spits summer - the Hawkesbury Blue Mountains Alpaca Region
spits summer - the Hawkesbury Blue Mountains Alpaca Region
spits summer - the Hawkesbury Blue Mountains Alpaca Region
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NEWSLETTER of <strong>the</strong> HAWKESBURY - BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Australian <strong>Alpaca</strong> Association Inc<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Volume 11 : Issue 4 Summer, 2005<br />
Meanwhile, at <strong>the</strong> Christmas party,<br />
Consuela got herself pretty legless!<br />
1
2<br />
Spits & Pieces
Spits & Pieces<br />
Contents<br />
Committee - Nearly There Page 4<br />
From <strong>the</strong> Editor Page 5<br />
Introducing...........Russel Fawcett Pages 6 & 7<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong>s and <strong>the</strong> Vertebrate Chip Page 10<br />
Breaking News! Pages 11 & 12<br />
Calendar Page 13<br />
Chrissie Pix Pages 14 & 15<br />
Stork Talk - My Brilliant Cria Page 16<br />
“From Here, To Wear” Page 16<br />
Teepee Pages 17, 18, 19 & 20<br />
Crafty Work Page 21<br />
Kerrie & Warren’s Merchandise Page 22<br />
Workshop Proposal Page 23<br />
AAFL Exciting New Development Page 25<br />
AAA Council Meetings Report Pages 26, 27, 28, 29 & 33<br />
Lettuce Page 31<br />
Contribute & Advertise Page 34<br />
Service Directory Page 35<br />
Advertisers<br />
Lamaworld<br />
Paca Chicks<br />
Alleena <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
Foxdale <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
Camelidynamics<br />
Follyfoot <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
Patagonia <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
Westwood <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
Regal House <strong>Alpaca</strong>s<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Sires Australia<br />
Charles Ledger Fleece Show<br />
Service Directory Supporters<br />
3
President<br />
Matt Ridley<br />
Vice President<br />
Russel Fawcett<br />
Secretary (minutes)<br />
Carol Ridley<br />
Secretary (contacts)<br />
Brian Woodhouse-Young<br />
Treasurer<br />
Veronica Graham<br />
4<br />
Committee:<br />
Education & Training t.b.a<br />
Library<br />
Judi Johnston<br />
Marketing<br />
Bernhard Koch<br />
Immediate Past President<br />
Graeme Dickson<br />
02 9411 7236 (PH)<br />
02 9262 6998 (FAX)<br />
Blaydon@bigpond.net.au<br />
02 9300 8387 (PH)<br />
02 9300 8387 (FAX)<br />
russelfawcett@bigpond.com<br />
02 9411 7236 (PH)<br />
02 9262 6998 (FAX)<br />
Blaydon@bigpond.net.au<br />
02 4571 2362 (PH)<br />
why@talamasca-stud.com.au<br />
02 4754 1293 (PH)<br />
v.a.graham@bigpond.com.au<br />
02 9440 2188 (PH)<br />
kaley@idx.com.au<br />
02 4567 2029 (PH)<br />
02 4567 2029 (FAX)<br />
tomahfarm@hawknet.com.au<br />
02 4576 5048 (PH)<br />
02 4576 6152 (FAX)<br />
warralinga@fastlink.com.au<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Committee<br />
Property<br />
Noel Waller<br />
Merchandise<br />
Kerrie & Warren Elgar<br />
Teepee<br />
Bronwyn Davey<br />
Bushfire Evacuation<br />
Fiona Maxwell<br />
Non-Member Shearing<br />
Pam Thomas<br />
R.A.S Committee<br />
Richard Bird<br />
Cheryl Kosaras<br />
Jeanne Brown<br />
S&P Editor<br />
H-BM Webmaster<br />
John Hay<br />
Auxiliaries:<br />
02 4573 1272 (PH)<br />
02 6359 3180 (PH)<br />
shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com<br />
02 4576 4576 (PH)<br />
02 4576 4555<br />
alpaca@lanscape.net.au<br />
02 4576 1622 (PH)<br />
fiona.maxwell@diageo.com<br />
02 4573 2687 (PH)<br />
02 4573 2888 (FAX)<br />
prestigeenterprises@bigpond.com<br />
02 9655 1122 (PH)<br />
gorgealpacas@bigpond.com<br />
02 4573 1177 (PH)<br />
regalhouse@pnc.com.au<br />
02 4576 3333 (PH)<br />
alleena@zeta.org.au<br />
02 9653 2277 (PH)<br />
02 9653 2277 (FAX)<br />
alpacas@tpg.com.au<br />
DISCLAIMER<br />
The Editor and <strong>the</strong> Committee of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> <strong>Region</strong> of <strong>the</strong> Australian <strong>Alpaca</strong><br />
Association Inc assume no responsibility whatsoever for accuracy of material in this magazine.<br />
COPYRIGHT<br />
The material published in Spits & Pieces is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole<br />
or part without <strong>the</strong> written permission of <strong>the</strong> editor.
Perhaps <strong>the</strong> only “downsides” of being an<br />
editor and webmaster are that a) you don’t<br />
get to enjoy reading without knowing what’s<br />
coming next and b) you really don’t know if<br />
anyone out <strong>the</strong>re bo<strong>the</strong>rs to look at <strong>the</strong> thing.<br />
Or so I thought. Just when I was going<br />
through <strong>the</strong> “what’s <strong>the</strong> point” part of <strong>the</strong><br />
editorial cycle, out of <strong>the</strong> blue, kerbam! We<br />
got a threatening letter concerning <strong>the</strong><br />
content!<br />
Oh joy, oh bliss - someone out <strong>the</strong>re really<br />
does look at <strong>the</strong> stuff. It<br />
appears that our humble<br />
offerings have offended<br />
<strong>the</strong> publishers of a<br />
commercially published<br />
sales listing which, by<br />
chance, shares <strong>the</strong> same<br />
name as that which<br />
traditionally graces <strong>the</strong><br />
centre pages of this rag.<br />
(Notice how I’ve<br />
carefully managed to<br />
avoid referring to it by<br />
name and thus getting<br />
myself cited.)<br />
My initial reaction was,<br />
to quote George W, “Bring it on!” Then,<br />
when I realized that our Futile Litigation<br />
Budget had already taken a sever hammering,<br />
I figured to let <strong>the</strong>m have <strong>the</strong>ir name.<br />
In future our alpaca sales section, as appears<br />
in both this humble tome and <strong>the</strong> website, will<br />
be called “Teepee.” I only hope this doesn’t<br />
offend any Comanche or Sioux.<br />
*********************<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
From The Editor<br />
Regular visitors to <strong>the</strong> website will notice a<br />
few changes in relation to <strong>the</strong> reprinting of<br />
Spits & Pieces. Where before we were limited<br />
to pulling out specific articles we can now<br />
offer <strong>the</strong> entire thing in as a pdf file.<br />
My thanks to Mark Newman for his<br />
assistance in guiding your humble scribe<br />
through <strong>the</strong> process.<br />
*********************<br />
Some fairly heavy duty content in this issue,<br />
particularly from El Prez,<br />
reporting on <strong>the</strong> recent AAA<br />
Council meetings. We also have<br />
an article exploring <strong>the</strong><br />
Vertebrate Chip, a tool which in<br />
future may help alpaca breeders<br />
select for desired traits in cria.<br />
On a lighter note we have some<br />
photos from <strong>the</strong> H-BM<br />
Christmas party. Incriminating<br />
negatives are available for a<br />
small contribution to my chosen<br />
charity!<br />
*********************<br />
Finally, as <strong>the</strong> sun sets on yet ano<strong>the</strong>r year, all<br />
that remains is to thank my sub-editor Sue<br />
four chequing for typos and to wish all <strong>the</strong><br />
best to you and yours, from me and mine.<br />
Have a Happy Christmas<br />
&<br />
Healthy New Cria<br />
5
I grew up in small town New Zealand<br />
and became a new Australian only 8<br />
years ago. Until moving to Sydney, <strong>the</strong><br />
largest town I had ever lived in was<br />
50,000 people, so it was a bit of an eye<br />
opener.<br />
As with many New Zealand kids, I was<br />
raised in a semi rural environment and<br />
got to spend my early years around all<br />
sorts of farm life. I initially live in<br />
Taranaki on <strong>the</strong> west side of <strong>the</strong> North<br />
Island, where <strong>the</strong> grass is never less than<br />
6 inches high and 3 days without rain<br />
signals talk of a drought. At 13 my<br />
family moved to <strong>the</strong> Hawkes Bay, on <strong>the</strong><br />
east side of <strong>the</strong> island, across <strong>the</strong> huge<br />
dividing mountain range that runs down<br />
<strong>the</strong> middle of New Zealand. Almost all<br />
rain stops when it hits <strong>the</strong> ranges, so <strong>the</strong><br />
wea<strong>the</strong>r went from mostly rain to mostly<br />
dry, a little like NSW has been lately.<br />
The semi rural lifestyle continued in<br />
Hawkes Bay as it is <strong>the</strong> fruitbowl of New<br />
Zealand, famous for its white wines and<br />
a huge sheep and deer farming region. I<br />
finished High School <strong>the</strong>re and was<br />
accepted into <strong>the</strong> airforce for pilots<br />
training, but never made it thanks to a<br />
motorcycle and some inexperienced<br />
riding skills.<br />
6<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Introducing ………………Russel Fawcett<br />
With our new look committee <strong>the</strong>re came a number of new faces, ei<strong>the</strong>r to <strong>the</strong> industry in<br />
general or <strong>the</strong> region in particular. In <strong>the</strong> last issue, we introduced our President, Matt<br />
Ridley. Over <strong>the</strong> next few issues we’ll meet up with some of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
