Fleeces wrapped up

MORE than 100 alpacas will be vying for the Supreme Alpaca award at this weekend’s Berwick Show.
Alpaca convenor Julie Blake said there would also be 66 high-quality fleeces on display.
Alpacas, which originate from South America, are from the camelid family and Australia is home to an increasing number of registered animals.
“Alpacas come in all colours, some are tall, some are short. They are cuddly and cute and all have very different personalities,” Julie said.
“There are two types of alpaca, the Suri and the Huacaya. The fleece style is the differentiating factor. Suris are much rarer in numbers and have silk locks that grow downward from their body. Huacayas have fleece similar in growth style to a sheep.
“Alpaca fleece is pure luxury. The fibre is amazingly soft yet exceptionally strong, lightweight and naturally breathable.”
Julie and her husband Tim breed Suri in the Yarra Valley.
“Keeping alpacas is rewarding on many levels,” she said.
“Alpacas are truly inquisitive, affectionate and intelligent animals.
“Within their herd they gently hum to one another and interact in social circles around family just like us people.
“They prefer a gentle approach and most dislike having their head touched.
“We shear once a year and the fleece can be processed into the most divine products, lots of knitwear but also high-end suits and dress apparel.”
The City of Casey is a major sponsor of the alpaca section.
“The City of Casey has been most generous with their sponsorship of our alpaca section.
“We also have WFI insurance and World of Alpaca kindly supporting this, the first eastern region show of the year.”
Julie invited show goers to visit the Alpaca enclosure and chat to the many breeders who will be there over the weekend.
“Breeding, showing, keeping alpacas as pets and herd guards are topics we love to talk about,” Julie said.
Australian Alpaca Week 2016 will take place from Saturday 30 April to Sunday 8 May.
Find out more at alpaca.asn.