AlpacasRstyle

Trish and Neil first encountered alpacas in Picton when, purely by chance, we visited a farm there. These enchanting animals immediately appealed as a possibility on our lifestyle block on the outskirts of New Plymouth.

Firstly, we needed to find out more about these animals. We became members of the Alpaca Association New Zealand. We visited some alpaca stud farms and attended the AANZ Conference in Rotorua, learning everything we could before taking the plunge.

Then in November 2004 our first two pregnant alpacas were delivered to our farm. Sophia and Candy each gave birth to female crias, Charlotte and Claudia: our breeding programme was away to a flying start!

Since then we have regularly purchased further foundation breeding stock and with contributions from our own progeny, our herd number now stands at 42.

We both have full-time jobs off the farm in the same medical practice. It is a complete and refreshing contrast to our week-day work, looking after our alpacas when we get home.

Alpacas are a joy to work with, each with their individual personality; they are intelligent and inquisitive and of course their eyes endear them to everyone that sees them!

The aim of our breeding programme is to produce alpacas with fine micron, high density, fast growing, quality fleece. To assist us in this aim, using a scientific strategy of breeding, we have joined SRS Alpacas International. Our ventures into the show ring last season gave us two Junior Female Championships so it seems we are heading in the right direction.

Sale of our alpacas we hope will be the beginning of an association with our clients which will be lasting, allowing us to provide comprehensive support and advice to assist new owners getting established and comfortable with their new alpacas and allowing us to share in the pleasure of owning these captivating animals.