In this edition it’s <strong>the</strong> turn of our Vice President, Russel Fawcett, to reveal all.<br />
I decided to go into business for myself<br />
as a partner in a welding / light<br />
engineering business, soon learning that<br />
enthusiasim itself isn’t enough in life,<br />
and soon after was off to management<br />
school to find out how to run a business<br />
properly.<br />
In 1986 I met Susan and we decided to<br />
see <strong>the</strong> world, starting with a year in<br />
South America. We returned and were<br />
married in 1989, after which we<br />
established a business traveling to<br />
Colombia, Brazil and Thailand,<br />
wholesale buying gemstones for sale to<br />
<strong>the</strong> New Zealand market. Things started<br />
to get a little to dangerous trading out of<br />
South America and so we changed to<br />
retail jewellery in Hawkes Bay.<br />
Hawkes Bay is a wonderful place, but<br />
too small to make a success of our<br />
dreams and so we looked for somewhere<br />
with greater commercial opportunities –<br />
Sydney.<br />
(Continued on page 7)
(Continued from page 6)<br />
Susan and I became involved in <strong>the</strong><br />
alpaca industry after visiting <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Hawkesbury</strong> Fiesta in 2002. We had had<br />
previous contact with camelids from our<br />
time in South America and after looking<br />
at prices on <strong>the</strong> local market, decided to<br />
import our own from Peru. Two months<br />
ago our first alpacas arrived after a 18<br />
month battle, 5 sires for <strong>the</strong> company<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Sires Australia and for Susan’s<br />
Wildfire <strong>Alpaca</strong>s, 2 terrific females<br />
which are due in <strong>the</strong> new year.<br />
I am currently working on ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
import shipment, which is expected to<br />
arrive around October 2006.<br />
Most of my current work is devoted to<br />
things non alpaca, mostly on behalf of<br />
Motor Accidents Australia, promoting<br />
road safety to younger drivers, with <strong>the</strong><br />
remainder spent introducing small and<br />
medium Australian companies to<br />
prospective partners in large Australian<br />
and Chinese infrastructure projects.<br />
What a fortunate decision coming to<br />
Sydney has been, Australia has so much<br />
to offer to anyone looking to <strong>the</strong> future. I<br />
hope to start university in 2007 in <strong>the</strong><br />
field of genetics and nanotechnology and<br />
as luck would have it, one of <strong>the</strong> few and<br />
one of <strong>the</strong> best degrees in this new field<br />
is offered by UNSW.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime, it’s going to be full<br />
speed ahead with <strong>the</strong> sires mobile<br />
matings in order to pay <strong>the</strong> university<br />
fees.<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Paca Chicks are now taking enquiries &<br />
bookings for next year’s Sydney Royal<br />
Please note: <strong>Alpaca</strong>s will be exhibited<br />
during <strong>the</strong> first week of <strong>the</strong> show - not<br />
over <strong>the</strong> Easter long weekend.<br />
Services Provided:<br />
• Daily cleaning of pens<br />
• Daily exercise & feeding<br />
• Clipping & Trimming Services<br />
• Showing for you on <strong>the</strong> day<br />
• Vet inspection attendance<br />
Due to Kylie having her own bundle of<br />
joy to look after, we have decided to<br />
employ some new faces to our team.<br />
Don’t fear, we will ensure <strong>the</strong> highest<br />
standards are maintained and that<br />
friendly service will still be provided.<br />
Enquiries can be made by calling:<br />
Robin Franklin<br />
0400 264 943 or 02 9653 1696 after 8pm<br />
Paca Chicks and Robin’s Animal Care<br />
Services would like to wish all past &<br />
present clients a Merry Christmas and a<br />
Happy New Year<br />
7
8<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Sires Australia - Son of Hugo
Spits & Pieces<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Sires Australia<br />
Classic International Bloodlines<br />
Newly arrived in Australia and based in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong> <strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> region, our five sires,<br />
have been selected by Julio Sumar and his team, from <strong>the</strong> best bloodlines of <strong>the</strong> Alianza and<br />
Tijera herds in Peru.<br />
The sires have been selected for <strong>the</strong>ir all round fitness, including of course, <strong>the</strong>ir fleece<br />
characteristics and confirmation. All are solid white in colour.<br />
Each sire is from elite breeding stock and in addition to it’s outstanding fitness qualities, was<br />
selected on <strong>the</strong> two fur<strong>the</strong>r criteria required for our mobile mating program.<br />
Firstly we wished to introduce quality new bloodlines to <strong>the</strong> industry and secondly we required<br />
outstanding temperament in our sires. Julio Sumar and his team have achieved this for us with<br />
<strong>the</strong>se five magnificent machos.<br />
Zen Master<br />
From January 1 2006, <strong>the</strong> sires will be available for<br />
mobile mating. As part of establishing our service, we<br />
will be offering a limited number of introductory mating<br />
packages, details of which can be found at our website<br />
or by contacting us directly.<br />
www.alpacasiresaustralia.com.au<br />
enquiries@alpacasiresaustralia.com.au<br />
Russel Fawcett – Mobile 0408149214<br />
Zen Master, Mackenzie, Son of Hugo,<br />
In Like Flynn, Captain Courageous ( rear)<br />
9
Spits & Pieces<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong>s and <strong>the</strong> Vertebrate Chip<br />
At <strong>the</strong> Royal Easter Show in Sydney last<br />
year, Julie and Richard Bird of The Gorge<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong>s met a pair of CSIRO scientists,<br />
David Mitchell and Maree O'Sullivan, on a<br />
quest for some alpaca blood to test <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
Vertebrate Chip idea.<br />
The Vertebrate Chip is a tool for exploring<br />
gene expression. It might one day enable<br />
alpaca breeders to find out what genes are<br />
involved in traits like coat colour so that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can selectively breed certain types.<br />
The idea for <strong>the</strong> Vertebrate Chip sprang<br />
from CSIRO's work on new statistical<br />
techniques to analyse <strong>the</strong> data generated by<br />
DNA chip experiments.<br />
A DNA chip is a small support matrix on<br />
which a set of many thousands of DNA<br />
sequences is arrayed. The chip is used for<br />
experiments that reveal <strong>the</strong> pattern of gene<br />
expression in a particular species. The<br />
purpose is to understand which genes are<br />
involved in a particular disease, or trait of<br />
interest - like coat colour.<br />
“CSIRO works on a lot of different species<br />
of animals and plants, in quite a piecemeal<br />
fashion,” explains David, “and each time<br />
someone wants to look at a new species, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have to create a new type of DNA chip for<br />
that particular species. Not only is that quite<br />
expensive and time consuming, but with all<br />
<strong>the</strong> different DNA chips, it's like we're all<br />
laying down different gauge railroads.”<br />
by<br />
Andrea Mettenmeyer, (CMIS, ANU - Acton)<br />
“With <strong>the</strong> Vertebrate Chip project, we want<br />
to lay down a national standard gauge. The<br />
10<br />
idea is to be able to use one DNA chip<br />
across many different species ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
just within one species.”<br />
That's where The Gorge <strong>Alpaca</strong>s came in.<br />
Four members of <strong>the</strong> herd were recruited<br />
to <strong>the</strong> project, each donating 10mL of<br />
blood from which DNA was later<br />
extracted, back at <strong>the</strong> lab.<br />
“It was quite an interesting experience,<br />
herding alpacas across a paddock,” Maree<br />
recalls. “But <strong>the</strong>y were very obliging and<br />
actually gave us less trouble than <strong>the</strong><br />
human subjects.”<br />
Along with <strong>the</strong> alpaca DNA, DNA from<br />
rabbits and humans was used in<br />
experiments with commercially available<br />
human DNA chips. The plan was to find<br />
out whe<strong>the</strong>r, using CSIRO's new<br />
statistical techniques, <strong>the</strong> human DNA<br />
chips would yield meaningful information<br />
about rabbits and alpacas.<br />
“The research is ongoing, but early results<br />
look quite promising,” says Maree. “It's<br />
exciting for us because it means we can<br />
pursue developing our statistical<br />
techniques to make <strong>the</strong> whole process of<br />
doing DNA chip experiments much<br />
smarter.”<br />
“It's also good news for breeders of species<br />
like alpacas, for which <strong>the</strong>re aren't<br />
commercially available DNA chips,<br />
because it will shortcut <strong>the</strong> process of<br />
doing genetic studies to identify<br />
commercially valuable traits.”
