 2 Central Otago 9384
We can provide discounted fibre testing rates. You are paid as the fibre is sold, less the direct costs. We have processed 14,000 kg of fibre as of June 2012. We can arrange pickup or you can ship to our Cromwell location. Contact Sam Gonzalez at (029) 770 0005 or (03) 445 1609 or email sam@belex.co.nz For more information visit:
www.pacificalpacas.com
41
Join
Alpaca Association of New Zealand • • • • • •
International Alpaca Registry Alpaca Conferences and Workshops Annual Alpaca Expo Three Magazines each Year AANZ Website Members Section Receive an Alpaca Information Folder
for all this and more… Phone: 03 341 5242 | Email: aanz@clear.net.nz | www.alpaca.org.nz
Book Review
A Definitive Guide to Alpaca Fibre By Cameron Holt To my knowledge this is the first publication to combine scientific subjects such as alpaca fibre histology and modern testing techniques with invaluable information on skirting and classing protocols for alpaca fleece production. While also incorporating advice on practical topics like shearing methods and shearing shed design it includes a chapter on alpaca fleece judging principles which will satisfy even the most devoted show ring fanatic. The subject matter concludes with an overview of the varied procedures surrounding alpaca fleece processing; a book in total summation reflecting the author’s many years of dedication and commitment to his subject. It is a culmination of over 45 years of Cameron Holt’s work in natural fibre industries throughout the world. In that time he has been associated with training and marketing in the sheep industry (merino and other breeds), conducting research and training in the mohair industry followed by a long and comprehensive journey into the world of alpaca fleece. His interest and research into alpacas and alpaca fleece has taken him around the world educating, training and advising the various alpaca breed organizations and processors across four continents on the properties and attributes of alpaca – justifiably earning him a reputation as an “alpaca fibre expert”. Cameron is equally at home working with individuals or small groups of growers to improve their hands‑on knowledge of fleece or presenting at large international conferences and gatherings of alpaca enthusiasts.
In the contemporary, high‑tech era it is essential that alpaca fleece prepared for the end market is not only classed accurately but tested and described correctly to meet the demands of today’s high speed processing equipment. With that in mind, the extensive knowledge and information contained in this one book is a must for growers, teachers and classers alike. I am sure it will also be a platform to assist organizations and companies to initiate systems for qualified classers that will aid in the standardisation of alpaca fleece lines that can be recognised worldwide. The overall text and graphics contained herein will guide all students of that remarkable animal – the alpaca – to discover much about the distinctive qualities of alpaca fleece while ensuring that fleece educators, trainers and classers, across all levels, will have a valuable reference resource. In short, I believe that Cameron Holt’s book will be referred to as the alpaca fleece growers’ and classers’ “bible” for many years to come.
Graeme Dickson Breeder & member of the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd. Served on the AAA National Committee and chaired several sub‑committees; Registered teacher of Alpaca Agricultural Certificate, TAFE NSW; Life member of AAA.
This first edition hardcover book "A Definitive Guide to Alpaca Fibre" is currently available from Alpaca Culture www.alpacaculture.com/index.php/store/merchandise and Australian Alpaca Association www.alpaca.asn.au/merchandise-services/online-shop until sold out.
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EBVs
ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUES by Steve Marshall, Stansbury Alpacas PO Box 195 Inglewood, South Australia 5133  |  Email: steve@stansburyalpacas.com.au www.stansbury.com.au
Dr Joanne and Steve Marshall established Stansbury Alpacas in 1997. Steve is Principal of a Secondary School and Joanne is a Doctor of Medicine. While not a geneticist or animal scientist, Steve's experience in education has been foundational in research, presenting educational workshops, conference papers and articles published throughout the world. Stansbury Alpacas is located at Inglewood in the Adelaide Hills only 27 km from Adelaide GPO. The herd has reached a maximum of 180 alpacas in 2007 but currently concentrate on a small elite quality herd of approximately 80 alpacas. Introduction
Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE)
Why is one alpaca worth more than another? How am I able to rank and differentiate between several alpacas of slightly varying characteristics? In the show ring Judges must make a decision and rank alpacas based solely on phenotype, that is, the observable, physical characteristics of alpacas presented on a particular day. While show results are significant in identifying elite alpacas, individual environmental conditions influence the presentation of each alpaca. In fact, a Judge may place five alpacas in a completely different order at two shows that are only a few weeks apart. The Judge should not be considered wrong at either show because the Judge makes a decision about their ranking as they appear on that particular day.
Possibly the easiest method, and quite suitable for most breeding programs is the Australian Alpaca Association, AGE program. The Across-herd Genetic Evaluation (AGE) program involves supplying data for fleece and other traits and the Association manages the rest, providing the breeder with statistical data for further decision making. The AGE uses (BLUP) Best Linear Unbiased Prediction and is considered possibly the most accurate method of ranking any type of livestock. The AGE program enables ranking of alpacas of different ages, on different properties to be compared and ranked taking into account different environmental and seasonal conditions.
What are Estimated Breeding Values?
The alpaca industry is in its infancy and aside from the basic breed standard, people are still formulating ideas about what they consider important. How much should you value micron or body weight or fleece coverage? Some EBVs take into account only fleece data, while others have more of a, whole alpaca encompassing approach. Using measurable data such as fleece statistics, body weight, etc, is very objective and helps to maintain accuracy and consistency. However, by using some more subjective information it is possible to take into account the total animal when calculating EBVs. I guess this is more like the problem faced by judges in the show ring. The more you have to make decisions about subjective traits the more likely you are to develop some inconsistency. It is possible to provide some examples, however, what one breeder considers important may not be of such importance to another. The decision about which traits to measure and the weighting given to each should be based on the goals of your particular breeding program.
