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Paca Platica Spring 2011 official newsletter of the AAA WA Region Ltd.
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1
Perth Royal Show
This year’s Perth Royal Show started off with a significantly reduced number of entries
compared to the previous couple of years and so it was that the committee decided to
extend the entry deadline to encourage more entries. This proved fruitful as the number of
entries was boosted by 20, bringing the total of animals up to 217. We were rather grateful
to those people who managed to squeeze a few more animals into their floats and bring
them to the show. It should however be pointed out that, like the rest of the country, the
quality of the animals was not as good as they normally would be, purely due to the
climatic conditions that have affected us for the past year. Full story on page 3
Advertisers
Page Contents
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5
5
9
11
13
15
17
19
21
22
23
25
27
26
26
Website Design
Autumn Lane
Alpaca Assist
Eversprings Alpacas
Shearer - Gellatly
Brookwood Alpacas
Encantador Alpacas
Treechange Alpacas
1300 Alpaca
Fibre of the Gods
Gary Wooldridge
Wesuri Alpacas
Goldleaf Alpacas
Negrita Alpacas
Stewards Workshop
Shearer - Campbell
This issue
From the President
AAA Certificates
Fleece Processing
Perth Royal Show
Hyogo Banshu Textiles
Fire Management
Meet your ILO’s
Revegetation
Stud Male Spotlight
For Sale
Rickets
Craft Corner
Is there lots of feed in 2011
Competition
P.3
P.4
P.5
P.6
P.10
P.12
P.14
P.16
P.18
P.20
P.22
P.24
P.26
P.26
Paca Platica AAA Ltd. WA Region
VOLUME 14 -ISSUE 4 Spring 2011
2
Regional Committee
PRESIDENT Angela Bartels Stud: Treechange Address: PO Box 1391 Toodyay WA 6566 Phone: (08) 95744144 Mobile: 0413 538 285 Email: [email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT Greg Smith Stud: Futura Address: 819 Hunwick Road Albany WA 6330 Phone: (08) 9845 2456 Mobile: 0411 702 584 Email: [email protected]
SECRETARY Isi Cameron Stud: Keis Address: PO Box 686 York WA 6302 Phone: (08) 9641 2058 Mobile: 0403 129 866 Email: [email protected]
TREASURER Janine Bastick Stud: Vellum Farm Address: PO Box 3583 Adelaide Terrace, WA 6832 Phone: (08) 9574 4932 Mobile: 0413 033 574 Email: [email protected]
Natasha James Stud: Wesuri Address: 1681 Toodyay Road Gidgegannup WA 6083 Phone: (08) 9572 9972 Mobile: 0427 292 691 Email: [email protected]
Brett Fallon Stud: Goldleaf Address: PO Box 5230 Albany, WA, 6332 Phone: TBA Mobile: 0408 403 910 Email: [email protected]
Sophie Jackson Stud: Banksia Park Address: 192 Jarrah Road Serpentine WA 6125
Phone: (08) 9525 3532 Mobile: 0417 179 298 Email: [email protected]
Jackie Simpkin-Brown Stud: Carinoso Address: PO Box 524 Mundaring, WA 6073 Phone: (08) 95726003 Mobile: TBA Email: [email protected]
Jean Baxter Stud: Corbracagh Downs Address: 600 Berry Road Gidgegannup, WA, 6083 Phone: (08) 9574 7028 Mobile: 0439 922 321 Email: [email protected]
The Executive The Members
PUBLISHING
Paca Platica is published quarterly by the WA Central Region of the
Australian Alpaca Association for its members.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINES
All contributions and advertising must be in the hands of the editor
by the date notified in the previous edition.
FORMAT
Submissions can be sent by email in MsWORD, BMP or JPG files, NOT
MsPUBLISHER files, please. Or they can be provided on CDs.
Articles preferred to be emailed to [email protected] but
typewritten copy or clearly legible handwriting is accepted, by mail.
Digital photographs in BMP or JPG format. Originals of articles will be
returned on request.
If you have an article that you consider might be of general interest
to other alpaca breeders, please forward it for consideration.
Assistance can be provided for compilation if required.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Australia - $30.00 for 4 issues
Overseas - On Application
DISCLAIMER
The newsletter is produced for members of the WA Region of the Australian
Alpaca Association Ltd.
The editor and the committee of the WA Region take no responsibility for the
views and opinions, information submitted, or advertisements placed herein.
All submissions can be subject to editing.
3
Hi and welcome to the new look Paca Platica. The committee as a whole has sourced the articles and produced this newsletter so the pressure is taken from one person and the load is spread. We would love some feedback from you and if you have any articles that you would like to submit or any great ideas you would like to see included then please email us.
What a busy time we have had. The Perth Royal Show early in October, then many off to the Nationals and back just in time for the Albany Show. This newsletter features the Royal show report and photographs and hopefully we will be able to showcase the Albany show in the next Platica. Congratulations to those who secured ribbons, championships and the supreme title at these shows.
November was also my first trip to Melbourne for the Regional Presidents meeting. A whirl wind of a trip but I did get to meet some lovely people from around Australia and it was especially comforting that we really do share similar issues with other regions. A topic that we discussed at the meeting was how we can communicate better on a national and regional basis with our membership. Perhaps that is something you can ponder and provide some insights to your thoughts at our next meeting.
Our OGM on December 10th will be followed by our Christmas function. Lorraine James has kindly offered to host this function at her new home and Maja Shead has led the sub-committee organising catering, the evening’s events and fundraising opportunities. If you have never been to an iconic AAA fun auction then please come along this time I am sure it will be a fantastic evening. If you are a regular to the end of year fundraisers please remember to bring your
wallets as it is hoped that the funds raised will go towards the shows. If you have any items that you are able to donate to our fun auction they will also be gratefully received.
As we move into 2012 our calendar of events will be pretty full. The first OGM for the year is scheduled for February 18th where we hope to provide a show preparation workshop to assist you both in the ring and with fleece preparation. We hoped this is timely as our first show of the season is the eagerly anticipated Whiteman Park Autumn show to be held in April. This should provide plenty of time to get your alpacas and their fleeces in tip top condition and ready to wow the judges.