Spits & Pieces<br />
Breaking News!<br />
by<br />
Warwick Fuller<br />
We arrived home on dusk one afternoon in<br />
June and went straight down to check and<br />
feed <strong>the</strong> six girls. Serenade was missing!<br />
They graze in <strong>the</strong> bottom paddock and come<br />
up for <strong>the</strong>ir feed and to camp overnight. I<br />
headed down <strong>the</strong> hill along a pad <strong>the</strong>y<br />
usually return on. I found her standing and<br />
calling loudly for mum. A fawn girl by<br />
Windsong Valley Braveheart. She is one<br />
year old and growing out beautifully. As I<br />
approached her she went to move and<br />
nearly fell. She had broken her left Tibia<br />
and Fibula!<br />
Back at <strong>the</strong> house I assumed it was not<br />
possible to set a broken leg on an<br />
animal of this size and so was thinking<br />
<strong>the</strong> worst. The vet could get <strong>the</strong>re in<br />
about an hour. So now I had to work<br />
out how to get Serenade 200 metres<br />
back up a rough hill too steep for a<br />
four-wheel drive, and in <strong>the</strong> dark.<br />
Negative of x-ray<br />
Wendy rang a friend and neighbour,<br />
Tom Kent (Ngullaminya <strong>Alpaca</strong>s) and<br />
he arrived almost before <strong>the</strong> phone<br />
was put down. (AHH! Don’t say “put<br />
down”!)<br />
(Continued on page 12)<br />
11
(Continued from page 11)<br />
12<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
By <strong>the</strong>n I’d found an old bed sheet, which we<br />
folded and <strong>the</strong>n cut four slits for her legs.<br />
Tom and I picked our way down <strong>the</strong> hill to<br />
Serenade. We slipped <strong>the</strong> sling under her<br />
belly and as gently as we could, got her legs<br />
through <strong>the</strong> slits and tied <strong>the</strong> corners<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r on each side of her for grip. It was a<br />
slow and difficult exercise, working our way<br />
back up, and excruciating, no doubt, for<br />
Serenade. Tom and I were aching. As soon as<br />
<strong>the</strong> vet arrived, she administered a<br />
painkiller. We discussed options including<br />
amputation but would wait for x-rays to<br />
show <strong>the</strong> extent of <strong>the</strong> damage. Using <strong>the</strong><br />
“Robert Jones” method, Serenade’s leg was<br />
padded and bound firmly, alternating with<br />
cotton wool and elastic bandage (about four<br />
layers) to form an excellent temporary splint.<br />
Early next morning Tom was back and<br />
helped me with her into <strong>the</strong> back of my van<br />
where I sat with her to keep her immobilised.<br />
Tom drove.<br />
It’s such fun to hold an alpaca sitting up on<br />
her tail on an x-ray table with everybody else<br />
disappearing during <strong>the</strong> “zap.” The break<br />
was angular but with few fragments and<br />
Andrew Gough considered that pinning and<br />
wiring it would be possible.<br />
We picked her up late that afternoon<br />
after successful surgery and brought her<br />
home to a temporary pen measuring one<br />
by two metres. She was able to stand and<br />
move a little in <strong>the</strong> restricted area on<br />
three legs without attempting to put<br />
weight on <strong>the</strong> fourth. The stitches were<br />
removed after a week and <strong>the</strong> bandage<br />
left off. We gave her about three metres<br />
by three metres to roam in for <strong>the</strong> next<br />
six weeks. Ano<strong>the</strong>r trip to <strong>the</strong> vet and<br />
through a small incision on top of <strong>the</strong><br />
knee joint, <strong>the</strong> 200mm (8”) long pin was<br />
removed.<br />
We’ve no idea how she broke her leg and<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore it’s difficult to reduce <strong>the</strong> risk.<br />
Even though it is rough country, <strong>the</strong><br />
alpacas handle it with ease. It’s been<br />
about five months since <strong>the</strong> break and<br />
Serenade is as good as gold with no limp<br />
and so we let her back down <strong>the</strong> hill,<br />
hoping SHE will know <strong>the</strong> danger of<br />
whatever caused her pain and suffering.<br />
Thanks to Warwick for this story. I’m not<br />
sure what <strong>the</strong> “Robert Jones” method is,<br />
but personally I’m never going to use<br />
anything else!<br />
If you have any tales to tell, please put pen<br />
to paper or quill to parchment and share<br />
your story with <strong>the</strong> rest of us. Ed
Spits & Pieces<br />
Calendar<br />
January 2006<br />
23rd: Charles Ledger Fleece Show<br />
February 2006<br />
3rd: Monthly Meeting, Pan<strong>the</strong>rs, North Richmond.<br />
8pm Visitors welcome.<br />
March 2006<br />
3rd: Monthly Meeting, Pan<strong>the</strong>rs, North Richmond.<br />
8pm Visitors welcome.<br />
18th-31st: RES - Homebush<br />
26th: Castle Hill Show<br />
April 2006<br />
7th: Monthly Meeting, Pan<strong>the</strong>rs, North Richmond.<br />
8pm Visitors welcome.<br />
28th-30th: <strong>Hawkesbury</strong> Show, Clarendon<br />
May 2006<br />
5th: Monthly Meeting, Pan<strong>the</strong>rs, North Richmond.<br />
8pm Visitors welcome.<br />
20th-21st: <strong>Alpaca</strong> Fiesta & Auction, Clarendon<br />
For Sale - $1,000<br />
Supa-doopa-poopa-scoopa<br />
Mulcher - shredder - vuccuum<br />
Multi functional<br />
Self propelled<br />
Allan Dollisson 02 4572 5232<br />
13
14<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Christmas Party 2005
Spits & Pieces<br />
15
16<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Stork Talk<br />
“My Brilliant Cria”<br />
Stud Cria Name M/F Sire Dam D.O.B<br />
Rocky Hall Rosebud (SMF) F Merungle Hot Chilli Rocky Hall Roxette 14/8/05<br />
Rocky Hall Matilde (SBLK) F Burning Gold Blackjack Valley Melanie 11/10/05<br />
Rocky Hall Savanah (SMF) F Prestige Valentino Valley Snow White 23/10/05<br />
Rocky Hall India (PINK) F Rocky Hall Don Rocky Hall Bronwyn 1/11/05<br />
Including India, Rocky Hall have now produced 8 (yes, eight) females on <strong>the</strong> trot. Must be something in <strong>the</strong><br />
water………….Ed<br />
“From Here, to Wear”<br />
The next AAA National Conference is set down for 18th-20th August 2006 and will be held in South<br />
Australia, at <strong>the</strong> Adelaide Convention Centre on North Terrace by <strong>the</strong> banks of Torrens Lake.<br />
The conference will open with a semi-formal welcome reception on <strong>the</strong> Friday evening at <strong>the</strong> National Wine<br />
Centre with <strong>the</strong> technical program extending over <strong>the</strong> Saturday and Sunday.<br />
Convenor Jolyon Porter has called for papers, and anyone who’d like to present a paper – or make<br />
inquiries about attending <strong>the</strong> conference - should contact Jolyon on (08) 8568 5254 or 0407 396 513.
