TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR ALPACA OWNERS AND BREEDERS

If you are considering buying alpacas or are a less experienced alpaca owner or breeder, our popular on-farm practical training days will provide all the basic skills you require. All training days are held at Birrong Suri Alpacas, on our farm in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

In 2011 we worked with the NSW Department of Primary Industries on the book "Alpaca AgSkills" a full colour 92-page publication explaining all the practical skilsl required to handle and perform husbandry taks on your alpacas.

In January 2013 our latest publication, also with the NSW DPI, became available - "Alpaca Farming" - a 140-page full colour book covering all aspects of the farming of alpacas, including nutrition, pasture management, farm infrastructure, illnesses & injuries, birthing & neonatal care, plus much more.

 

1. PRACTICAL ALPACA HANDLING AND HUSBANDRY

 

A hands-on day for the less experienced or potential alpaca owner, aimed at acquiring all the essentials of alpaca husbandry and handling. At the end of the day you will have:

• Handled, held and correctly fitted a halter to an alpaca
• Given sub-cutaneous and intramuscular injections
• Cut an alpaca’s toenails
• Observed mating and pregnancy testing techniques
• Learned about alpaca birthing and neonatal care
• Toured an alpaca farm to get tips on fencing, shelter, shedding and yard design

Course Fee: $125 per person or $170 per couple, including refreshments, lunch and copies of Alpaca Agskills and Farming Alpacas (retail price $52)
Course dates:  Saturday 11 May 2013;  Saturday 28 September 2013

Contact us for further details and bookings.

 

2.SURI ESSENTIALS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

A hands-on day for the less experienced or potential suri breeder, aimed at acquiring all the essentials of successful suri breeding. At the end of the day you will have:

• Handled and assessed the quality of a range of suris, from first-cross to pure bred
• Gained an understanding of genetics applied to suri breeding
• Learned to use the IAR as a valuable tool for pre-purchase suri assessment
• Gained an understanding of fleece statistics, histograms and their importance in suri fibre production
• Learned how to improve your herd through selective purchasing and breeding decisions

Course Fee: $80 per person or $125 per couple, including refreshments, lunch and course notes
Course dates: Dependent on enquiries - so contact us to be added to the mailing list

Contact us for further details and bookings.

 

3. ALPACAS—MANAGEMENT, CARE AND HANDLING

 

Birrong Suri Alpacas is delighted to be the host for this practical one-day introduction to farming alpacas, organised by NSW Primary Industries (formerly the Department of Primary Industries). Ideal for those considering purchasing their first alpacas. The day combines theoretical and practical learning covering topics including:

• The alpaca industry in Australia
• Farm layout
• Pasture assessment and supplementary feeding
• The different types of alpaca
• An introduction to handling and husbandry

Course Fee: $250 per person including refreshments, lunch and copies of Alpaca Agskills and Farming Alpacas (retail price $52)
Course dates: Saturday 27 April 2013; Saturday 7 September 2013

Contact us for further details and bookings.