While ranking alpacas at shows has its place, calculating Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) may be of far more use to a breeder interested in herd improvement. An estimated Breeding Value is quite simply an estimation of the value of a particular alpaca in a particular breeding program. With calculated EBVs a breeder may make more informed decisions about matings that should ultimately lead to greater herd improvement. Within any alpaca herd there is significant variation and a variety of factors could have influenced the variation you see in the phenotype of each alpaca. The use of estimated breeding values can be an important tool to provide direction when making decisions about a breeding program. EBVs may also be used to determine a monetary value ranking of animals in a herd. There are many different methods and criteria used for calculating EBVs.
What traits should be measured?
43
Assessment Rubrics In recent years there have been a number of very useful articles released detailing specific features to look for when identifying conformation faults. Some are in the form of “breed standards” and have been published by various Alpaca Breeder Associations around the world and are available on web sites. Others are in the form of magazine articles, conference proceedings and scientific research papers. In most cases each document attempts to describe what the author considers the perfect alpaca. When measuring alpacas against these standards it becomes difficult to place a value on specific traits or characteristics according to how perfect the alpaca is because our judgment becomes rather subjective. For example, the Australian Alpaca Association breed standard for Huacaya alpaca states that an alpacas average height should be 90 – 95 cm. When assessing the alpaca’s height for calculation of EBVs, what value should be given if it is within this range and what value outside this range? An even more difficult feature to assess due to its subjective nature is fleece coverage on head and legs. One breeder
In some cases a breeder is only interested in the EBV and could simply add the figures as they go to arrive at a sum total for the EBV. However, a breeder may elect to use a complete page for each alpaca recording the alpacas name and tag details at the top and totals down the right hand side. In this case a record of the value for each trait is retained for future reference. This could be particularly useful in identifying strengths and weaknesses of individual alpacas.
Over 27.9 micron 0/20
27.9 – 24 micron 4/20
23.9 – 20 micron 8/20
19.9 – 17 micron 12/20
16.9 – 15 micron 16/20
Below 15 micron 20/20
Over 6.0 SD 0/10
5.0 – 6.0 SD 2/10
4.0 – 4.9 SD 4/10
3.5 – 3.9 SD 6/10
3.4 – 3.0 SD 8/10
Below 3.0 SD 10/10
Straight fibre not bundled
Wavy fibre with no Lose crimp and little obvious staple definition staple definition
0/15
3/15
6/15
Crimp throughout fleece but presented in thick staples 9/15
Pencil thickness highly aligned staples with tight crimp 12/15
Small matchstick thickness highly aligned staples with tight crimp 15/15
Less than 2.0 kg total fleece weight 0/15
2.0 – 2.9 kg total fleece weight 3/15
3.0 – 3.9 kg total fleece weight 6/15
4.0 – 4.9 kg total fleece weight 9/15
5.0 – 5.9 kg total fleece weight 12/15
Over 6 kg total fleece weight 15/15
Runt alpaca, failed to grow out
Not showing correct proportions (Eg; short and long) 2/10
20% above OR below average height OR weight for breed type 4/10
10% above OR below average height OR weight for breed type 6/10
Average height & weight for breed type with shallow or small chest 8/10
Average height and weight for breed type with deep chest 10/10
Legs and head have good coverage but style not consistent with saddle 3/5
Full fleece coverage but lacking either style or length in places 4/5
Full fleece coverage with usable fleece across entire body and neck 5/5 Short nose, short straight ears, teeth aligned 5/5
0/10
Legs and head have Legs or head have minimal fleece coverage some coverage but not both 0/5
1/5
Legs and head have some coverage but very different style to saddle fleece 2/5
Wry face
Overshot or undershot jaw
Long nose with banana ears
Long nose OR banana ears
0/5
1/5
2/5
3/5
Long nose OR banana ears with teeth not aligned 4/5
Upright stance with cow hocked back legs
Upright stance but with slightly splayed front legs 3/5
Stance lacks upright presence but all legs are good 4/5
Upright stance with straight legs and walks freely 5/5
Grey fleece or Solid light medium or dark fawn fleece 2/3
Solid black fleece
Solid white fleece
0/3
Any colour but not Solid brown fleece solid. Eg: coloured with white on toes or head 0/3 1/3
3/3
3/3
Light blue eyes
Dark blue eyes
Two black eyes
0/2
One blue eye and one black eye 1/2
Two dark brown eyes
0/2
Black or Brown eyes with blue outer ring 1/2
2/2
2/2
Target ancestor in pedigree twice
Target ancestor in pedigree three times
Target ancestor in pedigree four times
4/10
6/10
8/10
Target ancestor in pedigree five times or more 10/10
Significantly splayed or Stance lacks presence cow hocked legs and alpaca doesn’t walk freely 0/5 1/5 Multi colour fleece
Target ancestor not in Target ancestor in pedigree OR inbreeding pedigree once coefficient greater than 20% 0/10 2/10 44
may highly value leg coverage while another considers fleece cover on legs insignificant. Assessment rubrics can be used to maintain objectivity and also maintain a focus on features that a particular breeder finds important. The example rubric below has been constructed for the purpose of this article and has limited detail to measure traits. However any breeder can construct a rubric with descriptors to help maintain consistency when assessing alpacas and applying values for particular traits. The rubric below specifically suits my purposes and each breeder should develop their own rubric assigning values to traits that are of importance in their own breeding program.
2/5
Example of EBV in practice
Example of EBV with progeny value
At Stansbury Alpacas we use EBVs for a variety of reasons. For us EBVs must take into account traits that are important to our particular breeding program. Such traits or attributes include, fleece, conformation and inbreeding coefficients for our linebreeding program. An example of criteria we use, traits that we assign values to, and how we calculate an EBV on 18month old alpacas is below.