Austin Park<br />
Eileen Clough<br />
Austin Park Janelle (F)<br />
(MB)<br />
Austin Park Novessa (F)<br />
(SLF)<br />
Austin Park Chiquita (F)<br />
(W)<br />
Austin Park Jeanie (F)<br />
(SW)<br />
Austin Park Mary Rose<br />
(F) (SLF)<br />
Belgrave Park<br />
Jillian Nicholas<br />
Belgrave Park Gemma (F)<br />
(SW)<br />
Belgrave Park Fortuna<br />
(F) (SBLK)<br />
Belgrave Park Amity (F)<br />
(SBLK)<br />
Belgrave Park Jezebelle<br />
(F) (SMB)<br />
Belgrave Park Cherry<br />
Blossom(F) (SBLK)<br />
Boongala<br />
Jill & Peter Derrin<br />
Teepee - Spits Summer & Pieces 2005/06<br />
* GST not applicable<br />
02 4576 3101<br />
A42959 30/12/01 Purrumbete<br />
Moonlight Gambler<br />
Kiah Maria $3,300<br />
G/Sire: Purrumbete Inti. With MB female cria at foot.<br />
A42956<br />
Windsong Valley<br />
28/11/01<br />
Romanov<br />
Austin Park Estallita $2,200<br />
G/Sires: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 22.3u<br />
A42964 3/4/03 Prestige Valentino Prestige Queen of Hearts $4,400<br />
G/Sires: Purrumbete Sir Titus Salt & Peruvian El Jefe<br />
Windsong Valley<br />
A42960 20/1/02 Austin Park Petronella $4,400<br />
Romanov<br />
G/Sire: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 22.4u<br />
A42965 25/4/03<br />
Windsong Valley<br />
Romanov<br />
Austin Park Estallita $5,500<br />
G/Sire: Purrumbete Highlander & Peruvian Caudillo. Micron 20.5u<br />
A28943 16/03/99<br />
A86342 22/12/04<br />
02 6355 2477<br />
or 0417 455 355<br />
jill@belgraveparkalpacas.com.au<br />
Peruvian Pride of<br />
Allianca<br />
World Class Sugargirl $3,750<br />
Belgrave Park<br />
Rainmaker<br />
Mated to Schubert Maestro due 1/4/2006<br />
Belgrave Park Flicka $2,800<br />
A86338 31/01/05 Airlie Amadeus Belgrave Park Amy $2,800<br />
A86343 31/12/04<br />
Belgrave Park<br />
Rainmaker<br />
World Class Crème Caramel $2,800<br />
A86336 18/09/04 TimberTop The Scud Belgrave Park Chelsea $5,500<br />
Also available a number of weanling males for $550.<br />
02 4567 2208<br />
Boongala Picalo (F) (SW) 69552 13/05/02 Jolimont <strong>the</strong> Don Boongala Premaydeena $5,000<br />
2nd Castle Hill 2004. MN3. 19.7µm, 3.5 S.D, 17.8% C.V, 18.7 SF (2nd fleece)<br />
Also quality mums of show winning progeny for sale. Call for details.<br />
17
<strong>Blue</strong> Grass Chasca<br />
(F) (SF)<br />
Blackwattle Barbie<br />
(F) (SLF)<br />
18<br />
Blackwattle<br />
John Hawthorn<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
02 9829 5555 blackwattle@optusnet.com.au<br />
A18732 13/05/96 Coolaroo Ravel World Class Classic $2,750<br />
A91366 2/01/05<br />
The Pines<br />
Deerhunter<br />
<strong>Blue</strong> Grass Chasca $2,750<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r and Daughter combo. Mum is a reliable breeder and her daughter has a fine super crimpy<br />
fleece all over. Special combo price $4400 for both.<br />
Blackwattle<br />
A30011 14/4/98 Peruvian Heritage Hawthorn Cottage Duchess $4,400<br />
Lucy (F) (SLF)<br />
Lucy has produced exceptional dense yet fine fleeced offspring. Her latest cria has a very fine bundling<br />
white fleece, and she is remated to <strong>the</strong> same sire.<br />
Also available a number of young pregnant females at realistic prices.<br />
Bonny Belle<br />
Diana & Ralph Fairbairn<br />
02 6355 2372 bonnybelle@ozemail.com.au<br />
Bonny Belle Honey (F)(LF) A71489 16/4/03 Golden Gates Julius Bonny Belle Nutella $3,000*<br />
A well grown female with great potential. Mated to Hawthorn Cottage Iam.<br />
Bonny Belle Hazelnut<br />
Swirl (F) (MF)<br />
A83216 13/6/04 Golden Gates Julius Bonny Belle Nutella $3,000*<br />
This well grown female is offered with a free mating to Hawthorn Cottage Iam.<br />
Bonny Belle Mon Amour<br />
(F) (R)<br />
A50579 27/5/01 Bonny Vale Oxley Jolimont Danielle $5,500*<br />
Pregnant to Golden Gates Julius. Will be sold with a White female cria at foot<br />
Foxdale<br />
Glenn Reynolds<br />
Foxdale Kingsford Smith<br />
(M) (SW)<br />
Jenkins Village<br />
Jeanette Hollingworth<br />
Jenkins Village King<br />
William (M) (SMF)<br />
Jenkins Village Cinderella<br />
(F) (SMBR)<br />
02 9623 9281 shearing@foxdalealpacas.com<br />
68887 19/12/03 Schubert Maestro Gorge Gypsy Moth $2,000*<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>r to Foxdale Amelia.<br />
02 9653 1696 alpacandes@ozemail.com.au<br />
28867 24/4/99<br />
Cedar House Accoyo<br />
Jenkins Village Valentina<br />
Jacomo<br />
$1,500*<br />
Certified stud male & broad ribbon winner - has great presence.<br />
A12196 1/4/94<br />
Cedar House Knight<br />
Cedar House Edwina $2,850*<br />
Rider<br />
Mated to Cedar House Lucifer.
Ngullaminya<br />
Tom & Joan Kent<br />
Ngullaminya Jessie’s<br />
Amiga (F) (MB)<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
A24704 20/05/99 Purrumbete<br />
Minderoo<br />
02 6355 2393 bighistory@bigpond.com.au<br />
Coolaroo Murrianti $3,250<br />
G/Sire Purrumbete Highlander. Good mum, mated to Swan Valley Achiever, due 12/ 05<br />
Purrumbete Cheeky Chick<br />
A2116 13/3/93 Purrumbete Raven Purrumbete Sooty Petrel $2,750<br />
(F) (SDB)<br />
Clearly black, good mum from solid blk parents, mated to Pinjarra Coal Porter, due 4/ 06<br />
Ngullaminya Jessica Jane<br />
(F) (SMF)<br />
A87280 26/12/03 Kurrala Inca Bounty<br />
Ngullaminya Jessie’s<br />
Amiga<br />
$2,200<br />
G/Sires: Peruvian Ayaviri, Purrumbete Minderoo. Pretty girl, well grown, soon to be mated.<br />
We have weaners, potential sires, we<strong>the</strong>rs and breeding stock now available – we’re happy to discus your needs.<br />
Pacafields<br />
Susan Stacey<br />
02 9653 1806<br />
Pacafields Piaf (F) (SLF) 18759 16/11/03 Schubert Maestro Jolimont Rosa $3,000<br />
Piaf is a large framed female with soft handling fleece which is even in colour.<br />
Pacafields Sharni (F)<br />
(SLF)<br />
18760 06/12/04 Schubert Maestro Jolimont Rosa $2,500<br />
Sharni is a well grown weanling female with a soft handling fleece which is even in colour .<br />
Prestige<br />
Pam & Barry Thomas<br />
02 4573 2687<br />
Prestigeenterprises@bigpond.co<br />
m.au<br />
Prestige Tempest (M) (W) 53359 13/07/03 Prestige Valentino Kurabell Park Laura $P.O.A<br />
Tempest is a son of Prestige Valentino and carries a well defined dense crimp & good<br />
conformation.<br />
Prestige Valparaiso (M)<br />
(DF)<br />
53358 01/01/04 Prestige Valentino Jolimont Blanche $P.O.A.<br />
Valparaiso is a son of PrestigeValentino, carries a well defined dense crimp & good conformation.<br />
Regal House<br />
Alicia Anderson & Cheryl<br />
Kosaras<br />
Regal House Truffle (F) 74434 12/8/04<br />
02 4573 1177 regalhouse@pnc.com.au<br />
Windsong Valley<br />
Braveheart<br />
Willows Ro Princess $2,200<br />
Truffle is a very fancy girl with loads of personality and has been mated to Forestglen Plutach.<br />
Regal House Annalise (F)<br />
(SW)<br />
74437 26/3/05<br />
Windsong Valley<br />
Braveheart<br />
Regal House Anna $4,850<br />
A superfine soft handling fleece : Oct. 05: 17micron, SD3.4, CV20.0, CF99.5%. Offered with a<br />
service to Forestglen Plutach when she is of age.<br />
19
20<br />
Rocky Hall<br />
Don Culey & Bronwyn Davey<br />
Rocky Hall Cedric (M) (SLB) 71772 11/11/03<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
02 4576 4576 alpacas@lanscape.net.au<br />
<strong>Blue</strong> Grass<br />
Wolfgang<br />
Janannie Park Cordelia $1500*<br />
Cedric is a dense, solid framed male, suitable for stud duties. 20.0u. Incl cert. G'tee<br />
Rocky Hall Jasper (M) (Rg/R) 91937 2/12/04 Forestglen Reuben <strong>Alpaca</strong>ndes Jazmyn $400*<br />
A cute weanling male with lots of roan fleece. Jasper is halter trained & will be we<strong>the</strong>red.<br />
Shogun<br />
Warren & Kerrie Elgar<br />
02 6359 3180<br />
shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com.<br />
au<br />
Purrumbete El<br />
Alleena Sundowner (M) (LF) A20348 03/11/98<br />
Aymara Sunbeam $2,200<br />
Dorado<br />
Certified and DNA recorded male. Sundowner displays his bloodlines with fine, dense soft handling<br />
fleece and has won many ribbons.<br />
Westwood<br />
Allan & Evonne Dollisson<br />
02 4572 5232 westwood@hawknet.com.au<br />
Barcoo Jenna (F) (BLK) 33101 6/5/98<br />
Purrumbete<br />
Silversmith<br />
Barcoo Zulikha $3,500*<br />
Bloodline includes Purrumbete Sir Titus Salt, Purrumbete Eldorado & Purrumbete Primrose.<br />
Coonawarra Shogun (M) (MG) A24831 10/6/98 Coonawarra Lomas Coonawarra Shelly $15,000<br />
Champion certified& DNA tested working male with ribbon winning progeny. True grey soft fleece.<br />
Westwood Tatiana (F) (MBR) 43714 21/12/00<br />
Gunnamatta<br />
Robertino<br />
River Ridge Romancer $8,500*<br />
5 blue ribbons from 5 shows.<br />
River Ridge Romancer (F) (MF) 17130 23/4/97 Peruvian Caudillo Purrumbete Amber $4,000*<br />
Westwood Tiffany (F) (BLK) 43713 2/12/00<br />
