Launch of Specialist Alpaca Breeders Group
Three women, Robyn Betts from Jaegar Alpacas, Jennifer Hall from Tularosa Alpacas and Julie Wilkinson from Baarrooka Alpaca Stud, who breed coloured suri alpacas have formed themselves into the Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders. This group was formally launched at the Wangaratta Show in October 2008. The group was the major sponsor of both the suri animal and fleece components of the Wangaratta Show’s alpaca competition.
The Strathbogie Ranges has been known as ideal merino country for many years, producing fine wools which have been highly prized in overseas markets including Japan. Since the first plantings of wine grapes in the 1970s, the Strathbogie Ranges has also become known as a premium quality wine producing region. Olive groves in the area are also yielding mature produce. More recently the area has developed a reputation as the Horse Capital, with the successful establishment of numerous thoroughbred breeding complexes.
However, many people may not be aware that several of the alpaca breeding herds in Northern Victoria are concentrated in the Strathbogie Ranges. While the industry is relatively new and is still in the development phase, the Strathbogie area has seen a real congregation of high quality herds, which are achieving national and international recognition. A total of 15 breeders are situated on the tablelands between Ruffy and Kithbrook, with herds numbering almost 2000 alpacas. The bigger farms are centred round Strathbogie township- a locale which features a significant percentage of Australia’s population of the rare suri alpaca.
The women behind the Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders combine busy professional careers with a passion to improve the number and quality of the rare coloured suri and develop and value-add the wonderful fleece of the suri alpaca.
“After a year or more of working together to improve our herds, we have decided to to collaborate in our breeding goals, as well as for joint marketing, fleece and educational activities”, explains Jennifer Hall. This arrangement is guaranteed to strengthen the quality and range of coloured suris and unique Australian grown and made products.
“We meet regularly to discuss new breeding technologies, including scientific measurement, fleece analysis and skin biopsies, which can be used to select superior animals for breeding”, says Julie Wilkinson. “Embryo transfer is also used, which is a relatively new technological development in alpaca breeding. It allows us to fast-track our breeding programs by amplifying the impact of elite animals on the quality of a herd”. The Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders plan to offer stud services to other breeders from a combined stable of high quality stud males with differing colour genetics.
“We also have a strong commitment to the suri fibre industry as it expands to sustainable levels of fibre production”, explains Robyn Betts. “A current commercial project is developing high quality suri yarns and products in natural colours and blended with silk and superfine merino and kid mohair”.
The Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders organises regular information and education events, such as last year’s Alpaca Open Day Trail associated with the Euroa Show and Shine Event in early October. This was a marvellous opportunity for people to visit the farms to learn more about the alpacas and their fibre. Local produce such as olive oil and wine were available for tasting and sale, alongside the displays and sale of fleece and yarns.
The launch of the Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders at the Wangaratta Show included sponsorship of the Championship Trophies for suris and for suri fleece. Robyn Betts and Julie Wilkinson also exhibited at the show, between them taking out 4 of the 6 championship awards as well as the Supreme Champion Suri and numerous ribbons for fleece, including Reserve Champion Suri Fleece.
Further information on the Strathbogie Ranges Suri Breeders can be obtained by contacting one of the breeders: Jennifer Hall (0408 533 654), Julie Wilkinson (5790 5288) or Robyn Betts (5790 5258), or via email at info@strathbogiesuris.com.au