Following business careers in the hospitality industry we wanted a property which could be the basis of a future income. The alpaca fibre industry was a perfect fit.
After joining the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) and attending the World Alpaca Conference (WAC) in Sydney in March 2008, (which included an alpaca stud farm tour to the Southern Highlands and Tablelands of NSW), our research led us to a 100-acre property at Parkesbourne, 18km west of Goulburn NSW. The farm was then grazed with cattle and had a 5-acre established vineyard and an olive grove.
When listening to Dr. Jim Watts’ presentation at the WAC, we saw that the SRS® breeding system provided a sound platform on which to base alpaca breeding - breeding animals which would form part of the seed-stock for a commercial Australian alpaca fibre industry.
The scientific background and the logic of its principal objective to produce exquisite alpaca fibre by applying a biological approach to the selection and breeding process appealed to Greg. He saw the provision by the SRSAI of an experienced breeding advisor to assist in optimising the breeding program as a great advantage. When he subsequently researched the SRSAI, Greg was also impressed by SRS®’s success in the merino and angora goat fleece industries.
Pastures
Our pastures are a mixture of native and improved pasture. We have a continuing programme of pasture development through top dressing with super-phosphate, subterranean clover and plantain augmented with selenium.
Our aim is through fertilising and managing grazing pressure to develop highly productive native and improved pastures.
In order to apply sufficient grazing pressure to the pasture we have introduced a small herd of eleven Belted Galloway heifers which will form the basis of a small beef production enterprise. By subdividing the paddocks to areas of 3 to 3.5 hectares we are able to rotate between the complementary grazing styles of the cattle and the alpacas and rest the pasture for both pasture growth and parasite control.
Farm Infrastructure
Although a considerable amount of infrastructure existed when we purchased the farm, for example, four dams and some fencing, Nurrenyen has been transformed into a purpose built alpaca stud.
This required the erection of 6 kms. of fencing subdividing the existing large paddocks to create smaller 3.5 hectare paddocks to facilitate pasture management and grazing rotation, and laneways for easy and low stress movement of animals. This has enabled the fencing off of dams and natural waterways to reduce erosion and the risk of contaminated run off from adjoining properties and roadways. A water reticulation system was installed which, fed by the four dams, supplies fresh water under pressure to 200 litre troughs in each of the eight paddocks.
We have built a 220 square metre purpose designed alpaca handling facility for shearing, animal assessment and the husbandry of our herd and agisted animals. The facility provides us with a protected all weather alpaca handling and display facility.
Click here to hear the late John Pike, our first SRS® Breeding Advisor speak about Nurrenyen’s breeding objectives.