Solid fine fleeced animal producing show quality offspring.<br />
Gunnamatta<br />
Robertino<br />
Barcoo Jenna $4,500*<br />
This good quality female has won many ribbons.<br />
This listing is a free service for members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> region. If you wish to have your animals<br />
included, forward details to: Bronwyn Davey on 02 4576 4576 or alpacas@lanscape.net.au<br />
Submissions are taken in good faith. Nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> region nor <strong>the</strong> Committee accept<br />
responsibility for details given or claims made regarding <strong>the</strong> animals listed for sale. Interested parties should liaise directly<br />
with <strong>the</strong> vendor.
Spits & Pieces<br />
Crafty Work<br />
Whilst most of us were embroiled in <strong>the</strong><br />
goings-on during both <strong>the</strong> animal showing<br />
and <strong>the</strong> auction down in Bendigo, one of our<br />
members, Chris Taylor, was quietly kicking<br />
goals in <strong>the</strong> craft section.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> 2005 Australian <strong>Alpaca</strong> Association<br />
National Show at Bendigo, he entered into<br />
two of <strong>the</strong> knitting classes.<br />
Chris was awarded a fourth place ribbon in<br />
class CK1, garment made from Handspun<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong>, for a sweater; and a first place ribbon<br />
in class CK2 - Lace article made from<br />
Handspun <strong>Alpaca</strong> for a shawl. The shawl also<br />
went on to win <strong>the</strong> rosette and trophy in <strong>the</strong><br />
Knitting and Crochet classes.<br />
The fleece used for <strong>the</strong>se came from his<br />
own animals. The sweater was made<br />
from black alpaca fibre from Sunnyvale<br />
Porters Rose, and this had silver glass<br />
beads incorporated in <strong>the</strong> spinning.<br />
The shawl was made of Mid Fawn<br />
alpaca from a we<strong>the</strong>r bred at Sunnyvale<br />
(Mr T.), who is now doing herd<br />
protection duty. This was plied with<br />
Tussah Silk, and made into a circular<br />
shawl with a pattern of spiral panels.<br />
21
22<br />
ITEM<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Merchandise<br />
PRICE $<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Activity Book 3.50<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Breeders Birthing Handbook 22.00<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Breeders Reproduction Handbook 27.50<br />
Bumper Stickers 2.75<br />
Business Card Holders 17.00<br />
Caring For <strong>Alpaca</strong>s in Australia 3.50<br />
Cria Coats - Large or Small 26.00<br />
Farm Gate Signs 49.50<br />
First Aid for Llamas & <strong>Alpaca</strong>s 38.50<br />
Fleece Bags 0.20<br />
Halter & Lead Sets 25.00<br />
Halters, Adjustable 34.00<br />
Halters, Fixed Nose 28.00<br />
Halter, Lea<strong>the</strong>r Self Adjustable 45.00<br />
Halters, Mallow 34.00<br />
Halters, Rope 25.00<br />
Herd Books 1 to 4 (each) 16.50<br />
Herd Book 5 25.30<br />
Herd Book 6 25.30<br />
Herd Book 7 29.70<br />
Herd Book 8 35.20<br />
Leads 22.00<br />
Llama & <strong>Alpaca</strong> Neonatal Care 55.00<br />
Managing <strong>Alpaca</strong>s in Australia 3.50<br />
Medicine & Surgery of SA Camelids 249.70<br />
Newborn Halter & Lead Set 36.00<br />
Toenail Clippers 30.00<br />
Video 27.50<br />
Kerrie & Warren Edgar<br />
Phone (02) 6359 3180<br />
Shogun.alpaca@bigpond.com
Spits & Pieces<br />
Proposal For Workshops Sponsored By The Hand<br />
Weavers & Spinners Guild of NSW INC.<br />
It is suggested <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> <strong>Region</strong> of <strong>the</strong> AAA members might like to sponsor<br />
<strong>the</strong> following workshops offered by <strong>the</strong> Guild.<br />
Saturday 9:30 – 12:30<br />
PREPARATION PRIOR TO SHEARING & PRESENTATION OF FLEECE Discussion of<br />
objectives and practical demonstration on animal/s. Looking at presenting skirted fleece with a<br />
minimum of v.m., sand/silt, double cuts, etc. sorted into Saddle and Neck/Legs/Bellies to a<br />
standard acceptable to a hand spinner. Also, if for private sale, importance of presentation and<br />
labeling to Department of Fair Trading standards.<br />
1:30 – 4:30<br />
PREPARATION FOR HAND SPINNING – Sorting, carding (hand & drum), p r o p o r t i o n a l<br />
blending with o<strong>the</strong>r fibres.<br />
Sunday 9:30 – 4:00<br />
HAND SPINNING ALPACA. Proportional blending with o<strong>the</strong>r fibres, plying with o<strong>the</strong>r fibres.<br />
Spinning designer yarns with alpaca - e.g. slub, boucle, knopp, plying with lurex or tencel.<br />
Spinning to a commercial thickness such as 5 ply, 8 ply. Recommended knitting tension and tips<br />
to prevent garment “dropping.” Dept of Fair Trad requirements for labeling garments for sale.<br />
This workshop would be aimed at hand spinners who already know <strong>the</strong> basics such as how to<br />
handcard, spin and ply, but want to explore more in depth techniques and to enhance <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
alpaca fibre for pleasure or profit. Participants would need <strong>the</strong>ir own spinning wheel and<br />
preferably carders. The Guild can offer accredited tutors who are experienced in teaching.<br />
Workshops would need a minimum of 8 people (up to 14) to be financially viable as <strong>the</strong> fee for a<br />
Tutor with appropriate qualifications would be $300 per day, plus travel reimbursement and <strong>the</strong><br />
admin fee for <strong>the</strong> weekend – payable to <strong>the</strong> Guild – would be $50 per day.<br />
With 8 participants a full day workshop could be priced at $55 per person, plus any admin<br />
expenses <strong>the</strong> <strong>Alpaca</strong> Assn needed to recoup, which should cover <strong>the</strong> fees comfortably. The Guild<br />
is not registered for GST. Payment for tutors would be required at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> day. It would<br />
be necessary for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Alpaca</strong> Association to carry public risk insurance for participants and it<br />
would be pleasant if tea/coffee and possibly BBQ facilities were available. It would also be<br />
necessary for <strong>the</strong> Association to advertise <strong>the</strong> workshops (prototype flyer would be provided) and<br />
handle bookings and collection of fees.<br />
At this stage, if <strong>the</strong> Association would like to proceed, we would need to see what weekends<br />
would suit <strong>the</strong> potential tutors and when <strong>the</strong> facilities would be available at <strong>Hawkesbury</strong><br />
Showground. November seems a good month, although “The Land” Small Farms Expo is on <strong>the</strong><br />
2 nd weekend.<br />
23
24<br />
Spits & Pieces
After 12 months of experimentation<br />
Australian <strong>Alpaca</strong> Fleece Ltd is<br />
delighted to announce at long last we<br />
have a use for <strong>the</strong> portion of white and<br />
light fawn huacaya hairy skirtings/PCS<br />
that has been classed as long kemp on<br />
<strong>the</strong> grower clip reports, which was<br />
NCV. Hence we now have a partial<br />
answer to <strong>the</strong> NCV problem – at least<br />
for white and<br />
light fawn.<br />
We now need<br />
as much as we<br />
can reasonably<br />
obtain of<br />
huacaya white<br />
and light fawn<br />
hairy pieces,<br />
but not less<br />
than 70 mm<br />
length.<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
AAFL Exciting New Development<br />
We also hope<br />
that in time we<br />
will be able to use <strong>the</strong> coloured fleeces in<br />
<strong>the</strong> same category. Please keep sending<br />
in <strong>the</strong>se hairy PCS as well, provided<br />
length is at least 70 mm, as we’re<br />
working hard to find a market for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Whilst we realise this payment is small,<br />
as from October 1 2005, Australian<br />
<strong>Alpaca</strong> Fleece Ltd is now able to pay for<br />
this fleece at $0.50/kg. We will be<br />
amending our price list to include this<br />
category. Please see <strong>the</strong> AAA and AAFL<br />
websites soon.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Fleece categories urgently needed!<br />
AAFL is also pleased to advise that as<br />
from mid-October we have significant<br />
orders for a wide range of fleece<br />
categories. We are especially short of<br />
Grade H2 – White/Light Fawn<br />
(Description: “20-23 micron and good to<br />
best style & character with soft handle.<br />
Min guard hair.<br />
Not tender. Must<br />
be regular for<br />
length & micron.<br />
Under 1% VM”).<br />
We also have<br />
