Website of the Southern NSW Region of the Australian Alpaca Association Ltd.
News
May
2008
The Southern NSW Region held it’s second Epic Alpaca Weekend in Canberra on 24/25 May and it again was a huge success.
The weather was perfect, the venue was excellent, the catering met the needs of all in attendance and the general public came in droves.
There were almost 400 alpaca in the pavilion accompanied by 150 breeders, as well as numerous trade displays.
At 4.00 pm Sunday 28 animals had sold to the value of $103,000.00 with many breeders also selling many matings for their stud males.
Several breeders were also expecting visits to their farms in the coming weeks with people looking to purchase wethers...who knows what the final outcome from the weekend will be.
The venue has been booked for 2-3 May 2009, please keep the date free.
Geoff Shephard
Convenor
Dec
2007
On the initiative of Tony Cooke (Treadsoftly Alpacas, Gunning and SNSWR Committee Member) the AAA R&D
Sub-Committee has undertaken to investigate the use of dung beetles to remove our poo piles. Dung beetles
will do this with considerable benefits. They not only reduce the number of places where flies and other
insects can breed by burying the poo, but they aerate the soil, increase the absorption of water during
rain and recycle residual nutrients back into the land.
James Feehan a former CSIRO Scientist who was involved with the research on cattle dung beetles will be speaking at our February meeting and will provide more information on the issue.
Tony has agreed to work closely with the R&D Subcommittee to progress the initiative and will post regular
updates. Tony hopes to involve interested breeders when suitable species of dung beetles have been identified.
Further information can be obtained from Tony (
) or 0403 291 359.
Nov
2007
Southern NSW Region has purchased a quantity of kits and makes them available to members of the AAA at a reduced rate.
- Genetic Technologies Ltd has developed a DNA kit which is being used by Local councils, livestock owners and vets.
- Be prepared and have the kit available at your farm for your vet, or your local ranger to use – time is important after a dog attack.
- DNA is the new weapon on dog attack law enforcement.
- The kit includes everything you need for the collection of canine DNA sample and simple and clear DNA evidence instructions.
- Forensic DNA analysis – please note this cost does not include the cost of your DNA analysis.
Available from: Margaret Dorsch
or Tracy Pratt
Cost $29.00 (recommended retail price $33.00).