If calculating EBV’s on older breeding females it would be wise to adjust the criteria for assigning values to include such factors as, the consistency and quality of their offspring. An example of this is a ten year old female of sound conformation but poor fleece statistics giving her a low EBV, but consistently produces female offspring that rank very highly. Below is a version of the previous EBV criteria that has been altered to take into account the new information available from a breeding female.
Fleece Characteristics Micron Standard deviation Style Fleece weight
60% 20 10 15 15
Animal Conformation 30% Size / height / weight 10 Fleece coverage – head / legs 05 Head, muzzle, teeth and ear shape and size 05 Leg conformation and stance 05 Colour of fleece 03 Eye colour – black / blue or gene carrier 02 Degree of inbreeding 10% Number of times line breeding target animal appears in pedigree
10 Total 100
This method of assigning values to work out EBV’s is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of our own breeding plan. Some of the traits or characteristics that we assign numbers to are somewhat subjective and require the use of a descriptive rubric to maintain consistency. There are some potential traps for users of EBV’s to be aware of. Firstly it is virtually impossible to compare EBVs from different herds due to the different environments. This is because environmental factors have a huge influence in the phenotype of an animal. Seasonal conditions also have an influence and for this reason it is prudent to calculate EBV’s in management groups that are of similar age. However the Australian Alpaca Association’s AGE program is able to take into account these factors providing the breeder with accurate data despite environmental and seasonal variations.
Stansbury's H3 Braveheart.
Fleece Characteristics 35% Micron Standard deviation Style Fleece weight
10 10 05 10
Animal Conformation 25% Size / height / weight 10 Head, muzzle, teeth and ear shape and size 05 Leg conformation and stance 05 Colour of fleece 03 Eye colour – black / blue or gene carrier 02 Progeny 30% Consistent trouble free breeder 05 EBV values of progeny 25 Degree of inbreeding 10% Number of times line breeding target animal appears in pedigree 10
Total 100
Conclusions Clearly, EBVs can be an important factor when looking at genetic improvement in a herd. However, it requires careful planning to ensure the EBVs accurately represent the traits that are of value in your breeding program to be most useful. It is not much use using EBVs that take into consideration the effect of linebreeding if linebreeding is not part of your breeding plan. If considering the use of EBVs it is wise to fully recognise and articulate the specific goals for your own breeding plan first. In this way, when allocating weightings to particular traits the correct balance can be achieved to ensure the breeding goals are met.
Steve Marshall.
45
Our featured breeders were drawn from the pool of advertisers from the previous magazine. If you would like a chance to have your profile featured in the Alpaca magazine, make sure you advertise in the next issue of New Zealand Alpaca.
ADVERTISING BREEDER
PROFILE Andy & Ros McKenzie McKenzie Fields Alpacas
At McKenzie Fields Alpacas we have a herd of approximately 80 Alpacas based west of Palmerston North in the beautiful Manawatu. We are a brother and sister team with Ros managing the property and Andy providing valuable support and advice from a distance (Singapore). Our focus is on beautiful greys – both Suri and Huacaya.
How we got started After studying in Wellington towards an Economics and Commercial Law degree I (Ros) worked in Wellington for 12 years. My job at Fonterra meant a move up to the Manawatu where I ended up buying my grandparents house and a few acres on the family farm. The farm has been in our family for 140 years and has seen 3 generations of dairy farmers – I wanted to do something different. Naturally my Dad was thrilled to have one of his children back on the farm but was quietly wary when I announced I might get a couple of alpacas. I’d done my research and felt that alpaca were the perfect choice for a small block holding and would give me the opportunity to learn something new. I fell in love with these animals and I could see that long term this could be a viable business. 46
McKenzie Fields Alpacas was formed in July 2007. McKenzie is our family name, so I felt that it was fitting to continue it on (even if it was non-dairy related). Convincing my brother that it would be a good way to spend his hard earned cash and to come into partnership with me was easier than I thought. Perhaps the timing was right as he had just returned to New Zealand after 20 years working in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and then China and was looking for a way to spend more time with his younger sister. I personally think it was because Alpaca was something different and like myself he could see the potential. While Andrew was in NZ he bought the house next door and 15 acres. He has since moved to Singapore, but visits frequently – which is surprising really as I usually have a long list of jobs for him when he does.
Our Focus After researching the market we decided to focus on grey’s, primarily because of their rarity as we felt that there was a real niche opportunity here. We started with 3 grey Suri females, but pretty quickly decided that having both breeds would be sensible so as to not limit our options. It wasn’t easy finding grey animals when we started but we have managed to build up the numbers over the last 7 years through buying and breeding. We now have 15 grey huacaya females and 11 grey suri females. One of the biggest challenges with breeding greys is getting a grey outcome. Our first year we had a 50% success rate – I put this down to pure luck and a small herd. This then dropped away to 10-20% over subsequent years. Last year we had
a great run with just under half of the cria being grey. I am certain that luck still played its hand but I also think our improved knowledge around breeding choices is starting to pay off. The proof will be to see what we get this year. So that’s one aspect of it sorted – the colour – now for all the rest. One of the things that we have tried to do as much as possible is when we are unable to find the ‘perfect grey male or female’ we invest in top quality females in either black or light fawn. The black females tend to produce a higher percentage of grey’s, but the light fawns often have the characteristics of style, density and lustre that we are looking to introduce into the herd. Naturally the boys do play a big part in the equation. Each year we try to use a couple of outside matings to mix things up a bit, but we have also invested and bred some great males. Our latest edition, Bonitas Pito, is no exception – a stunning grey with an equally stunning temperament. I must admit there have been times that my heart has ruled purchases rather than my head. I just love animal auctions and have bought two beautiful females at 2 separate national auctions. Never once have I regretted these purchases and always look forward to these auctions – my brother on the other hand is usually a bit nervous whenever I mention there’s an auction coming up.