urgent quite large<br />
orders for <strong>the</strong><br />
extra strong<br />
huacaya fleece<br />
Grade H5, A/B<br />
length, in ALL<br />
COLOURS.<br />
(Description: “80–<br />
150 mm length,<br />
30-34 micron and<br />
good to average style & character. Some<br />
guard hair. Not tender. Under 1% VM”).<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong>re are signs that our new<br />
lower prices are stimulating increased<br />
demand for fleece in all categories. AAFL<br />
would greatly appreciate continuing<br />
support from growers to send in as much<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir fleece as <strong>the</strong>y can – of all grades –<br />
as early as possible this season.<br />
Michael Talbot<br />
Managing Director AAFL<br />
25
26<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
Report on AAA Meetings<br />
by<br />
Matt Ridley<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> weekend of 19th-21st November, I attended <strong>the</strong> meetings of <strong>the</strong> AAA National Council<br />
and National Committee (NatCom). The Council comprises NatCom as well as <strong>the</strong> various<br />
<strong>Region</strong>al Presidents, <strong>the</strong> latter being <strong>the</strong>re in an advisory capacity.<br />
There was <strong>the</strong> proverbial packed agenda and, despite several tangents being pursued, <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
some positive outcomes.<br />
This report is not necessarily in <strong>the</strong> same order as <strong>the</strong> original agenda and I thank NSW<br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Region</strong> President Mark Garner for his assistance.<br />
1 Meetings of <strong>Region</strong>al Presidents<br />
As a first-timer, it was pleasant, interesting and useful to meet up with Presidents from all over <strong>the</strong> country. We<br />
met several times over <strong>the</strong> three days.<br />
An initial informal meeting on <strong>the</strong> Saturday morning focussed on correspondence from WA Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Region</strong><br />
regarding <strong>the</strong> “Ruckert case” and some shortcomings in AAA procedures in dealing with regional submissions.<br />
The meeting agreed that it was dissatisfied with <strong>the</strong> expenditure of significant amounts on legal fees in dealing<br />
with <strong>the</strong> case.<br />
I have raised <strong>the</strong> issue at our (September) General Meeting and stated my personal views about <strong>the</strong> money being<br />
spent and <strong>the</strong> quality and timing of NatCom communications with members. While this is now history, and we<br />
can’t get <strong>the</strong> money back, NatCom has generally agreed that it handled <strong>the</strong> matter poorly. There has been no<br />
indication from H-BM members that <strong>the</strong>y wish <strong>the</strong> matter pursued fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Unfortunately, this (and related) matters won’t go away and I’ve reported in more detail below.<br />
2 National Council (Saturday – Monday)<br />
2.1 Planning<br />
The main focus was planning. This involved <strong>the</strong> presentation of many papers, several of <strong>the</strong>m quite detailed and<br />
complex, but <strong>the</strong> upshot was that a SWOT analysis was commenced and <strong>the</strong> results will be useful.<br />
The major papers were presented by AAA Secretary David Rouse, Vice-President Raymond Haynes and<br />
marketing representative Nick Veltjens. There are some interesting and positive moves afoot and I can provide<br />
members with greater detail on request ra<strong>the</strong>r than try to deal with everything here.<br />
2.2 Dispute(s)<br />
It seems that <strong>the</strong>re is always some dispute or ano<strong>the</strong>r in play in AAA. This one concerned a request for<br />
documents by NatCom member Jeanette Williams. The initial view of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Region</strong>al Presidents (in light of <strong>the</strong><br />
information <strong>the</strong>n available) was that <strong>the</strong> request be acceded to, but this would evolve over <strong>the</strong> weekend as more<br />
data became available (it was a bit like opening an oyster).<br />
The Presidents also sought an open and transparent approach by NatCom.<br />
[Comment: I do firmly believe that NatCom has not been as open as it might have been about <strong>the</strong> various<br />
disputes in <strong>the</strong> last 12-18 months, and it was enlightening to listen to <strong>the</strong> several differing point of view. I can<br />
(Continued on page 27)
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best summarise my (not necessarily those of o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Region</strong>al Presidents) views as:<br />
There is really no “black and white” involved here; nor are <strong>the</strong>re any simplistic solutions.<br />
NatCom made poor decisions regarding <strong>the</strong> “Ruckert case” and incurred unnecessary legal expenditure.<br />
AAA did not inform members of what was happening, even in general terms, and <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> expenditure<br />
had been incurred, until too late for members to consider <strong>the</strong> events during <strong>the</strong> election of AAA National<br />
Committee. This meant that <strong>the</strong> argument “<strong>the</strong> members had <strong>the</strong> opportunity to show <strong>the</strong>ir feelings in <strong>the</strong><br />
NatCom vote” is invalid.<br />
The general principle that all AAA documents are open for inspection by members is not quite as it seems at<br />
first glance. In any business, certain documents can be claimed to have “privilege” – an example being legal<br />
advice between lawyer and client. In <strong>the</strong> final assessment, it might be that a court would confirm or deny <strong>the</strong><br />
privileged status of any documents.<br />
NatCom has <strong>the</strong> right to claim such privilege as a matter of policy. The policy should be invoked only in<br />
exceptional circumstances and should not be related to <strong>the</strong> perceived reason for any documents being<br />
requested.<br />
NatCom should have a general policy of being open and transparent in its management.]<br />
By <strong>the</strong> time this report is published, a decision will probably have been made by (yet ano<strong>the</strong>r) magistrate, this<br />
time regarding Jeanette Williams’ request for information and this will determine future NatCom policy on<br />
access.<br />
2.3 IGTF<br />
Ian Winlaw presented a report on progress being made towards changing <strong>the</strong> AAA from an Incorporated<br />
Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG). Well-known alpaca industry figure Dougal McDonald<br />
was engaged by AAA to add his expertise to <strong>the</strong> Task Force.<br />
It is expected that <strong>the</strong> Task Force will produce draft documents for members to consider in early 2006.<br />
Members will have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to vote on <strong>the</strong> change. So if you’re not convinced, seek <strong>the</strong> information you<br />
need to make a decision and vote accordingly.<br />
[Comment: The evolution of AAA to a CLG is not supported by 100% of members, although I think <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
large majority ei<strong>the</strong>r in favour, or couldn’t care less. I personally favour <strong>the</strong> change as it enhances governance<br />
rigour, and I can’t see any significant downsides. I do not believe that any change to a CLG will lessen<br />
members’ ability to provide inputs to AAA. NatCom’s internal policy regarding accessibility will be <strong>the</strong> key to<br />
success or o<strong>the</strong>rwise, no matter what <strong>the</strong> legal framework in place.]<br />
2.4 AAFL<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r “biggie”.<br />
Like all shareholders, AAA had been invited to participate in a 1:2 share issue. In AAA’s case, it involved an<br />
investment of about $31,000. AAA owns about 42% of <strong>the</strong> business. Discussion initially took place in <strong>the</strong><br />
absence of any compelling case to make this investment, and <strong>the</strong> decision was simple.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Sunday, Ian Winlaw (with his AAFL hat on this time) outlined AAFL’s plans over <strong>the</strong> next 12 months,<br />
including <strong>the</strong> probability of fur<strong>the</strong>r equity funds being sought during mid-2006. In <strong>the</strong> light of <strong>the</strong> information<br />
