Autumn NETAG Report

Alpaca life in the north of the region and beyond to the Queensland border has continued to be very busy. The group have met in January and February to plan events in the region. Alpacas have been on display at the Uralla and Armidale shows with good interest from the public at both events.

Tenterfield had its first display and alpaca show, unfortunately this is technically in the Southern Queensland/Northern NSW Region who would not support those wishing to run the show. Therefore it was a non AAA show. There were approximately 25 animals with the Supreme Champion animal being owned and bred by local Tenterfield AAA breeder Fiona Henderson of Cooredulla Alpacas. Cooredulla also won Supreme Champion Fleece. Chris Humphries judged the fleece and Julie Hockings judged the animals. Many members from our region assisted at this show, as those taking on this task were enthusiastic but inexperienced and lacking support from their own region. The organisers were very grateful for the assistance. Although AAA regional support was lacking local businesses were very supportive with all ribbon winners receiving a bottle of wine with their ribbons, reserve champions received a 1/2 doz and Champions a dozen and some other gifts were also given away.

Inverell also had its second non AAA judging show with approximately 50 animals. There has been a display at the Inverell show for the past 10 years by members of our region John and Karen Gilbert, without any backing from the Southern Queensland/Northern NSW Region. It was a grey showery day, however the rain mainly held off for a successful show. Wayne Clymo, once a member of our region did an excellent job as judge. Wayne travelled nine hours to come up to the show and it was great to have his support at late notice as the AAA judge who was to do the show was not able to attend at the last minute. Supreme Champion was Karrawill Ratu owned by Karen and John Gilbert of Karawill Alpaca Stud.

In addition our group has had a preliminary strategic plan research day working towards the possible formation of a local group venture that could include a pooling of resources for education, breeding, fleece collection, processing and marketing. We all have specific research to do and will meet again after Wool Expo.

A number of breeders from the group will also be making the trek to the Toowoomba Show and then the Sydney Royal Show.

The AGE workshop held last year was well attended and a SRS workshop will be held in March. Then it’s nose to the grind stone and total focus on Wool Expo and The New England Alpaca Show and Spectacular. Hope to see you all there.

Wool Expo

Wool Expo was a great event, a report will be posted here soon.

Wool Expo is a great three day event. We are promoting the alpacas this year through the theme “Alpaca Spectacular.” Animals can stay overnight on Friday and Saturday. Those arriving on Friday before 5.00pm are able to attend the official opening of Wool Expo which includes drinks and nibbles along with the TAWFA fashion show. The Wool Expo site is enclosed and security guards patrol the area overnight. (Thursday to Saturday night). Those who wish to then usually go somewhere for a meal. We also usually go somewhere for a meal on the Saturday evening. If anyone needs to be billeted or assisted with accommodation bookings please let me know.