So what about all this fibre? To be perfectly honest my initial focus was on the breeding and understanding the animals. Working full time, now at FMG (see their feature ad in this mag), there are only so many hours in the day and I really hadn’t paid much attention to the fibre. Luckily for us our mother had. An exceptional knitter, Mum really wanted to get her hands on what we had. So we got some washed and carded and we both learnt how to spin. Hilarious, but perseverance paid off. Mum is like a possessed spinning and knitting machine. We have been producing 100% hand-spun and hand-knitted garments for 3 years now. We always combine suri and huacaya together with stunning results. I am fortunate that my colleagues at FMG can’t get enough of it and word of mouth is definitely the best form of advertising. While it’s not big business it is ultimately why we are breeding these animals – it is simply an amazing product.
The Future We are in it for the long haul. So much great work has been done by established breeders in New Zealand building up a good brand for the NZ Alpaca, which I feel we all have the opportunity to benefit from if we work together. My vision for the next 20 years would be:
• To extend our operation to 100 acres (and hopefully cut back my hours at FMG) • As you are driving through the NZ country-side alpacas will dominate • Alpacas will be truly recognized as a viable farming option • Our local and overseas animal sales will go from strength to strength • There is a place for all of our alpaca fibre There have been times when I’ve thought – this is just too much – why are we doing this? My annual leave is typically taken up with alpaca related activities or farm work and I certainly won’t be able to retire any time soon. These are the days I take a glass of wine out into the paddock or invite friends round for a paddock picnic and just hang out with the alpacas and appreciate them for what they are. I’ve also met some fantastic people along the way – which is a huge bonus. Each year during birthing season rushing home from work each day feels like Christmas – there is nothing better than seeing a new little addition’s head popping above the grass.......and it’s grey!
• That our grey’s will be competing head to head with their wonderful lighter coloured counter-parts 47
Each issue AANZ profiles a new member, taken from a draw from the ranks of those who have joined the Association since the last magazine. This issue we feature Ray & Yvonne Jackson of Alfriston, South Auckland.
NEW MEMBER
PROFILE Ray & Yvonne Jackson Alfriston, South Auckland
Ray and Yvonne own a small lifestyle block of 2 acres at Alfriston, South Auckland and have lived there for the past fourteen years. In mid-2013, their neighbour mentioned that he was intending to obtain some alpacas for his adjacent lifestyle block.
Photography by Piet Van Der Walt.
They suggested to the neighbour that they would be keen to go in together since they felt alpacas would be lovely pets for their three grandchildren and themselves of course. The neighbour agreed and in September 2013 three alpacas were acquired (two females and a “neutered” male) with grazing access between the two properties. The two females are named Tinkerbell and Gloria, and the male is named Cusco. They all have their own cute personalities – Tinkerbell is the bossy one who spits and pushes the others away when they are being hand fed, Cusco is quiet and shy, while Gloria “goes with the flow”, but makes sure that Tinkerbell does not get all the food. 48
In early 2014, the neighbours sold and moved out of the area, leaving the three Alpacas to Ray & Yvonne. Their new neighbours had other ideas for the use of their lifestyle property leaving Ray & Yvonne in a quandary as to how they were going to provide enough grazing for Tinkerbell, Gloria & Cusco. Since the former neighbours had farming experience and had taken responsibility for the husbandry of the animals, Ray and Yvonne needed to up skill and learn more about the care of the Alpacas. Fortunately help was at hand. Another neighbour offered grazing for the alpacas. However, this initially entailed herding them down a long driveway then along a road to the neighbour’s property. This experience first time up was very challenging, with Ray &
Yvonne struggling to get the alpacas to go where they wanted them to. Ray has since installed a gate into the neighbour’s property, closer to theirs, and learning from the earlier moving experience the herding has become easier. Ray has sought a lot of guidance from Paul Chisholm, from whom the alpacas were originally purchased. Paul has been only too willing to assist and his help has been greatly appreciated. Paul recommended that they join the Alpaca Association of New Zealand where they would get all the information needed to learn about these lovely animals. So Ray & Yvonne took this advice and have found the information in the Membership Kit invaluable.
