Although a newcomer to the Australian primary industry, camelids – alpacas and llamas – have become popular in rural residential areas and have featured at many agricultural shows for nearly 20 years. There has been a small display of alpacas at the Bungendore Show for a number of years under the big pine tree near the sheep pavilion. Representative studs from the Southern NSW Region of the Australian Alpaca Association bring huacaya and suri alpacas and their fleeces for Show visitors, particularly children, to meet the alpacas and to put their hands through the fleeces to experience the feel of this natural fibre. Australian animals and fleeces are ranked amongst the world’s best and their fibre is used widely in high fashion clothes, knitwear, blankets, doonas – and even carpets!
Alpaca breeding is a serious enterprise but these animals also have an appeal to many people with an interest in the land and in productive animals. Come to the alpaca display and then go to the tent to inspect the fleeces and for information and a friendly chat with the breeders.
In 2017 we will again have alpaca fleece judging at the Bungendore Show. This beautiful fibre is really taking off in our district and the Bungendore Show would like to provide a local forum for growers to showcase the produce and see what other growers are producing also. Download the full pavilion schedule and entry form here.