provided, <strong>the</strong> decision was made for <strong>the</strong> AAA to take up <strong>the</strong> offer and invest <strong>the</strong> $31,000. At NatCom level,<br />
(Continued on page 28)<br />
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(Continued from page 27)<br />
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Kerry Dwyer and Bob Richardson (also Directors of AAFL) both abstained from voting and <strong>the</strong>re was one vote<br />
against <strong>the</strong> motion.<br />
[Comment: There is a view that AAA has invested so much into AAFL and its predecessor that to cease to do<br />
so now would not only send a negative message but might (although not necessarily) reduce AAFL’s capacity<br />
to operate into <strong>the</strong> future.<br />
An alternative view is that AAA has “squandered” money by supporting a business that is failing.<br />
Again, <strong>the</strong>re is no simple answer. It is critical to <strong>the</strong> alpaca industry that <strong>the</strong> fleece end of <strong>the</strong> business be<br />
successful. AAFL has some committed private shareholders who are not known for <strong>the</strong>ir willingness to throw<br />
away money. The case put to NatCom to invest $31,000 was sufficient to convince those present – with one vote<br />
against.]<br />
There is still no firm plan regarding <strong>the</strong> conversion of shares in <strong>the</strong> former Co-Op to equity in AAFL, although<br />
it is still “on <strong>the</strong> radar”. I understand that it is, and always has been, <strong>the</strong> intention of <strong>the</strong> Co-op Board of<br />
Directors to convert members shares to equity in AAFL, however in order to do this it (<strong>the</strong> Co-op) must first<br />
apply to <strong>the</strong> Registrar of Cooperatives. This has been done and <strong>the</strong> Co-op is still waiting on written advice.<br />
When approved, <strong>the</strong> costs involved in doing this will be relatively high in <strong>the</strong> context of AAFL’s overall<br />
position (e.g. managing 900 extra shareholders), but as mentioned above, <strong>the</strong>re is a genuine effort being made<br />
to finalise this.<br />
Stay tuned and go direct to AAFL if you have concerns.<br />
The value of AAA’s investment in AAFL has been written down by $128,660 (as part of <strong>the</strong> AAA Treasurer’s<br />
Report). The full impact will appear in <strong>the</strong> AAA’s financial statements for November (see AAA web site). Note<br />
that <strong>the</strong> AAA’s investment in AAFL is shown in <strong>the</strong> financial statements under <strong>the</strong> balance sheet item<br />
“Investment in Uniquely <strong>Alpaca</strong> Pty Ltd”.<br />
[Comment: There is some confusion about AAA’s representation on <strong>the</strong> Board of AAFL, so it is worthwhile for<br />
members to note <strong>the</strong> following.<br />
When AALF was formed, and in conjunction with <strong>the</strong> agreement regarding <strong>the</strong> sale of <strong>the</strong> Co-op’s assets to<br />
AAFL <strong>the</strong>re was a shareholders’ agreement also executed that set out <strong>the</strong> make-up of <strong>the</strong> AAFL Board and<br />
stipulated two representatives of AAA (via its subsidiary Uniquely <strong>Alpaca</strong> Pty Limited (UAPL)). Not long<br />
afterwards, this agreement was scrapped in favour of <strong>the</strong> appointment of as balanced a Board as could be<br />
found. At <strong>the</strong> time, <strong>the</strong>re had been a suggestion that AAA might not be able to provide three Directors. AAA and<br />
AAFL agreed that it was a better approach to simply seek <strong>the</strong> best Board members available.<br />
The first AAFL Board included two UAPL-appointed representatives - Bob Richardson and Kerry Dwyer - as<br />
well as Paul Haslin representing <strong>the</strong> Co-op. At <strong>the</strong> AAFL AGM of 2004, Kerry Dwyer stepped down and was<br />
replaced by John Fisher, a NSW alpaca breeder. At this meeting, Ian Winlaw was appointed Chair and Mike<br />
Talbot Managing Director.<br />
So, while <strong>the</strong>re is no “direct appointment” of UAPL nominees to <strong>the</strong> AAFL Board, <strong>the</strong> AAA retains 42%<br />
ownership and, directly or indirectly, still exerts a major influence. If AAA ever felt its interests were not being<br />
adequately represented, it would have <strong>the</strong> capacity to change its representatives.<br />
There is currently a vacancy on <strong>the</strong> AAFL Board, and anyone interested in being appointed, might indicate that<br />
interest to Ian Winlaw.<br />
One AAFL Director has commented to me: “While <strong>the</strong>re is no necessity to hold AAFL shares, most Board<br />
(Continued on page 29)
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Spits & Pieces<br />
members do, as a demonstration of <strong>the</strong>ir faith and hope for this industry. However, an unfortunate concomitant of<br />
such a shareholding - always an immaterial one - is apparently that this will inevitably lead to accusations of selfinterest<br />
….”]<br />
2.5 Fleece<br />
“The State of <strong>the</strong> Fleece Industry”<br />
Vice-President Raymond Haynes presented this detailed paper and sought <strong>the</strong> establishment of a Fleece Fibre<br />
Development Initiative.<br />
The paper was well-received and proposed, amongst o<strong>the</strong>r things, <strong>the</strong> establishment of a fleece “think tank” as well<br />
as a workshop “..to address <strong>the</strong> fleece industry looking to find a way forward and open to all members of <strong>the</strong><br />
industry”. I invite all H-BM members who have constructive views on <strong>the</strong> fleece industry to get involved. Raymond<br />
can be contacted on (03) 6225 5306 or rhayes@inet.net.au. He can also provide you with a copy of his paper.<br />
Fleece Collections<br />
We’re trying to arrange a fleece collection day for H-BM in <strong>the</strong> New Year, and everything points to AAFL (as usual)<br />
being desperate for fleece.<br />
Many AAA members have decided to donate <strong>the</strong>ir fleeces to AAFL, with <strong>the</strong> net proceeds being sent by AAFL back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> region involved. Let us know if you’re interested in doing this.<br />
2.6 Financial Report<br />
Treasurer Josephine Christmas presented a report to <strong>the</strong> end of October showing income $37,480 ahead of budget<br />
and expenses $16,229 less than budget to provide an overall position of $53,709 better than budgeted for at that<br />
point in time. It is expected that <strong>the</strong> position will be fur<strong>the</strong>r improved once <strong>the</strong> financial results of <strong>the</strong> National Show<br />
and Auction are included.<br />
Decisions over <strong>the</strong> weekend included approving previously unbudgeted operating expenditures (not including <strong>the</strong><br />
AAFL share acquisition) of at least $12,000 for:<br />
IGTF – engagement of Dougal McDonald ($4,000) and Fleece Fibre Development Initiative (about $6,000)<br />
Administration of Q-<strong>Alpaca</strong> (about $2,000)<br />
2.7 New Zealand<br />
NZ President Russell Nelson reported on events across <strong>the</strong> Tasman, including a 32% increase in membership<br />
(admittedly from a smallish base) over <strong>the</strong> past 12 months. The NZ Association is setting up an office and has<br />
assisted in <strong>the</strong> establishment of an NZ Camelid Veterinary group.<br />
2.8 Reports<br />
2.8.1 Administration (David Rouse)<br />
Registration and membership numbers were noted. We currently have 65,373 registered alpacas and 2,494 members.<br />
It is estimated that total alpaca numbers are around 85,000 are that annual fleece production is about 153 tonnes.<br />
The 2005-06 AAA Business Plan was presented.<br />
2.8.2 Databases/Website (Bob Richardson and Greg Ruckert)<br />
IAR issues with NZ are being addressed.<br />
The National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) may soon embrace alpacas.<br />
(Continued on page 33)<br />
29
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Spits & Pieces<br />
Lettuce<br />
Many people have asked “Why would you enter your older female data into <strong>the</strong><br />
AGE data base?” The answer actually comes in several parts.<br />
1. The first thing to remember is that <strong>the</strong> information is TOTALLY confidential.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> statistics go into <strong>the</strong> database, <strong>the</strong> identity of <strong>the</strong> animal is not disclosed unless you choose to do so. This<br />