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Contact Vicky Tribe, Gear Girl: email kvnexus@xtra.co.nz website www.willowfarm.co.nz 49
7
THE NEW SCORE SHEET FOR SHOWS
EXPLAINE GAP Approach! Good/Average/Poor • Judges are trained to have an initial review of both animals in the halter ring and fleeces in the fleece room based on the Good / Average / Poor principle • This assessment will inform them on the points for the various attributes on the fleece score card • For Good the fleece should score in the higher range for the available points
• Breeders need to be aware that a small variation in assessed micron can have a significant effect on the final points awarded. For example a two micron difference in a junior class from 18 to 20 will result in a variance of 4 points for micron from 18 to 14
Handle - 5 points • The feel of the fleece to the touch of the judge
• For Average the fleece should score in the middle range of the available points
• This is influenced by both the micron of the fleece and the uniformity of micron within the fleece
• For Poor the fleece should score in the lower range of the available points
• Can be influenced by the environment, so judges need to assess handle at the cut side above the dust line (if present)
• Though the points awarded may vary between individual judges based on their allocation, a good fleece should always be scoring in the higher range and therefore should consistently be placed in the upper range of the class even though it final point score may vary from show to show • All care is made when fleeces are handled and laid out on the table for judging. Overtime, positioning the fleece correctly to mimc the blanket organisation becomes more difficult and this can affect the performance of the fleece. It is up to the exhibitor to determine how well the fleece is coping with being shown. Often huacaya fleeces can only cope with three to four shows
Breeding Attributes Micron - 20 points • Judges will take 5-6 samples from across the blanket area of the fleece. These samples will be used to estimate the average micron for the blanket area • Points will be allocated from the relevant column on the micron chart for the age group of the class in a combined two year and older class, micron points are to be awarded from the column associated with the actual age of the fleece entry. This also occurs for the points awarded for weights • Presence of skirtings will not be used as a determining factor for the micron point allocation. Skirting issues are addressed in the score card in the management area 50
• Judges are not trying to ascertain the micron equivalent to the mid side sample obtained and used by breeders
• This is an important attribute for end of use of the fleece. Will affect the wearability of the final product
Uniformity of micron - 10 points • Uniformity of micron will be assessed across the blanket area of the fleece • Presence of skirtings not taken into account in this area • This equates to the variation of micron both within the staples between primaries and secondaries as well as across the blanket area • A fleece that is more uniform in micron across the blanket is more valuable to the breeder as not likely to be downgraded in classing to a higher micron classing line
Uniformity of Length - 5 points • Points allocated here for the consistency of length both across the samples taken for micron assessment as well as more generally across the blanket area
Staple Length - 5 points • Points allocated in this area for length of staple/lock related to months of growth for the fleece since last shearing • Staple length an important attribute as will allow the breeder with appropriate management to produce more fleece in a given period. Should increase the returns to the breeder in the long term • Staple length also a determinate to the type of processing that the fleece can be used in
Character and Style - 10 points • Both Huacaya and Suri have specific character and style attributes to their fleeces ›› Huacaya fleece should be organised into a well defined staple. The fleece is characterised by a crimping style that should have well expressed frequency and amplitude to the crimp. Staples should be well aligned throughout the blanket ›› Suri fleece should be organised into a well defined lock that has a high level of independence to the locks. Suri fibre is a straight fibre and there should be no evidence of crimp within the fibre • Points are allocated on how true to type the style that is displayed within the blanket area, is compared to the ideal
Density - 5 points • Density equates to the amount of fleece evident within the individual staples/locks of the fleece • This is an important trait for breeders as a denser fleece will cut more at shearing resulting in greater return (all other fleece attributes being the same)
Lustre (Brightness) - 10 pts Huacaya and 15 pts Suri • Lustre or brightness is an important trait in alpaca fleece. It helps to impart a life to the final product that is a valuable feature • Lustre in a Suri fleece is seen as a major trait, that the breed is well recognised for. For this reason, Suri fleeces are awarded points out of a possible 15 for this section whereas huacaya fleeces are awarded points out of a possible 10
Lack of Guard Hair - 10 pts Huacaya and 5 pts Suri • Guard hair are straight fibres that are over 30 microns. They also tend to be fragile and will often break in processing resulting in the “prickle factor” in finished garments. This occurs from these coarse fibres sticking into the wearers skin and aggravating the nerves in the skin • Presence of guard hair through a fleece will often result in a downgrading of the fleece when it is classed • This area has a possible 10 points in Huacaya and 5 points in Suri • Though guard hair is a serious issue in both fleece types, it is often harder to ascertain its presence especially in the first shearing of a suri fleece. This issue arises as it is also a straight fibre and can be entwined within the lock. It is certainly easier to see in a second or subsequent suri fleece due to the differing nature of the regrowth compared to the initial first fleece
Lack of Colour Contamination - 5 points • Colour contamination is a major issue for fibre produces and can result in downgrading of a fleece in classing • This colour contamination entails both colour variation within the staple or variation across the blanket area
For Fancies - Patterning - 5 points • This replaces the colour contamination section for solid alpaca fleeces • In Fancies, up to 5 points are available for the detail of patterning in the blanket of the fleece • This applies for both fancy Suri and Huacaya fleeces
Weight - 15 points • To enable all fleeces to be compared, their fleece weights are annualised as if they had all been shorn at 12 months. If a fleece is grown for longer than 12 months, it’s actual fleece weight will be adjusted back to as if it had only grown for 12 months. Also for a fleece shorn before 12 months, it’s fleece weight will be adjusted as if it had grown for 12 months. This process is known as annualisation. ›› eg (3 kilos/18 months growth) x 12 months = 2 kilos! • Calculations for annualised fleece weights are rounded to 2 decimal places • Points are awarded for the annualised fleece weight from the associations weight points chart • Half points are awarded for a weight if the annualised weights calculates as greater than half way between two weights on the weight score charts • In a combined two year and older class, weight points are awarded from the column associated with the actual age of the fleece entry. This also occurs for the points awarded for micron
Management Attributes • Points will be deducted from the scores attained for the main blanket area for poor management of the fleece in the areas of: ›› Contamination ›› Poor Skirting ›› Tenderness
Contamination - up to a 5 point deduction • Points can be deducted for contamination of the prime blanket fleece by vegetable matter, dirt, stains, seeds, cotting etc • In severely contaminated fleeces the full 5 points may be deducted
Skirting / Tenderness - up to a 10 point deduction • To make it clearer to the breeder the impact of poor skirting on the value of a fleece, a deduction of up to 10 points can be deducted for very poorly skirted or unskirted fleeces • If a fleece is found to be severely tender throughout the fleece a full 10 point deduction will be made. This is due to the fact that in a severely tender fleece, the fibre will break in processing affecting the fleece length and usability of the fleece • Tenderness is not a disqualifying fault.
