They are a popular feature at every event and this year, those cute and fuzzy-headed alpacas are back for another turn in the spotlight at Agrotrend.
Bundaberg Agrotrend convenor Sandra Robertson said a multitude of alpacas will be showcased by their handlers in the Bundaberg Agrotrend Alpaca Competition 2019.
“Our local and Queensland region Young Paraders will be showcasing and putting their alpacas through a course that is specially designed to demonstrate the bond that develops between alpacas and their handlers,” she said.
Alpaca facts
According to Sandra, alpacas came in a variety of colours, ranging from white to black and even multicoloured.
“Alpacas produce luxurious fleece that can be processed into a range of different products, from socks to suits, doonas to carpet,” she said.
“These eco-friendly animals are suited to small lifestyle blocks as well as large broad-acre farms.
“Their soft padded feet, communal dung piles, low water intake and gentle grazing nature make them very low impact on the land.”
A friendly animal
Sandra said the kind nature of the animals made them a popular pet.
“Alpacas are a herd animal so you have to have at least two,” she said.
“They make great pets (but not in backyards, as people seem to think is okay), lawn mowers, herd guards or breeding stock.”
Sandra said two types of alpacas would be showcased at Agrotrend in May, the Suri and Huacaya.
“In the show ring alpacas are scored on 60 per cent fleece and 40 per cent conformation,” she said.
“The Fleece, Young Paraders and Young Judges section will be held on Friday, 10 May and a Halter Alpaca section on Saturday, 11 May.”
To find out more about Agrotrend alpacas go to http://www.agrotrend.com.au/
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