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25.01.2022 Alpaca Shearing is an Essential Service The Australian Alpaca Association has developed a set of guidelines and operational protocols to reduce the risk of COVID transmission in shearing sheds. Please review the following link for protocols, information about shearing during COVID and a list of alpaca shearers. If you have not yet booked your shearer now is the time to do it.: https://alpaca.asn.au/alpaca-resources/alpaca-shearing/

25.01.2022 Are you interested in breeding alpacas of a certain colour? BLACK, WHITE, GREY, BROWN, FAWN, ROAN - what is your goal!! Learn more on how to select your breeding stock for preferred colour by attending the Dr Kylie Munyard online AAA Webinar lecture.... Tickets can be purchased for $30 for members and $50 for non members. See below link for more details and tickets, the lecture will be held this coming Monday 7.30-8.30pm.

25.01.2022 Graziers Warning for next few days as the lovely spring weather departs for a while. Please ensure your alpacas have shelter and extra feed. This is especially important if your alpacas have already been shorn. Alpacas can die from cold, wet, windy weather following shearing. Cover and additional feed is required.... http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/sheep.shtml

24.01.2022 The National Fleece Challenge is scheduled for December 2020. This is a fleece show with a difference for further details go to the AAA website https://alpaca.asn.au/b/news/aaa-national-fleece-challenge/ Two fleeces can be submitted so make sure you read all about it prior to shearing!

23.01.2022 Farm World is back and being held on 26-28 March 2021. All AAA members have the ability to showcase their animals or products in the Lakeside Pavilion, Lardner Park. Bookings are open and space is limited so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.... Jenny Miles is the Convenor for this event and will be able to help you with any queries. Please go to the VER Events page click through to March, for all the details and Booking Form. https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/events/ Farm World, recognised as one of Victoria’s premier regional agricultural shows, provides a platform to showcase the best of agribusiness, the latest in technology, equipment, and information and provides an ideal opportunity to get up close and chat with the experts. There’s plenty at Farm World for both urban pioneers and lifestyle farmers interested in equipment, farm machinery, DIY passions, sustainable gardens and horticulture, drone innovation, outdoor living including boats and vehicles plus masses of must-have tools. And it wouldn’t be Farm World without a huge variety of animals. Come and see the cattle, watch the Kelpie’s round up sheep, chat to an alpaca, or watch the sheep being shorn. https://lardnerpark.com.au/farmworld/

23.01.2022 Alpacas helping in the fight to find a treatment for Covid 19. Auravale Alpacas was pleased to be asked to be involved in the filming of last nights A Current Affair article on "Alpacas offer hope in race to end COVID-19 pandemic with potential virus-busting treatment" "As the world waits for a corona virus vaccine, the scientific race to find a treatment is just as important.... Scientists in Melbourne have found an unlikely inspiration alpacas. Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have injected alpacas with fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19." Antibody based therapies could fill a gap in the treatment of Covid 19. Alpaca antibodies are liked as they have a different way of stopping the virus from entering cells. No body knows why Alpacas make these special antibodies but there is speculation that these smaller antibodies can target proteins. The nanobodies inside an alpaca are uniquely small enough to fit into the spike protein of a Covid 19 particle. This process stops the virus spike protein from being able to interact with the alpaca cells, losing its ability to infect the animal. Researchers are now working to turn this discovery into a IV Covid 19 treatment for humans.

22.01.2022 Fleece collection

22.01.2022 Royal Melbourne Show ONLINE. Day 4 Tuesday 22 September - Alpacas, Poultry and Sheep Alpacas, sheep and poultry do you know how difficult it is to get the perfect photo of these beautiful creatures?... Enjoy viewing some interviews with Sheep, Fleece, Alpaca and Poultry experts, including Alf Woods who at 93 years of age has been exciting poultry at the Royal Melbourne Show for more than 70 years! What's more - you can get into the spirit of celebrating agricultural competitions by introducing you to the winners of the Online Sheep Junior Judging Competition, which has pitted the best up and coming sheep farming youth against some expert Royal Melbourne Show judges! Stay tuned to find out how you judge a winning sheep. Visit the Royal Melbourne Show Facebook and Instagram and tag a friend you would like to take to the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show for your chance to win $500 worth of showbags thanks to Showbag Shop!