• If there is extensive contamination or great variation in the colour contamination, a full penalty may be applied and zero (0) points may be applied in this area 51
NATIONAL SHOW
RESULTS BREED RESULTS SURI BREED SECTION
Ann & Malcolm Duncan Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
Champion Junior Suri Female Reserve Champion Junior Suri Female
Maddison Park Trasor Surico Panache
Champion Junior Suri Male Reserve Champion Junior Suri Male
Fairhaven Jaeger Fairhaven Kara-Kum
Champion Intermediate Suri Female Reserve Champion Intermediate Suri Female
Surico Venus Surico Cordelia
Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Anne & Neil Godfrey
Champion Intermediate Suri Male Reserve Champion Intermediate Suri Male
Fairhaven Houston Surico Burton
Anne & Neil Godfrey Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
Champion Senior Suri Male
Surilana Conine Et
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION SURI
Fairhaven Houston
Anne & Neil Godfrey Anne & Neil Godfrey
Anne & Neil Godfrey
SURI COLOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS Anne & Neil Godfrey Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
Champion White Suri Reserve Champion White Suri
Fairhaven Houston Surico Venus
Champion Light Fawn Suri Reserve Champion Light Fawn Suri
Fairhaven Kara-Kum Thistledown Oratorio
Champion Mid/Dark Fawn Suri Reserve Champion Mid/Dark Fawn Suri
Fairhaven Jamille Fairhaven Jarrah
Anne & Neil Godfrey Anne & Neil Godfrey
Champion Brown Suri Reserve Champion Brown Suri
Gotland Braveheart El Dos Cadena Titan
Lars & Heather Olsson Ritchie & Maree Churchill
Champion Grey/Roan Suri Reserve Champion Grey/Roan Suri
Sherlin Creedence Paqocha Eowyn
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Henrik & Caroline Falkner
Champion Black Suri Reserve Champion Black Suri
Thistledown Mali Thistledown Indigo
Stephanie, Phillipa & Molly Gardner Stephanie, Phillipa & Molly Gardner
Anne & Neil Godfrey Stephanie, Phillipa & Molly Gardner
HUACAYA BREED SECTION
52
Champion Junior Huacaya Female Reserve Champion Junior Huacaya Female
Alpacasrstyle Katarina Shamarra Radiance
Champion Junior Huacaya Male Reserve Champion Junior Huacaya Male
High Chaparral Aztec Warrior Waikara Park Amadeus
Champion Intermediate Huacaya Female Reserve Champion Intermediate Huacaya Female
Shamarra Venus Et Gilt Edge Gloriana
Champion Intermediate Huacaya Male Reserve Champion Intermediate Huacaya Male
Stoneleigh Odysseus Malakai Signature Move Et
Champion Adult Huacaya Female Reserve Champion Adult Huacaya Female
Silverstream Kiss & Tell Silver-Stone Ice Star
Trish & Neil Watson Anya & Frank Walkington Graham & Joca Keen Brendon Taylor Anya & Frank Walkington Sarah & Peter Busby Chris & Liz Strack Shirley & Dallas Grant Kit & Sheryl Johnson Liz Strack & Sheryl Johnson
Paul Garland & Lynda Sides Shirley Grant
Champion Adult Huacaya Male Reserve Champion Adult Huacaya Male
Waratah Flats Hat-Trick Softfoot Jeronimo Et
Champion Senior Huacaya Female Reserve Champion Senior Huacaya Female
Stoneleigh Flambellini Alpacaspecialist Ima Lady Too
Champion Senior Huacaya Male Reserve Champion Senior Huacaya Male
Stoneleigh Valentino Waratah Flats Fire Cracker
Champion Mature Huacaya Female
Silverstream Gracelands
SUPREME CHAMPION HUACAYA
Stoneleigh Valentino
Chris & Liz Strack
Champion White Huacaya Reserve Champion White Huacaya
Stoneleigh Valentino Stoneleigh Odysseus
Chris & Liz Strack Chris & Liz Strack
Champion Light Fawn Huacaya Reserve Champion Light Fawn Huacaya
Stoneleigh Flambellini Waikara Park Amadeus
Chris & Liz Strack Brendon Taylor
Champion Mid/Dark Fawn Huacaya Reserve Champion Mid/Dark Fawn Huacaya
Shamarra Venus Et Waratah Flats Fire Cracker
Champion Brown Huacaya Reserve Champion Brown Huacaya
Sierra Vista Trinket High Chaparral Aztec Warrior
Champion Grey/Roan Huacaya Reserve Champion Grey/Roan Huacaya
Malakai Signature Move Et Sherlin The Avenger
Champion Black Huacaya Reserve Champion Black Huacaya
Softfoot Jeronimo Et Silverstream Negus
Shirley & Dallas Grant Kit & Sheryl Johnson
Best Junior Female Fancy Huacaya Reserve Best Junior Female Fancy Huacaya
Malmac Ivy-Alexis NZ Summerhill Pixie
Elizabeth & Daryl Macaskill Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Intermediate Female Fancy Huacaya Reserve Best Intermediate Female Fancy Huacaya
Waikara Park Renesmae Softfoot Brenna Wp
Chris & Liz Strack Shirley & Dallas Grant Chris & Liz Strack Paul Garland & Lynda Sides Kit & Sheryl Johnson
HUACAYA COLOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Anya & Frank Walkington Paul Garland & Lynda Sides Graham & Diane Marks Graham & Joca Keen Shirley & Dallas Grant & R Gilbert Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
FANCY HUACAYA BREED SECTION
Brendon Taylor Shirley & Dallas Grant
