Just like the 2012 miniseries Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War helped Tasmanians get to know Kerry Packer, the upcoming New Alpaca Breeders’ Workshop will help Tasmanians discover more about the alpaca.
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This year’s workshop will take place at Classic Park Alpaca Farm, 419 Blackhills Road, Westbury on Sunday June 12 and will run from 9.30am to 4pm.
The workshop will again provide a chance for those contemplating the purchase of alpacas to learn more about the animal or indeed start their own herd.
Deloraine alpaca breeder Ken Manning said properly understanding the habits and needs of an alpaca and the role they can play on a farm was crucial for prospective owners.
“We get a lot of people attracted to the alpaca - although it's not a new breed, it's a new breed to a lot of people in Australia,” Mr Manning said.
“They find them fascinating but there’s a lot to learn about alpacas, for example on a farm they can take over as a guard if other animals are in danger.
“It’s not like breeding other animals, there's a big difference - but it's a positive difference.”
Mr Manning said alpaca breeders would be on hand throughout the workshop to answer questions about alpaca farming.
“It's also how best to manage them as well, there's things you don't have to do with an alpaca that you would have to do with a sheep.
“With an alpaca the recovery time for the paddock is half the time it is for sheep - those are the kind of things people need to know, so that’s what we try to inform them with.”
Entry to the workshop is $10 per person, $15 for a couple, or a gold coin donation for Australian Alpaca Association members.
Tea and coffee will be provided at the event, with visitors encouraged to bring their own lunch.
Boots are also recommended for traversing the property.
For more information or to register, visit the Alpaca Shoppe in Deloraine or call Ken or Jeanette Manning on 63622420 in business hours or 63622343 after hours.