The region has not held a stewards workshop for a couple of years now and Jackie Simpkin Brown our Education and Training representative has been working with Chris Ravenhill to run the training in March. The event is advertised further into this newsletter.
A final update on the assistance WA is providing to the SA Nationals in 2012. Thanks to everyone who has offered to assist with Trophy Sponsorship role, we intend now to coordinate this role as a team, many hands make light work as they say. Thanks to Chris Pietraszek for agreeing to be the Chief fleece steward, an update with regards to the requirements for the assistance with the alpaca auction will be provided in the next newsletter.
Warm Regards
Angela Bartels
President WA Region
From the President
4
AAA Certificates of Appreciation
An AAA Certificate of Appreciation is awarded to a financial
member of the AAA who has made a significant contribution
to the Association at a Regional or National Level.
The following guidelines are to be used in the selection
process:
Length of service for the member is to be 10 years +.
The Member is to have held an Office or Leadership
position over a number of years at a National and /or
Regional level.
Made a significant contribution to a successful AAA
project.
Been actively involved in shows, regional activities
Volunteered their services to assist the industry via
working parties/ panels/ committees.
Has written documents to support the industry’s
progress.
Is committed to the long term viability and sustainability
of the industry.
Is a consistent supporter of AAA events and activities.
Each Regional Committee was asked by the AAA Board to
nominate a recipient for the award and to present it to the
selected member at a Regional event during 2011.
In addition to Regions nominating a person, the AAA Board
also nominated members throughout Australia who at the
National level, have also contributed significantly to the
advancement of our industry.
The Western Australian Region in
2011 has awarded its Certificate of
Appreciation to Margaret Laurie and
Binks. The award was presented at the Albany Show.
Margaret and Laurie are the pioneers of the alpaca industry
here in WA. Over the years, they have been great
ambassadors and their contribution to the development of
our industry has been unquestionably significant.
The AAA Board also recognised WA Members Jenny Jackson
and Ron Raynor and their awards were presented at the
recently held National Show Dinner.
Jenny, at the National Level has played a significant role in
the showing and judging area. Whilst Jenny was Chair of
that Panel several major tasks were achieved including a
highly successful National Judges’ Forum and a complete
upgrade of the AAA Fleece Score System.
Ron has attended AAA Council meetings for a number of
years. He has chaired the Regional Presidents meetings and
effectively reported their recommendations to the Board and
ensured action has been taken. Ron also played an integral
role in the purchase of the current AAA building which is now
one of its major assets.
Congratulations Laurie, Margaret, Jenny and Ron.
5
Processing Fleece at The Fibre of the Gods Toodyay Vegetable matter is our enemy. It clings to the fleece and the
only way to remove it is to pull each piece out by hand. The
machines DO NOT remove all the vegetable matter and as we
do charge on incoming weight, it also saves you paying for
your vegetable matter and dirt to be processed
YES!!! Rip the fleece apart. It is the total opposite to
preparing a fleece for a show.
You need to throw the fleece on a table, get rid of all the
short cuts, then hand full by hand full pull out the vegetable
matter. By doing this you will also drop out a lot of the dirt
and end up with a much cleaner yarn or felt and less slumps
in the yarn. Don’t worry about disturbing the bundles in your
fleece as the first machine we put it through will be ripping it
into shreds to get it ready to go through the carder and turn
it into rovings for spinning or bats for felting.
The vegetable matter is what causes the slumps in the yarn
as it gets caught in the spinner and stops it from running
smoothly to create nice smooth even yarn.
We specialize in processing alpaca at 100%. We even had
Queen size blankets made out of 100% West Australian
alpaca fleece even though some manufacturers said it could
not be done.
At the end of the day, the finished product is only going to
be the luxury item we are all after if we take some time to
clean our fleeces properly. So get your hands into that fleece
and get rid of anything that isn’t beautiful soft alpaca fibre.
Hazel and Michael
The Fibre of the Gods
6
Reports - Perth Royal
This year’s Perth Royal Show started off with a significantly
reduced number of entries compared to the previous
couple of years and so it was that the committee decided to
extend the entry deadline to encourage more entries. This
proved fruitful as the number of entries was boosted by 20,
bringing the total of animals up to 217. We were rather
grateful to those people who managed to squeeze a few
more animals into their floats and bring them to the show.
It should however be pointed out that, like the rest of the
country, the quality of the animals was not as good as they
normally would be, purely due to the climatic conditions
that have affected us for the past year.
Unfortunately the environmental conditions were not the
only problems facing our breeders, a number of studs were
forced to withdraw large numbers of animals and some
studs withdrew completely, this then reduced the overall
total of animals by about 30. Although initially disappointed
the committee considered the situation and came to the
conclusion that if there is going to be a problem it always
occurs when you have something else planned. With that
the show soldiered on. A number of animals were obviously
affected by the environmental conditions and this was
unfortunately reflected in the results. The judge, Natasha
Clarke, did a great job
discerning where the
quality lay in the animals
presented to her
especially considering the judging of animals was spread out
over two days, even though there was a marked reduction
in the number of exhibits. With all of this happening in the
alpacas it prompted us to consider what was happening
with other breeds of livestock, it was the same across all
breeds, seriously reduced numbers of entries and the
animals reflected the poor season that they had just
experienced. In 2010 the Governor’s Cup (a prestigious
award that is won by an exhibitor that has earned the most
points across all judged breeds at the show) was won by
Banksia Park Alpaca Stud, George, Jenny and Sophie Jackson
had made it their mission that year to win the cup outright
and they succeeded. This year they won the cup again and
have shown to the public and other livestock breeders that
the alpacas are a breed making their mark felt at the Perth
Royal Show.
Author: Natasha James – Convenor 2011 Perth Royal
Show.