19.01.2022 Are you looking through your fleeces wondering which ones to enter? Entries close this Monday 2 November - don't miss out! A fantastic benefit of showing fleec...e is that every fleece receives a scorecard, and all of the fleeces in the National Fleece Challenge will be tested. Great feedback on your breeding program. See more

18.01.2022 VER Annual Regional Meeting and Ordinary Regional Meetings will be held via Zoom on Sunday 30th August at 11am For further information on how to participate please go to https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/events/ Below are some Tips for online Meeting Attendees:-... Mute your microphone. To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking. Be mindful of background noise. ... Position your camera properly. ... Limit distractions. ... Avoid multi-tasking. ... Prepare materials in advance

17.01.2022 Have you started thinking about worm testing this season? With a little bit of rain and the warmer weather, worms are already back in abundance in some areas. W...e encourage everyone to enact their worm management plan for the warm wet season soon to be upon us. Remember that AAA members can get a free copy of the worm R&D from the AAA #AustralianAlpaca #LearnOnWednesday #parasites See more

17.01.2022 National Fleece Challenge entries close at midnight tomorrow Monday 2nd November. The VER are supporting our members by PAYING the travel costs to get your fleeces TO and RETURNED from the Fleece Challenge. VER have established the following additional fleece drop off points. Please call number provided to arrange drop off time:... Auravale Alpacas - 1557 Wellington Road, Belgrave South, 3160, Lynda - Mob: 0419 334 276. Drop off prior to 12MD 7th November Tarcoola Alpacas - 85 Bourchiers Road, Kangaroo Ground, 3097, Heather - Mob: 0417 580 507. Drop off prior to 12 MD 7th November Elm Park - 100 Thompson Road, Hazlewood South, 3840, Mob: Kylie - 0412 075 455. Drop off prior to 12 MD 7th November Pitchingga Ridge Alpacas - 109 Stony Creek Road, Red Hill, 3937, Jean - Mob: 0436 022 440. Drop off prior to 12 MD 6th November Merungle Alpacas - 38 Sellings Lane, Maffra 3860, JenMob: 0412 383 655 Drop off prior to 12 MD 4th November Milestead Alpacas 15 Franklin Street, Sale, Jenny - Mob: 0417 392 670 OR 460 Friday Creek Road, Iguanan Creek. Drop off prior to 12 MD 4th November To access this support when entering via eAlpaca, see the additional line under Extra Show Items: Collection & return via VER (per fleece maximum of 5 fleeces per stud) $0.00each

17.01.2022 HOW IS HUACAYA FLEECE JUDGED? AAA senior alpaca judge Peter Kennedy-Gane has done some educational videos on fleece judging. Get prepared for the National Flee...ce Challenge and understand how your fleece will be judged #2020FleeceChallenge #Shearing2020 #AustralianAlpaca #huacaya #FocusOnFleece Check it out l See more

16.01.2022 Are your herd details up to date in ealpaca? It is ideal to update individual alpaca’s details whenever needed but once or twice a year it is recommended you do... a Herd Inventory, found in the Manage Herd section of eAlpaca. This feature allows you to go through your entire herd and quickly update colour changes and changes to the animal’s status (eg. Dead, Sold, Non-Breeding, Exported). Note Sold should only be used for alpacas which have been sold off register that is, to someone who is not going to be using them in a future breeding program typically those sold as pets, herd guards or for meat. If you sell an animal to a non-AAA member, but who is considering joining the AAA in the future, you should use the Animal Transfer process. Non-Breeding can be used for males being castrated or females that are considered unsuitable for breeding. #Ealpaca #AustralianAlpaca See more

15.01.2022 We are throwing out a challenge to all breeders to create a brilliant display of alpaca fleeces to show that the industry is thriving in spite of lock-downs, tr...avel restrictions and face masks! This is a one-off special event to promote your best fleeces, given the lack of opportunity to show this year. More information is available at https://alpaca.asn.au/national-fleece-challenge-2/ See more