Class 609 – Huacaya Fancy Male Intermediate (12 & Under 24 Months) - Appaloosa Shirley & Dallas Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Intermediate Male Fancy Huacaya Reserve Best Intermediate Male Fancy Huacaya
NZ Summerhill Spot The Sir Prize Softfoot Mudgee Cb
Best Adult Male Fancy Huacaya Reserve Best Adult Male Fancy Huacaya
Ambersun Speck Tacular Kooinda Bayley
Shirley & Dallas Grant Debra Tobin-Alexander
PREMIER FANCY HUACAYA
NZ Summerhill Spot The Sir Prize
Shirley & Dallas Grant
FLEECE RESULTS SURI FLEECE AWARDS Junior Female Champion Junior Female Reserve Champion
Fairhaven Jazmyn Surico Salina
Anne & Neil Godfrey Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
Junior Male Champion Junior Male Reserve Champion
Surico Capo Surico Picardy
Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Anne & Neil Godfrey
Intermediate Female Champion Intermediate Female Reserve Champion
Surisupre Bellatrix Thistledown Tussah
Intermediate Male Champion Intermediate Male Reserve Champion
Surico Tesoro Ii Sherlin Fairmont
Adult Female Champion Adult Female Reserve Champion
Sherlin Jess Bromfield Park Bedazzle
Adult Male Champion Adult Male Reserve Champion
Bromfield Park Alonso Hadstock N.Z. Silken Maverick
Laurell Macdonald Stephanie, Phillipa & Molly Gardner Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Brendon Taylor Brendon Taylor Murray & Yumiko King 53
Senior Female Champion Senior Female Reserve Champion
Surico Maya Sherlin Commaris
Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
Senior Male Champion
Surico Maxwell Smart
Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
Mature Female Champion Mature Female Reserve Champion
Surico Trinkett La Roche Gold Pacn
Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Anne & Neil Godfrey
SUPREME SURI FLEECE
Fairhaven Jazmyn
Anne & Neil Godfrey
SURI COLOUR CHAMPIONS (Between Male And Female) Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards Hermione, Brook & Sue Richards
White Champion Reserve Champion
Surico Salina Surico Capo
Light Fawn Champion Reserve Champion
Fairhaven Jazmyn Surico Picardy
Dark Fawn Champion Reserve Champion
Paqocha Maestro Thistledown Tussah
Brown Champion Reserve Champion
Bromfield Park Alonso Bromfield Park Bedazzle
Grey/Roan Champion Reserve Champion
Paqocha Eowyn Sherlin Monique
Henrik & Caroline Falkner Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
Black Champion Reserve Champion
Sherlin Jess Sherlin Graciela
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
Anne & Neil Godfrey Anne & Neil Godfrey Henrik & Caroline Falkner Stephanie, Phillipa & Molly Gardner Brendon Taylor Brendon Taylor
SURI PROGENY FLEECE WINNERS Suri Sires Progeny Fleece
Surico Maxwell Smart
Suri Dams Progeny Fleece
La Roche Gold Pacn
Hermione, Brook &Sue Richards Anne & Neil Godfrey
HUACAYA FLEECE AWARDS
54
Graham & Joca Keen Kit & Sheryl Johnson
Junior Female Champion Junior Female Reserve Champion
Oak Ridge Ayla Silverstream Midnight Magic
Junior Male Champion Junior Male Reserve Champion
Oak Ridge Tiberius Sherlin The Watchman
Intermediate Female Champion Intermendiate Female Reserve Champion
Softfoot Petronella Et Shamarra Roaring Meg Et
Sarah & Peter Busby Anya & Frank Walkington
Intermediate Male Champion Intermediate Male Reserve Champion
Stylist Sir Edmund Hillary Brenor Point Blanc
Trish & Neil Watson Brenda & Ivor Gainsford
Adult Female Champion Adult Female Reserve Champion
Silverstream Japanji Silverstream Kainite
Adult Male Champion Adult Male Reserve Champion
Stoneleigh Valentino Stoney Meadows Genesis
Senior Female Champion Senior Female Reserve Champion
Stoneleigh Flambella Gilt Edge High Cloud
Senior Male Champion Senior Male Reserve Champion
Stoneleigh Valentino Aquaviva Cadbury
Chris & Liz Strack Kevin & Lesley Burgess
Mature Female Champion Mature Female Reserve Champion
Sherlin Azurra Stoneleigh Flambella
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Chris & Liz Strack
Mature Male Champion Mature Male Reserve Champion
Honeyfields Sutherland Silverstream Godsend Et
Martin Bennett & Debbie Wallace Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
Greg & Toni Charteris & Kit & Sheryl Johnson Dixon Mcivor & Glenys Mcivor Chris & Liz Strack Wayne & Sandra Allison Chris & Liz Strack Sarah & Peter Busby
Barbara Lomax Kit & Sheryl Johnson
HUACAYA COLOUR CHAMPIONS Chris & Liz Strack Trish & Neil Watson
White Champion Reserve Champion
Stoneleigh Valentino Stylist Sir Edmund Hillary
Light Fawn Champion Reserve Champion
Oak Ridge Ayla Oak Ridge Tiberius
Med/Dark Fawn Champion Reserve Champion
Honeyfields Sutherland Waratah Flats Fire Cracker
Med/Dark Brown Champion Reserve Champion
Aquaviva Cadbury Shamarra Lone Star
Kevin & Lesley Burgess Anya & Frank Walkington
Grey/Roan Champion Reserve Champion