7
Perth Royal Show Results 2011
HUACAYA
Junior Female Champion Futura Calamity Jane Futura Alpaca Stud
Junior Female Reserve Champion Banksia Park BMHH Mai Tai Banksia Park Alpaca Stud
Junior Male Champion Banksia Park GXRNQ Falcon Banksia Park Alpacas
Junior Male Reserve Champion Futura Intimidator Futura Alpaca Stud
Intermediate Female Champion Goldleaf Vintage Showpiece ET Goldleaf Alpacas
Intermediate Female Reserve Champion Sunline Jorja ET Sunline Alpacas
Intermediate Male Champion Swan Valley Anacheeva Swan Valley Alpaca Stud
Intermediate Male Reserve Champion Kallaroo Park Sylar ET Kallaroo Park
Adult Female Champion Swan Valley Silken Delight Swan Valley Alpaca Stud
Adult Female Reserve Champion Futura Dynasty Futura Alpaca Stud
Adult Male Champion Futura Humdinger Futura Alpaca Stud
Adult Male Reserve Champion Goldleaf Ulysses Goldleaf Alpacas
Senior Female Champion Futura Cameo Futura Alpaca Stud
Senior Female Champion Swan Valley Star Magic Swan Valley Alpaca Stud
Senior Male Champion Banksia Park MMCI Casino Banksia Park Alpaca Stud
Senior Male Reserve Champion Kallaroo Park Neo Kallaroo Park
Mature Female Champion Swan Valley Temptation Swan Valley Alpaca Stud
Mature Female Reserve Champion Banksia Park AVJK Peppin Parade ET Banksia Park Alpaca Stud
Mature Male Champion Banksia Park VCK Colorado ET Banksia Park Alpaca Stud
Mature Male Reserve Champion Canchones Sergio Bedrock Alpacas
Supreme Champion Huacaya Banksia Park VCK Colorado ET Banksia Park Alpaca Stud
Sire's Progeny
1 Peppermint Pool Chad Goldleaf & Bedrock Alpacas
2 Banksia Park Khan ET Khan Syndicate
3 Blue Grass Centurion Encantador Alpaca Stud
Fleece - Huacaya
Champion Fleece 6-12 months Futura Panache Futura Alpaca Stud
Champion Fleece 12-18 months Faversham Lord Lucas Faversham Alpacas
Champion Fleece 18-30 months Swan Valley Stanzout Swan Valley Alpaca Stud
Champion Fleece 30-48 months Querida Park Min Querida Park Alpacas
Champion Fleece 48-60 months Faversham Armani Faversham Alpacas
Champion Fleece 60+ months Suncloud Banderas Eskdale Poll Hereford Stud
Supreme Champion Huacaya Fleece Swan Valley Stanzout Swan Valley Alpacas
Most Valuable Huacaya Fleece Encantador Mikaela Encantador Alpaca Stud
8
Perth Royal Show Results 2011
Suri
Junior Female Champion Eversprings Bhutan Everspring Suri Stud
Junior Female Reserve Champion Margamon Mary Margamon Alpacas
Junior Male Champion Lawithick Sir Lancelot Lawithick Alpacas
Junior Male Reserve Champion Springwood Park Theodore Springwood Park Alpacas
Intermediate Female Champion Lawithick Madam Butterfly Lawithick Alpacas
Intermediate Female Reserve Champion No Entries
Intermediate Male Champion Taylor's Yen Sin Taylor's Alpacas
Intermediate Male Reserve Champion No Entries
Adult Female Champion Lawithick Lady Tito Rose Lawithick Alpacas
Adult Female Reserve Champion Pitwillow Syve Pitwillow Alpacas
Adult Male Champion No Entries
Adult Male Reserve Champion No Entries
Senior Female Champion Eversprings Sumatra Eversprings Suri Stud
Senior Female Champion Bedrock Certina Bedrock Alpacas
Senior Male Champion Surilana Tito Man Lawithick Alpacas
Senior Male Reserve Champion No Entries
Supreme Champion Suri Lawithick Lady Tito Rose Lawithick Alpacas
Sire's Progeny
1 Surilana Tito Man Lawithick Alpacas
2 Surilana Tito Man Lawithick Alpacas
3 Pinjarra Perfecto Eversprings Suri Alpacas
Fleece - Suri
Champion Fleece 6-12 months Margamon Monarch Margamon Alpacas
Champion Fleece 18-30 months Margamon Corriente Rosa Margamon Alpacas
Champion Fleece 30+ months Margamon Monarquica Margamon Alpacas
Supreme Champion Suri Fleece Margamon Monarch Margamon Alpacas
9
10
Hyogo Banshu Textiles
AAA facilitates the use of Australian alpaca in Japanese classical Banshu textiles
The AAA has established a small foothold for the use of Australian alpaca fibre in traditional Japanese fabric. The opportunity arose as a result of a sister State relationship between Western Australia and the Hyogo prefecture in southern Japan.
The supply of some sample alpaca (huacaya) tops allowed the Ozawa textile company to produce some beautiful silky scarves which feature a blend of cotton, silk and Australian alpaca and which has stimulated a further demand for Australian alpaca.
Banshu textile:
Incredibly expensive and difficult to produce, for years the grand couturiers have been binding, stitching, folding and twisting their own cloth in a bid to create unique, and elaborate patterns.
The highly specialised Japanese technique process is called 'Banshu' and it allows designers to dye yarns in advance and then weave patterns into them. In essence it is a very expensive and intricate method of tie-dye. Hyogo prefecture, located on Honshu Island in Japan’s south is the traditional home for the manufacture of this beautiful cloth.
Sister State relationships:
Since its establishment in 1981, there has been a Sister State Relationship between Hyogo Prefecture and the State of Western Australia and WA has maintained an office in Kobe, capital of Hyogo Prefecture since 1989. The Western Australian Government has maintained an office in Kobe, capital of Hyogo Prefecture since 1989 and as a part of the Sister state relationship. It has helped set up the Hyogo Banshu scholarship program to establish a link between the Western Australian and Japanese fashion industries. In Hyogo the young WA designers have their designs transformed into quality fabrics by the world-class Hyogo Banshu textile industry.