15.01.2022 National Fleece Challenge - Entries close 12 midnight Monday 2nd November Support for VER Members To encourage VER entries to the National Fleece Challenge the VER Committee have chosen to support our members by providing additional drop off points and paying the $5 return transport fee for VER members. The VER will also acknowledge the region's top fleece scores in each category. This will be promoted over VER social media, eNewsletter and our website once results are final...ised. National Fleece Challenge local VER support guidelines: VER to pay the $5 transport fee to and from the National Fleece Challenge. To access this support when entering via eAlpaca, see the additional line under Extra Show Items: Collection & return via VER (per fleece maximum of 5 fleeces per stud) $0.00each (please note, it may take a couple of days for this additional line to be added to eAlpaca entries page) VER have established the following additional fleece drop off points. Please call number provided to arrange drop off time. Auravale Alpacas - 1557 Wellington Road, Belgrave South, 3160, Lynda - Mob: 0419 334 276. Drop off prior to 12MD 7th November Tarcoola Alpacas - 85 Bourchiers Road, Kangaroo Ground, 3097, Heather - Mob: 0417 580 507. Drop off prior to 12 MD 7th November Elm Park - 100 Thompson Road, Hazlewood South, 3840, Mob: Kylie - 0412 075 455. Drop off prior to 12 MD 7th November Pitchingga Ridge Alpacas - 109 Stony Creek Road, Red Hill, 3937, Jean - Mob: 0436 022 440. Drop off prior to 12 MD 6th November Merungle Alpacas - 38 Sellings Lane, Maffra 3860, JenMob: 0412 383 655 Drop off prior to 12 MD 4th November Milestead Alpacas 15 Franklin Street, Sale, Jenny - Mob: 0417 392 670 OR 460 Friday Creek Road, Iguanan Creek. The National Fleece Challenge is to held on 4-6th December, 2020 Judge: Natasha Clark There are two fleece shows on offer: 1. Fleece shorn from 4 June 2019 - 30th June 2020 2. Fleece shorn post 30 June 2020. You can enter one or both shows, you can enter two fleeces from the one alpaca if you wish. Entries are now open via eAlpaca and close 12MN on 2nd November 2020. It would be great to have an extensive representation of fleeces from the Victorian Eastern Region members. National Fleece Challenge AAA Website: -https://alpaca.asn.au/national-fleece-challenge-2/ See more

15.01.2022 Angela Preuss is a Royal Melbourne Show Alpaca Competition Alpaca Judge and has a lot to say about these wonderful animals. Angela and Ian Preuss have been in t...he alpaca industry for the past 20 years and own the Surilana stud, specialising in Suri alpacas. They also make and own their own chocolate shop on the Great Ocean Road which features their Alpacas! #greatoceanroad #celebratingtheshow #visitvictoria #alpacas #alpaca #surialpaca #royalmelbshow

14.01.2022 We are pleased to announce that three of our retiring committee members were awarded AAA Certificates of Appreciation for their services to the VER on Sunday. Joy Skinner has been a AAA member since 1994 and has been a committee member since 1998. Her commitment to the running of shows has been greatly appreciated by all involved. Congratulations Joy on a significant milestone. Lezley Golding has been a AAA member since 2002 and joined the committee in 2010. An active member... of the Task Force, Lezley placed her stamp on many Spectacular events. Congratulations Lezley. Chris Pendlebury has been a AAA member since 2008 and also joined the committee in 2010. Chris with her team have run the Lardner Show for the past 5 years. Congratulations Chris

14.01.2022 ALPACA 101 WORKSHOP This workshop originally scheduled for April has now been reinvented to fit in with Victorian Covid guidelines and will be run as a 2 hour session. Each session has a maximum of 7 attendees, 5 sessions in total will be run. Topics to be covered by 3 facilitators include:-... Halter Training demonstrations, including how to fit a halter and restraining and handling your alpaca safely Toe Nail Care IAR Ear Tagging Conformation/Body Scoring Oral and Injection Administration of Medications We believe with the small group numbers we will be able to provide a very hands on experience for all attendees. We have plenty of outdoor space with spacious sheds available if weather is inclement. Venue: Auravale Alpacas, Belgrave South Dates: 5th and 6th December 2020 Cost: $20/single, $35/double You do not need to be a AAA member to attend. If you are interested in attending this workshop please go to https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/events/ go to December and click on Alpaca 101 Workshops for further information. There are only limited spaces still available. They are Saturday 5th December 2020 9 - 11am - Only one place available 12 2pm - Booked out 2.30 -4.30pm - two spaces available Sunday 6th December 2020 10.30am -12.30pm - Only one place available 1.30-3.30pm - Only one place available