Shamarra Roaring Meg Et Sherlin The Watchman
Anya & Frank Walkington Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
Black Champion Reserve Champion
Sierra Vista Total Eclipse Alpacaspecialist Ima Lady Too
SUPREME
Oak Ridge Ayla
Graham & Joca Keen Martin Bennett & Debbie Wallace Barbara Lomax Paul Garland & Lynda Sides
Graham & Diane Marks Shirley Grant Graham & Joca Keen
HUACAYA PROGENY FLEECE WINNERS Huacaya Sires Progeny Fleece
Patogonia Celtic Rising Sun Et
Anya & Frank Walkington
Huacaya Dam Progeny Fleece
Lee Carrow Seventh Heaven
Anya & Frank Walkington
FANCY HUACAYA FLEECE AWARDS Best Junior Female
Softfoot Brenna Wp
Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Junior Male Reserve Best Junior Male
NZ Summerhill Spot The Sir Prize Softfoot Mudgee Cb
Shirley & Dallas Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Intermediate Female Reserve Best Intermediate Female
Strath Lorien Lady Mirage Ambersun Paisley
Shirley & Dallas Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Intermediate Male Reserve Best Intermediate Male
Kooinda Bayley Ambersun Speck Tacular
Best Adult Female Reserve Best Adult Female
Ambersun Spectrum Ambersun Karaoke
Shirley & Dallas Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Senior Female Reserve Best Senior Female
Ambersun Spectrum Shamarra Pr Passion's Rose
Shirley & Dallas Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant
Best Senior Male
Ambersun Commando
Shirley & Dallas Grant
PREMIER FANCY HUACAYA
NZ Summerhill Spot The Sir Prize
Debra Tobin-Alexander Shirley & Dallas Grant
Shirley & Dallas Grant
AUSTRALIAN ALPACA FIBRE TESTING Dedicated to the specific needs of Alpaca breeders
AAFT
Australian Alpaca Fibre Testing PO Box 246, Crookwell, NSW 2583, Australia Phone: 61 2 4834 2132 Email: info@aaft.com.au Website: www.aaft.com.au
55
SOUTH ISLAND
COLOURBRATION – 2014 RESULTS – Judges: Paul Garland & Sarah Busby
BREED RESULTS SURI BREED SECTION PREMIER FANCY SURI
Bellaveen The Reverend
Michael & Louise Green
SUPREME CHAMPION BLACK SURI
Sherlin Mediba
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION GREY SURI
Sherlin Creedence
Sheryl & Lindsay Riddle Ritchie & Maree Churchill
SUPREME CHAMPION BROWN SURI
El Dos Cadena Titan
SUPREME CHAMPION MED/DARK FAWN SURI
Fairhaven Jarrah
Anne & Neil Godfrey
SUPREME CHAMPION LIGHT FAWN SURI
Fairhaven Jaeger
Anne & Neil Godfrey
SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE SURI
Fairhaven Houston
Anne & Neil Godfrey
HUACAYA BREED SECTION PREMIER FANCY HUACAYA
Kooinda Bayley
SUPREME CHAMPION BLACK HUACAYA
Softfoot Jeronimo Et
SUPREME CHAMPION GREY HUACAYA
Malakai Signature Move Et
SUPREME CHAMPION BROWN HUACAYA
High Chaparral Aztec Warrior
SUPREME CHAMPION MED/DARK FAWN HUACAYA Oak Ridge Ascolana SUPREME CHAMPION LIGHT FAWN HUACAYA
Shamarra Storm
SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE HUACAYA
Silverstream Kiss & Tell
Debra Tobin-Alexander Shirley Grant Shirley & Dallas Grant/ Rose Gilbert Graham & Joca Keen Graham & Joca Keen Anya & Frank Walkington Kit & Sheryl Johnson
FLEECE RESULTS SURI FLEECE SECTION SUPREME CHAMPION BLACK SURI FLEECE
Sherlin Graciela
L & S Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION GREY SURI FLEECE
Sherlin Lakota
L & S Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION BROWN SURI FLEECE
Sherlin Carusso
L & S Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION M/DARK FAWN SURI FLEECE Fairhaven Hajime
A & N Godfrey
SUPREME CHAMPION LIGHT FAWN SURI FLEECE
Surico Picardy
A & N Godfrey
SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE SURI FLEECE
Sherlin Kelah
L & S Riddle
HUACAYA FLEECE SECTION BEST HUACAYA FANCY FLEECE
Kooinda Bayley
SUPREME CHAMPION BLACK HUACAYA FLEECE
Styx River Farm Eden
C & K Rietveld
SUPREME CHAMPION GREY HUACAYA FLEECE
Sherlin The Watchman
L & S Riddle
SUPREME CHAMPION BROWN HUACAYA FLEECE
Oak Ridge Tuscan Sun
M Bennett & D Wallace
SUPREME CHAMPION M/D FAWN HUACAYA FLEECE El Remanso Apache Sunrise
56
D Tobin-Alexander
SUPREME CHAMPION L/FAWN HUACAYA FLEECE
Honeyfields Guiseppe
SUPREME CHAMPION WHITE HUACAYA FLEECE
El Remanso Antidote
B & A Rogers E & D Macaskill B & A Rogers
Huacaya Herd
FOR SALE Females and wethers of various ages. Colours include: white, brown, rose grey and a black macho. Please contact Robin Phone: 07 333 2202 Email: rk.uncles@farmside.co.nz
• Winners of the World’s First Alpaca Shearing Competition • World Class independent Alpaca shearers setting the standard and leading in every aspect of the Alpaca Shearing Industry • Introducing new technology in handling & safety of your Alpacas • 9 Cut Free style alpaca shearing, including show shearing and show blankets • Mobile shearing specialising in large and small herds • Shed management
Enquiries to: Mike Banks M: 021 256 2839 E: shearpac@hotmail.com