The programme is co-ordinated by the departments of State Development; and Culture and the Arts and the Western Australian Government Kobe Office in Japan. A scholarship programme in 2010-11 enabled six students to travel to Japan and work with world class textile manufacturers in the Hyogo Prefecture - this program is being repeated in 2011-12
Cooperation Opportunities:
When I learnt of the program I felt that there may be some opportunity to introduce Australian alpaca to this in initiative. With the support of the WA Department of State Development and Ms Horiko Hirata the Regional Director of the WA Governments Kobe office in Japan, contacts were established between the AAA and Mr Kunihide Ozawa, the President of Ozawa Textile.
Ozawa Textile;
Ozawa Textile are highly regarded in Japan, were established in 1918 and specialise in this traditional technique of weaving and dying, they do not spin the yarn themselves but this is carried out by another company in Japan.
Mr Ozawa visited Perth in 2010 when we had the opportunity to provide him with a gift of a beautiful knitted alpaca scarf produced by Chris Pietraszak. We also undertook to supply some coloured alpaca tops for them to trial in the Banshu product.
Supplying the alpaca Tops:
The fawn and grey tops were supplied by Alpaca Ultimate and produced by Cashmere Connections and turned into yarn in Japan.
Certificates of Origin showing the linkage to Western Australian growers is seen as an important part of the story to reinforce the mutual benefits of the Sister State relationship.
David and Frances Harding from Cinderella Alpacas are to be thanked for skirting coloured fleeces in the heat of the Australian summer and while not in the best of health, a thankless task.
Arranging the supply of the tops was not without some drama; however we managed to overcome each of them and delivered the test material for the initial trials early in 2011.
The Banshu product incorporating alpaca:
When Mr Ozawa returned to Perth for the Perth fashion festival in September 2011 he presented us with some scarves / wraps produced by them using the Banshu technique and these were made using the traditional techniques and from 10% alpaca, 25% silk and 65% cotton. These are delightful light and lustrous garments which may actually offer an opportunity for the use of Suri fibre.
We discussed various technical issues and their experience of alpaca and Mr Ozawa expressed a desire to place commercial orders and to trial Suri fibre.
Photo: The shawls presented to the Australian Alpaca Association
Samples of the scarves were presented to various dignitaries in both Western Australia and Japan, including to the Premier
11
of Western Australia, the Hon Colin Barnett, the Lord Mayor of Perth, the right Hon Lisa Scaffidi.
Photo: Mr Ozawa from Ozawa Textile / New Banshu Project discussing the shawls with a group of design students in Perth
Where to from here?
Mr Ozawa is intending to place commercial orders with Cashmere Connections to further build their experience with alpaca and he will also be requesting for some samples of Suri as I have suggested that this fibre may lend itself better to the type of garment which they are producing. The WA Government office in Kobe continues to offer professional
and helpful free information that we have been fortunate to be able to access and they willingly provide a liaison with the end user.
What we have learnt from this exercise is that by utilising the resources of the State Government we have been able to take some worthwhile steps in developing demand for our WA alpaca fibre at very little cost. Most of the other States in Australia have sister state (or city) arrangements and these relationships may offer regions the opportunity to develop business relationships utilising the resources and contacts which they offer.
The Hyogo Banshu project is very much seen as a model which may be replicated by other States to stimulate recognition overseas of Australian alpaca farming. The role of AAA in priming the pump and stimulating demand is now over and it will be in the hands of commercial interests to further this project.
AAA Acknowledgements:
Ozawa Textile & the New Banshu Project team
The Government of Western Australia (State Development / Commerce & Trade)
Cashmere Connections – de-hairing and Top making
Fibre of the Gods – Free Samples of various colours of alpaca
Cinderella Alpacas – Supply of coloured fleece
Alpaca Ultimate – Supply of Tops
Chris Pietraszak – Supply of knitted scarf
Author: John Bell – AAA Director Industry Development (2009-11)
12
Fire Management
The prevention of fires on farms is essential to reduce the
threat to life and property. Western Australia's climate
creates a very high risk of fire in most of the agricultural
region for several months of each year. Buildings, machinery,
crops, livestock and people's lives are at risk when a fire
burns uncontrolled across farms.
A common concern for farmers is the increase in fuel load
(mainly from weeds, but also from bark, leaves etc.) and fire
risk that occurs in revegetated areas. This can be a problem
in the first few years of establishment, before the trees and
shrubs develop a significant canopy and shade out the
weeds, or before stock can be introduced to graze the area.
Herbicide application to control the weeds without harming
the trees and shrubs may be possible in some cases.
Figure 1. The large volume of dry weeds evident in this photo
of a two year old revegetated area can pose a fire risk.
Planning and management can reduce the risk.
Fire behaviour
Fires are usually characterised by the type of fuel they are
burning, such as grass, scrub, forest, and so on. Most fires on
farms are usually grass fires, such as in pasture, weeds and
crops.
The major factors influencing grass fire behaviour are: fuel
moisture content, fuel type and arrangement, wind speed
and ground slope.
Fuel moisture content
The amount of moisture in fuel controls the rate at which it
will burn and therefore the amount of heat given off. Annual
weeds or pastures that are ungrazed but fully cured (usually
at the end of December and into January) pose the greatest
fire hazard. The fuel moisture content is also influenced by
the relative humidity of the air on a given day.
Fuel type
The total amount of dry grass present directly affects the
speed of the fire, the height of the flames and the fire
intensity. In areas of revegetation there may also be leaf litter
and twigs present that add to the fuel load, which while
slowing the speed of the fire, increase its intensity and make
it harder to control. The level of aeration is also a factor, with
compacted ground cover, such as pasture posing less of a risk
than well-aerated, upright material, such as crops or stubble.
Wind speed
Wind speed has a big effect on both fire speed and direction.
The rate of fire movement increases by a greater proportion
than the increase in wind speed.
Ground slope
With all other conditions being equal, fires travel faster up
slopes than on flat ground. The general rule is that the speed
of the fire doubles with every 10 degrees increase in slope.