13.01.2022 Following the VER ARM on Sunday we would like to welcome the new committee as follows:- Nic Holdsworth - President Lynda Holdsworth - Vice President Vivian Blacker - Treasurer Wendy Talbot - Secretary... Tim Blake Kylie Taylor Heather Gardner Angela Betheras Gwyn Morgan Congratulations on your appointments and I am sure the members will appreciate your actions and initiatives over the next 12 months. Thank-you to our retiring committee members, we wish you all the best wherever the future takes you:- Joy Skinner Lezley Golding Chris Pendlebury Russel Pendlebury

13.01.2022 There have been a number of social media posts recently regarding people who have purchased alpacas but have had little support from the sellers. Owning alpacas for the first time can be a steep learning curve and support in this adventure makes it so much easier. If you own alpacas and need to find out more about their care, please visit the Alpaca Resources section of the Australian Alpaca Association Victorian Eastern Region website:- https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/alpaca-reso...urces/ You will find information on alpaca health, shearing, local mentors willing to assist you with any questions you may have and much more.

11.01.2022 With shearing underway in some areas, we are all engaged in a #FocusOnFibre in the lead up to the #2020FleeceChallenge. If you want to brush up on your fleece ...and fibre knowledge, we have a deal for you! "A Definitive Guide to Alpaca Fibre by Cameron Holt - only $99 (usually $120.00). Only available at this special price until entries for the fleece challenge open in October #WhatsInTheShop Purchase on the AAA website See more

09.01.2022 A new section has been added to the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) website on Alpaca Care. It includes basic husbandry care, nutrition, reproduction and more. This is just some of the useful information regarding caring for your alpacas available through the AAA. You do not need to become a member to access this information. However many more resources are available as members. Membership from as little as $50/year. ... Go to https://alpaca.asn.au/alpaca-resources/alpaca-care/

08.01.2022 Cross-grazing: do you do it? Here is our house-cow and the young heifers, mowing down the horses' spring/summer paddock. Cross-grazing is an excellent way t...o help 'clean' paddocks: as the cows eat the grass they'll ingest infective horse worm larvae, however will not be infected themselves. And vice versa as horses can be used to clean up paddocks after sheep/goats/cows as ruminant parasites will not infect horses. Rotating horses and cows/ruminants between paddocks is another useful pasture management method to reduce parasite loads. See more

08.01.2022 Did you know the AAA has a series of partners who provide our members with benefits:- ANZ Bank WFI Insurance Beaufort Animal Supplies... Camelid Connections magazine World of Alpaca magazine We are so grateful to have these businesses as partners who support the AAA and our members. To find out more log in to the AAA Members portal and go to AAA Partners https://alpaca.asn.au

08.01.2022 Following the teleconference of the VER new committee, the Regional Portfolios have been assigned as follows:- Training Officer - Heather Gardner Asset Manager - Tim Blake Website and Social Media, Newsletter - Lynda Holdsworth... Show and Events Officer - Kylie Taylor Product Promotion Officer - Angela Betheras The committee is enthusiastic and keen to provide value to you our members. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE INFORMATION on our plans for the future. If anyone has any suggestions they would like to discuss or share please feel free to contact anyone on the committee. Contact details can be found at https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/about/our-committee/

06.01.2022 If you have fleece you wish to sell, we will be including a list of suppliers on the VER website. So let us know

05.01.2022 Great Comp for Local Youth Alpaca Fans

04.01.2022 Sheep Graziers alerts have been put out for today and tomorrow for much of Victoria. http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/sheep.shtml

03.01.2022 Did you know, that when transporting alpacas you should carry a waybill every time? This should be used for travelling to and from shows, transporting to the ve...t, moving animals anywhere within the state and definitely if going from state to state. For a more thorough explanation,see below #AustralianAlpaca See more

01.01.2022 FLEECE TESTING A good way to know what quality fleece your alpacas are producing is to have it professionally tested. There are several wool testing services available. You will be supplied with a summary of results for each individual alpaca tested and also a histogram if requested. A good testing service will also help you to understand your histogram if you require it. Knowing your alpaca fleece quality is helpful when selling your fleeces and determining what value to p...lace on them and to help with ongoing breeding decisions. VER website provides a listing of fibre testers: https://ver.alpaca.asn.au/alpaca-r/shearing-and-processing/