means you can compare how your animal is performing relative to her age group and circumstance relative to <strong>the</strong> alpaca<br />
breeding values produced relate to a fixed benchmark for that trait.<br />
While this enables comparisons between AGE participants when information is later shared by individual agreement, it<br />
also allows comparisons within <strong>the</strong> owner's herd helping determine your more consistent females. The “ABV zero<br />
benchmark” does not directly represent <strong>the</strong> national average for that trait, because we don't have such data.<br />
2. Use of this information will allow you to compare <strong>the</strong> traits of different stud males and <strong>the</strong>ir attributes relative to <strong>the</strong><br />
fixed bench mark, versus your female’s statistics, again, relative to <strong>the</strong> fixed bench mark. That is assuming you want to<br />
use a male that is statistically ahead of your female in <strong>the</strong> quality stakes.<br />
Alternatives<br />
* You could try to judge each male on his phenotype and try to remember <strong>the</strong> different strengths and weaknesses when<br />
comparing each male.<br />
* You could do <strong>the</strong> above plus try to view as many examples of <strong>the</strong> dam & cria produced by each male, to try to ascertain<br />
how pre-potent <strong>the</strong> male is for each trait you are monitoring.<br />
* You could use a male that has done well at shows.<br />
As you can see, each option involves different amounts of input on your behalf and each option will have a different<br />
degree of success at producing consistent results.<br />
Outcomes<br />
Each time a breeder supplies offspring data to <strong>the</strong> AGE project, a complementary file is built up about <strong>the</strong> prepotency of<br />
<strong>the</strong> male used regardless of whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> male is part of <strong>the</strong> AGE project because his progeny affect <strong>the</strong> average of <strong>the</strong><br />
national gene pool.<br />
To crudely gauge how you herd stacks up purely on basic fleece data you could refer to <strong>the</strong> herd fleece data as supplied<br />
by Windsong Valley on page 18, in <strong>the</strong> 47 th edition of “<strong>Alpaca</strong>s Australia.” I feel this is a very bold and far sighted move<br />
on behalf of Windsong because it includes both micron and CV data from animals in <strong>the</strong> herd including animals that are<br />
10 years plus in age. If <strong>the</strong>se are <strong>the</strong> type of statistics you aspire to <strong>the</strong>n I suggest you use statistics to start to acquire<br />
results like <strong>the</strong>se.<br />
Disclaimer<br />
1. I do not have a financial interest in promoting AGE nor am I on any AGE committees.<br />
2. I do not have any financial interests in Windsong <strong>Alpaca</strong>s o<strong>the</strong>r than I do pay full price for any stud services.<br />
3. I do aspire to grow fleece of <strong>the</strong> calibre of <strong>the</strong> Windsong herd and I do wholeheartedly believe that AGE will be an<br />
invaluable tool in achieving this goal.<br />
Brian Woodhouse-Young<br />
31
a.k.a<br />
Westwood Furniture<br />
not only breeds quality alpacas but<br />
also produces quality custom made<br />
fleece skirting tables<br />
$198<br />
&<br />
alpaca scales $1650<br />
Allan & Evonne Dollisson<br />
Berkshire Park<br />
Ph/Fax: 02 4572 5232<br />
westwood@hawknet.com.au<br />
32<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
DON’T BE FLEECED<br />
Shear your alpacas and send your fleeces<br />
to <strong>the</strong><br />
2006 CHARLES LEDGER<br />
ALPACA FLEECE SHOW<br />
Presented by<br />
Australian <strong>Alpaca</strong> Association Inc - Sydney, Coast &<br />
Highlands <strong>Region</strong><br />
* First Fleece Show of 2006<br />
* Total prize money $1,700<br />
* Suri and Huacaya classes<br />
* Judge: Mrs. Julie Bird<br />
Fleece Judging<br />
Monday, January 23, 2006<br />
For Information and Entry Forms,<br />
contact:<br />
Kevin Watson: 02 4448 6267<br />
Email: rondul@flatearth.net.au
(Continued from page 29)<br />
Spits & Pieces<br />
The AAA web site is being upgraded to improve communications within <strong>the</strong> National Committee and<br />
National Council.<br />
Suggestions that AAA consider combining or centralising resources of regions for newsletters and web<br />
sites were noted, with no decisions made yet.<br />
2.8.3 Research & Development (Iona McKinnon)<br />
Current projects (some in preliminary stages) were noted.<br />
Members should ensure that, if <strong>the</strong>y are approached to participate in R&D surveys, <strong>the</strong>y should be<br />
careful that <strong>the</strong> project is authorised by <strong>the</strong> AAA.<br />
New R&D projects will be considered, with cut-off dates of 1 February and 1 July 2006.<br />
2.8.4 Health & Welfare (Libby Garner-Paulin)<br />
A serious illness to Richard Dixon means that <strong>the</strong> administration of Q-<strong>Alpaca</strong> is being re-organised.<br />
Rickets is becoming more widespread and <strong>the</strong> factors contributing to <strong>the</strong> condition were noted.<br />
The serious bacterial disease meliodosis has been detected among alpacas in <strong>the</strong> tropical areas of<br />
Australia.<br />
Speak to Libby on (02) 4841 0544 for more information.<br />
2.8.5 Marketing (Nick Veltjens)<br />
A detailed report was presented, copies of which I will provide to those interested.<br />
In general, <strong>the</strong> Marketing budget has been cut in 2005-06. One fund-raising avenue being pursued is to<br />
attract sponsors to AAA and Nick put forward a proposal to approach a ‘Platinum Sponsor’ from outside<br />
<strong>the</strong> industry. The suggestion is being considered.<br />
NSW Sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Region</strong> put a proposal that extra funding be made available to those regions directly<br />
involved in promoting Royal shows, but this was not approved.<br />
2.8.6 Showing & Judging (Bill Plunkett)<br />
The numbers of both shows and entrants are increasing rapidly.<br />
3 Formation of Ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Alpaca</strong> Association<br />
During discussions it was reported that an Association has been registered in NSW with <strong>the</strong> name<br />
“Australasian <strong>Alpaca</strong> Breeders Association Inc”. An ASIC search shows:<br />
incorporated 8 September 2005<br />
INC9884325<br />
Public Officer Marsha Marie Rennie<br />
principal activity: “ to promote alpaca breeding etc, establish register, promote assistance to members”<br />
So, <strong>the</strong> objective is provide an alternative peak body for those members dissatisfied with <strong>the</strong> way AAA<br />
operates, and <strong>the</strong> issues suggested at <strong>the</strong> meeting were access to AAA documents and <strong>the</strong> change of<br />
AAA to a Company Limited by Guarantee.<br />
[Comment: Whilst this may create a problem in <strong>the</strong> “speaking with one voice” stakes to external<br />
parties, it may also, in fact, streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> AAA by increasing <strong>the</strong> pressure to work closely and openly<br />
with members: competition in itself is usually productive.<br />
My main interest is to see what alternative approaches are proposed, although I can envisage more<br />
work for <strong>the</strong> solicitors if <strong>the</strong> register is any derivative of <strong>the</strong> existing IAR.]<br />
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Contribute & Advertise<br />
Make this newsletter hum!<br />
This newsletter is published quarterly, primarily for <strong>the</strong> benefit of <strong>the</strong> members of <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> <strong>Region</strong>. It seeks to provide up to date information and<br />
valuable current advertising space for both breeders and industry associates.<br />
Spits & Pieces is now reprinted in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Hawkesbury</strong>-<strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Mountains</strong> website:<br />
www.alpaca.asn.au/nswhawk/<strong>spits</strong>.htm<br />
NEXT ISSUE Autumn 2006<br />
Forward your articles, letters or photos to:<br />
The Editor, Spits & Pieces, 16 Mansfield Road, Galston NSW 2159<br />
alpacas@tpg.com.au
Service Spits & Directory<br />
Pieces<br />
Llama & <strong>Alpaca</strong><br />
Essentials<br />
TTEAM<br />
equipment<br />
& tuition<br />
Nerida Aldred<br />
Ph/Fax (03) 5348 7739<br />
Fleece Carding Service<br />
$15 per kilo<br />
(Conditions apply)<br />
John Hay 9653 2277<br />
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