Revegetation and fire management
When designing the layout of a revegetation project, it is
important to consider the possible fire implications. In
general, over the long term, trees and revegetated areas
create a barrier (or windbreak) that will slow down grass
fires. They can also potentially catch airborne embers or
sparks which will slow the speed of the fire.
The extent to which revegetated areas are barriers to fire
depends on a number of factors, including the spacing of the
trees and shrubs, the amount of fuel and leaf litter, the wind
direction during a fire and the position of the revegetated
area in the landscape. The position in the landscape can be
important. Vegetation in waterlogged and saline areas is at
low risk of fire, while vegetation higher in the landscape can
be at higher risk due to it being dry and the plants containing
less salt.
Surrounding land use can also be important in relation to the
fire risk, with dry pasture and cereal crops usually posing the
greatest risks.
Fire hazard
In revegetated areas, large weed burdens (which are often
well aerated) develop in the first few years. After about year
five, the canopies of the trees and shrubs will shade out
many of the weeds and they usually cease to be a significant
fire hazard after this time.
Depending on a number of factors such as landscape
location, proximity to buildings and surrounding land use,
weed control within the revegetated area may be wise in the
first few years. In other cases the elevated fire risk for these
few years may be acceptable.
For the full article visit agric.wa.gov.au
13
14
Meet Your Industry Liaison Officers
Industry Liaison Officers (ILO’s) work with Government
Officers and primary production groups in the event of an
animal disease outbreak. There are registered ILO’s for all
species of livestock. Currently the AAA has only 3 accredited
ILO’s and there is a need for the Alpaca industry to be
adequately represented, nationally, should there be any
disease outbreak. Their role with livestock producers and
government is both consultative and advisory.
Both Sue and Caroline have nominated to be our ILO’s. They
have previously completed training and have agreed to
complete other, required, training programs (offered by
Animal Health Australia) and work in this capacity for at
least 2 years.
What is their role?
In the event of a disease outbreak, ILO’s will assist with any
disease risk assessments, and the formulation and
implementation of disease eradication and control plans
implemented by Government.
ILO’s will advise alpaca breeders of the protocols to be
followed on farm and the control measures to be
implemented; and on any animal welfare issue relating to
the outbreak.
Given its size, it would be ideal for the Central Region to
have a number of ILO’s across the State. Greg Smith has
recently indicated his interest in this area and it is hoped
that he will complete the AHA training programme the next
time it is offered. Participation in the AHA training
programmes is dealt with at the National level.
Breeders, please note, that for general health issues (that is;
non-disease outbreaks that do not involve the Government)
your first point of contact would be your local Vet/animal
health advisor. Please notify the Animal Health
Representative on the Committee Natasha James if
required, The ILO’s should not be contacted in this
instance.
Author: Jackie Simpkin-Brown – Education 2011 Committee
Caroline Oddie
Windella Alpacas
Phone: 08 9296 6889
Mobile: 0417 920 044
Email: [email protected]
Sue Leitch
Brookwood Alpacas
Phone: 08 9571 1787
Mobile: 0427 196 179
Email: brookwoodalpacas
@activ8.net.au
Royal Show Photos
15
16
Revegetation… It’s not a dirty word!
Spring is in the air and it seemed an appropriate time to raise the idea of revegetating areas of our properties.
Revegetating areas of your block offers many advantages; it provides protection from the climate for both stock and pastures (particularly if you establish shelter belts). In turn, this gives you, happier healthier animal and reduced feed costs. Being visually appealing revegetated areas can add to a property’s value.
You can incorporate fodder shrubs into your planting programme, providing green pick for those drier times.
So if you are considering revegetating areas remember the 7 “P” rule…. Prior preparation and planning prevent p--- poor performance!
So……….. Why are you replanting?
Is it for aesthetic reasons? Are you establishing fodder lines or shelterbelts (for protection from climates for stock and pasture)? Is it for nature conservation or to assist in water or salinity control? You need to be sure why you are planting so as to select the species appropriate for the job.
So ……….Where will you plant?
Work out the area to be planted out in the following year. It’s not a good idea to plant on an adhoc basis. Remember, once trees are established they are costly and difficult to remove.
Aerial photographs are a great tool for any property planning and are available from the Department of Land and Administration in Midland.
Plants may not survive if the environment is not suited to their needs. Check out the environmental conditions and soil type you are planting into.
Take care and select appropriate species if planting near power or telephone lines. Check with your power supplier if you are planting near a power line or easement to ensure you work within existing regulations and safety guidelines.
So ………What should I plant?
If you are unsure what native seedlings to plant contact your Shire’s Environmental Officer or one of the many “Friends of…” groups. The Herbarium’s website (www.florabase.com.au) is also a good starting place. The site contains details such as where the plant is naturally found, its preferred environment, preferred rainfall, soil type, mature height, growth habit and a general description (including photos). You can search using common or scientific names.
Select species appropriate for the rainfall and soil type of your area. You can’t go too far wrong if you select local native species (as distinct from native species) as these are more suited to the conditions on your property.
Avoid planting highly invasive species – even native species (such as many wattles) are becoming pests.
Plant a variety of species; if establishing shelter belts, select upper, middle and lower story species – this avoids gaps and the creation of wind tunnels.
Getting Started;
i) Order your plants early – around Sept/Nov if using natives. Order from places such as Mundaring Garden Centre (Robyn; 92951282), the Australian Native Nursery Group (Nancy; 95251324) or Men of the Trees. Seedlings will establish quicker than larger pot plants and are cheaper too.
ii) Your Shire may also offer a “Tree Canopy Programme” - free seedlings for residents. It may be worth while checking with them.
iii) Fence off the area to be planted. Stock should be excluded from any replanted area for at least 3 years.
iv) Site preparations; Earthworks – do them well in advance. You may need to rip (dry areas) or mound (wet/salty) areas.
Ripping (December to March) - rip to a minimum depth of 0.5m to allow easier root penetration. Locate rip lines along the contour if ripping on slopes. If you have to rip downslope then lift the ripper briefly every 20m to minimise erosion. Rip lines should be 2- 3 meters apart. Allow a settling period of at least 1 month before planting
Mounding (March to May) is usually only necessary in waterlogged/saline areas.
Allow a settling period of at least 1 month before planting
Weeds Get rid of any weeds in this area. Weed control is essential in the establishment year as they compete with seedlings for valuable soil moisture. You many need follow up control later in the year. You will need to control the weeds in a 1m radius around all plantings (2m if planting in
17
dry sands). Allow a settling period of at least 2 weeks following any spraying before planting. (Weed control carried out for at least 2 years prior to planting will give best results and reduce time/cost for weed control between plantings later).
Initially use a knockdown herbicide (such as Glyphosate) to reduce seed set (Sept /Oct). Spray germinating weeds again in late autumn/early winter and again in early spring. Take care and get advice on the herbicide appropriate for your specific type of weeds ie do you need to control grass or broad leaved weeds?
Do get to know your weeds- books such as Southern Weeds and Western Weeds and the web site Florabase are great references for both weed identification and appropriate control methods. This will save you money and time in the long run and reduce your chemical use.
v) After the first rains (May – June) plant out summer dry areas. (Summer moist areas can be planted July – Aug). Take care though, as it can be tempting to plant out too early. Make sure there is enough moisture in the soil profile, that more rain is on its way and the soil is not too cold before starting.
Plant out any seedlings as soon as you can after collection. Keep them moist at all times as the small pots will dry out very quickly. Water them at planting if necessary.
If you are planting out large numbers of seedlings it may be worth thinking about using a tree planter. They are expensive to purchase but you may be able to borrow one from a local landcare group.
You may need tree guards around your seedlings to help them establish. But remember to remove them before conditions become too dry and hot. (Tree guards are also useful in reducing the impact of grazing if rabbits and kangaroos frequent your property, however, they do double the time it takes to plant).
vi) After planting keep an eye out for any pest species. Replace (as soon as possible) any lost plants (if losses are greater than 20% is a general rule). But don’t leave it too long as replacement plants will suffer from the competition from older, more established, neighbours.
While it may seem, initially, a daunting task there is a lot of help available; your local Shire or landcare group would be an ideal starting point. Funding is also available in some cases (particularly if you are working as part of a cooperative project), again, check with your Shire or local landcare group.
Thanks to Shenaye Mehment (Shire of Kalamunda) for her contributions to this article.
Good luck and happy planting!
Author: Jackie Simpkin-Brown – Education 2011 Committee
References;
Farmnote 10/2001 Selecting Tree Varieties for Small Landholdings, Department of Agriculure WA.
Greening the Catchment; field planting of trees and shrubs – a guide for landowners and developers in the Shire of Chittering and neighbouring Shires. Chittering Landcare Group (1995)
Property Planning Manual for the Swan-Canning Catchment. Department of Agriculture (2002)
18
Stud Male Spotlight
Advertise your stud male here for
just $35 for 4 issues
What a Bargain!!!
Submit your entries to the editor at
Check out the website for available
stud males near you
wa.alpaca.asn.au
Banksia Park SKJ Hot Chilli
2010 micron results 18 µm full results available.
Champion Adult Male Whiteman Park 2010, 1st place White Senior Male
Whiteman Park 2011 & WA Colourbration 2011. Chilli has an exquisite
fleece, displaying high frequency crimp and incredible fineness. His cria are
impressive and available on farm for viewing
Solid White Huacaya DoB: 19/12/2007
Sire: Banksia Park Kahn ET
Dam: Banksia Park Princess Pepper
Contact: Treechange Alpacas
PH - 08 9574 4144 Email - [email protected] 1
Mating Fee: $770 inc GST
Suncloud Houdini
Last shearing 2010 micron results 22 µm full results available on request.
Reserve Champion Mature Male Whiteman Park 2011. Houdini is a SRS
recommended male with a large frame and sound conformation. His fleece
characteristics display incredible length and softness. Supporting a deep
bold crimp, he is sure to impress.
Solid White Huacaya DoB: 06/10/2005
Sire: Suncloud Talahasi
Dam: Suncloud Juanita
Contact: Treechange Alpacas
PH - 08 9574 4144 Email - [email protected] 1
Mating Fee: $770 inc GST
Blaydon Stormcloud
Only recently available at Goldleaf Alpacas, Stormcloud is a very
upstanding male exhibiting a fleece with good style, a nice soft handle and
excellent length. Both Stormcloud and his progeny have been awarded at
numerous shows throughout the Eastern States.
2010 fleece midside (79 months) 22.2u, 4.8u SD, 21.5%CV
Rose Grey Huacaya DoB: 19/02/2004
Sire: Purrembete El Dorado
Dam: Willows Ro Cloud
Contact: Goldleaf Alpacas
PH - 0408 403 910 Email - [email protected] 1
Mating Fee: On Request
Faversham Armani
Armani demonstrates good follicular density of 54.2 per mm2, with small
primary and secondary fibres and low SD. Champion Senior Male
Whiteman Park 2009, Supreme Champion Junior Male Perth Royal 2007,
Champion Junior Male Nationals 2007. Armani's fleece has seven
Champion fleece awards, with two Supremes, all over five years.
Solid Light Fawn Huacaya DoB: 18/11/2005
Sire: Windsong Valley Iceman
Dam: Faversham Olivia
Contact: Faversham Alpacas
PH - 0417 925 840 Email - [email protected] 1
Mating Fee: On Request
19
20
For Sale
Check out the website for available
stud males near you
wa.alpaca.asn.au
Advertise on our NEW for sale page
Advertise you items here
for just $25 for 2 issues
What a Bargain!!!
Submit your entries to the editor at
Taylor’s Ninja
Taylor's Ninja was placed 2nd in the class - Junior Suri male all other
colours at Whitman Park Show 2011.
He has blue black lustrous pencils that start at his head and continue thru
to his tail.
Good conformation and personality.
Solid Black Suri Male DoB: 05/06/2010
Sire: Serena Lodge Prince Accord
Dam: Taylors Lottie
Contact: Taylor’s Alpacas
PH - 08 9571 2985 Email - [email protected] 1
Cost: $1100
Taylor’s Yen Sin
Taylor's Yen Sin was placed 2nd in the class - Junior Suri male S/light fawn
at Whitman Park Show 2011. 1st in the class - Intermediate Suri male S/
light fawn at Perth Royal Show 2011. Champion Intermediate Suri Male at
Perth Royal Show 2011. He has a very rich fleece full of lustre and pencils
from head to toe. Excellent conformation and very easy to handle.
Light Fawn Suri Male DoB: 26/07/2010
Sire: Jolimont Cassidy
Dam: Taylor’s Katia
Contact: Taylor’s Alpacas
PH - 08 9571 2985 Email - [email protected] 1
Cost: $2200
Taylor’s Seraphina
Taylor's Seraphina was placed 1st in the class - Junior Suri female S/white
at Perth Royal Show 2011. She has a very rich silky fleece with fine pencils
all over her body. Quiet and friendly in her nature, petite conformation
and overall a very nice female.
Light Fawn Suri Female DoB: 10/03/2011
Sire: Hunter Xtreme
Dam: Taylor’s Sprite
Contact: Taylor’s Alpacas
PH - 08 9571 2985 Email - [email protected] 1
Cost: $880
Henty Farm Christofle
Consider adding some Iceman genetics to your herd. Micron results
available on request. Inspections welcome.
Solid White Huacaya DoB: 29/09/2005
Sire: Windsong Valley Iceman
Dam: Faversham Christobelle
Contact: Treechange Alpacas
PH - 08 9574 4144 Email - [email protected] 1
Cost: $3300 inc GST
Faversham De Bernales
Friendly wether would make excellent herd guard or pet.
Solid White Huacaya DoB: 04/12/2000
Sire: Suricaya Ivory King
Dam: Somerset Peruvian Jasmine
Contact: Treechange Alpacas
PH - 08 9574 4144 Email - [email protected] 1
Cost: $440 inc GST
Poo Vac
Excellent condition, Motor has undergone complete overhaul.
Cost: $1200
Contact: Treechange Alpacas
PH - 08 9574 4144 Email - [email protected] 1
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Rickets is a painful, arthritic condition caused by deficiencies in bone minerals, or in vitamin D, or occasionally by glandular dysfunction. It is most obvious as crooked legs or Angular Limb Deformity in crias, in which it is relatively easily corrected.
However, rickets in older animals is less obvious and therefore harder to correct. Often by the time it is noticed and recognised as such (if it is) the alpaca is already halfway down the slippery slope.
Causes:
Vitamin D production is initiated in the skin by UV light from the sun, so anything which inhibits this event is likely to cause a problem. Environmental events such as bad weather, dust storms, or bushfire smoke haze can affect vitamin D production some time after the event. Dark pigmented animals are likely to be more affected than lighter ones, as pigment protects the animal from too much UV exposure.
The serum calcium levels in the body are controlled by parathyroid hormone or PTH, produced by the parathyroid glands, in response to falling serum calcium concentrations.
PTH activates vitamin D3 to absorb larger amounts of calcium from the gut, but at the same time, it also blocks re-absorption of phosphate in the kidneys. This leads to a net loss of phosphate, which is required not only for bone growth but also red blood cell integrity. This in turn leads to a significant, non-iron deficient anaemia.
Signs:
Lameness, loss of condition, cessation of growth and mild to severe anaemia, are all associated with a rickets problem. As mentioned, crias almost always display bent legs, but sometimes they just stop growing, or just seem to be lethargic or sit down a lot more.
Adult females, are more likely to exhibit a worrying loss of
condition and the severe anaemia, which may cause a late abortion.
Treatment:
Treatment consists of replacing the required mineral phosphate as soon as possible, and supporting its utilisation with sufficient vitamin D3. By the time rickets is really noticed, there could be other issues such as a heavy worm burden, coccidia or other problems *ed – Elizabeth argues that an alpaca suffering from Vit D deficiency is much more likely to succumb to opportunistic problems like worms+.
Blood Sampling:
Vitamin D3 levels in blood can be tested, but it is cheaper and easier to test for serum phosphate levels, since the two are considered to mirror each other. This assumption is in fact not quite correct.
Blood samples taken for serum phosphate testing need to be tested within a very short space of time, since the red blood cells will start lysing (breaking down) the moment they leave the body. As they do so, they pour their own cellular phosphate into the serum, and this can give a false high positive result. Another problem with blood sample testing is that the lower reference levels are sometimes set too low.
Outcomes:
Crias usually present few problems of treatment, unless their rickets situation has gone unnoticed for a long time. Breeding age females are more likely to be more adversely affected, since they are often using minerals for two, whether late pregnant or nursing.
This is the group most likely to die, unless urgent measures
are taken to correct the problem.
Author: Elizabeth Paul – 28/09/09
Rickets
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24
Craft - Garter Stitch Scarf Pattern
Measurements
This scarf is approximately 200cm long with the fringe and
22cm wide in its resting state. Normally a pattern would
specify the number of balls of a particular yarn you should
use to make the item. I used pure wool for my scarves and
took between two and four 100 gram balls of wool, but the
number of balls required will vary
depending on the final length of your scarf. Just keep
knitting until you are happy with your creation.
Needles and Extras
For this Garter Stitch Scarf you will need a pair of 6.00mm
knitting needles
Knitting Instructions
Cast on 34 stitches
1st Row: *Knit.
Repeat 1st row, until your work measures 180 cm (or
whatever length you like)
Cast off.
Finishing your Scarf
If you are happy with your scarf the way it is, you have
finished, but if you would like to add a special touch you can
add a fringe.
For a Plain Fringe:
To do this cut 48 pieces of yarn about 12cm long.
To form a piece of the fringe take three strands of yarn and
fold them in half to form a loop. Using a
crochet hook, draw the loop through the knitted fabric of
your scarf and then draw the ends through the loop.
Pull the fringe knot tight.
Space eight fringe knots evenly across both ends of your
scarf and you are done!
For a Knotted Fringe:
To do this cut pieces of yarn about 20cm long.
To form a piece of the
fringe take four
strands of yarn and
fold them in half to
form a loop.
Using a crochet hook, draw the loop through the knitted
fabric of your scarf and then draw the ends through the
loop.
Pull the fringe knot tight.
Space five fringe knots evenly across the end of your scarf
leaving space for a fringe knot at each end. At each end form
a fringe knot using two strands (instead of four).
Once you have all your fringe knots attached to the scarf you
can tie them
together. Divide each fringe knot (except the two end fringe
knots) into two, tie a knot about half way down the fringe
using four strands from one fringe knot and four strands
from the next fringe knot.
Continue to work in this manner until all of the center
fringes are joined.
Finally join the four strands of the end fringe knot to the
four
remaining strands of the next fringe knots to finish your
fringe.
This scarf was knitted on 6.00mm needles with 8 ply Alpaca
Yarn. The result is a beautifully soft but light weight scarf.
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26
2011 - there’s lots of feed - or is there? Unfortunately while there will be heaps of feed around, a
year like this generally results in summer pastures and
stubbles with low nutritional values and low digestibilities. A
good growing season allows all of the goodies to be moved
into the grain and the rain will have washed most of the
remaining water soluble carbohydrates out of the cells,
leaving the dry plant material with less sugars but still with
the “cardboard like” plant cell walls. The result is poorer
animal performance from each kg of feed consumed.
However you will probably have an abundance of grain that
will “go feed” and have a low commercial value. This is a
chance to provide sheep with an appropriate level of
nutrition to optimize their productive and reproductive
outcomes. Ewes in better condition grow more wool and/or
meat, conceive more lambs and potentially wean more
lambs next year. Lambs fed a diet with a balance of energy
and protein will also grow more rapidly and have superior
survival outcomes.
So keep extra feed on hand, feed early before the sheep lose
condition and monitor the condition of your stock. The
sheep will tell you how they are travelling. In the absence of
a feeding plan, it has been suggested to plan to feed twice
as much as usual. This is certainly better than no plan, but
not as good as having a plan which is adjusted as the season
unfolds.
Author: Jonathan England, Sheep and Grazing Systems Development Officer, Narrogin
To view more information relating to this article visit
agric.wa.gov.au
Competition - Add the caption WIN a bag of alpaca muesli The AAA Ltd. WA Region is proud to hold an
“Add the caption” competition in this edition of the Paca
Platica. To enter simply look at the entries below and go to
wa.alpaca.asn.au/competition.html and submit your
captions online.
The winner of the competition will be announced in the next
edition of the Paca Platica with them receiving a bag of
alpaca muesli.
27
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What you’ll need:
Yarn in two colours
2-3 cotton balls
Glue
2 medium wiggle eyes
Ruler
Scissors
White craft glue
How to make it:
1. Choose one of the wool colours and cut
into 24 pieces that are 12” long each.
2. Lay pieces of yarn on a flat surface in the shape of a
wheel so that each piece intersects with the others in
the center of the wheel.
3. Hold 2-3 cotton balls (2 if large, 3 if small) and roll them
in your hands to create a ball about the size of a ping
pong ball. Place the cotton in the center of the wheel.
4. Gather all the ends of the yarn wheel snugly up around
the cotton to form the head of your octopus.
5. Using a piece of the second color yarn, tie a knot around
the yarn gathered around the cotton ball. Tie in a knot
to secure and then tie a bow and trim the ends.
6. Turn the octopus right side up. Separate the yarn into
groups of six strands. Braid each group of six (in each
group of six you should be braiding three sets of two
strands)--you should have 8 braids when you are
finished. Tie each braid with a piece of the second color
yarn. Trim the edges of the tied yarn and the ends of
the braids.
7. Glue two wiggle eyes on to the head above the bow tie.
8. Glue a piece of second color yarn for the smile.
http://crafts.kaboose.com/yarn-octopus.html
Alpaca Word Search
For the Kids
Woolen Octopus
29
YOUR SHOW COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!
Thanks to all those people who volunteer their time and act as
Stewards at all our Shows. What would we do without them?
Our Show Committee’s though, really need more members to
step up and help; IS THIS FOR YOU??
Why not give it a try? We train you and, at shows, we even feed
you! You have to admit…… it’s a tempting offer.
Register your interest in attending the Steward’s workshop by emailing
Jackie at [email protected] Please indicate the session/s you
would like to attend.
STEWARD’S WORKSHOP
A workshop for all current show stewards or those interested in becoming a steward.
Sunday 4th March 2012 at Swan Valley Alpacas OR Kallaroo Park on Sunday 18th March
Choose the session that most interests you. Come to one, or all.
Morning; Responsibilities of the Fleece Stewards
Afternoon; Responsibilities of the Ring Stewards/inspection stewards/ Marshaling stewards
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Tell us what you think?
Let us know what you think of the
new look Paca Platica.
We would also love to hear your
thoughts on what kind of things you
would like to see in the next issue.
Complete our online survey @
wa.alpaca.asn.au/survey.html
OR email your thoughts to:
Paca Platica
VOLUME 14 - ISSUE 4
Spring 2011
10 - December - 2011
AAA Ltd. WA Region Ordinary General Meeting and Annual Christmas Function
18 - February - 2012
Show preparation workshop and Ordinary General Meeting
20 - February - 2012
Closing Date for Paca Platica Summer 2012
4- March - 2012
Stewards workshop - Swan Valley Alpacas
18 - March- 2012
Stewards workshop - Kallaroo Park
31 - March- 2012
Show preparation - Kallaroo Park
Upcoming Events
Australian Alpaca Association Ltd.
WA Region
PO Box 686
York, WA 6302
[email protected] - Region
[email protected] - Editor
[email protected] - Webmaster
wa.alpaca.asn.au
Facebook.com/waalpaca