Member update | #1 2020

AAA 2020 Member Update #1

The AAA fortnightly update is our way of communicating with all AAA members.

President's message

It has been a devastating start to 2020 for many AAA members. We would normally say "Happy New Year", but our hearts and minds are with everyone impacted by bushfire events, especially those who have tragically lost loved ones, property, land and livestock.

These catastrophic bushfires have devastated millions of hectares of rural and regional Australia, much of it farm land. The number of people and animals affected, plus the amount of infrastructure and vegetation destroyed is unprecedented.

AAA President Andrew Munn

While we are still in the tight grip of this crisis, it is becoming increasingly clear how challenging the recovery process will be.

AAA is here to support our members in any way we can. Currently the focus is rightly on helping those producers who are needing immediate assistance, with AAA in close contact with the Department of Agriculture, Minister McKenzie's office and our members on the ground.

Bushfire Recovery Assistance

Many AAA members in southern Australia have been impacted by the current bushfire crisis. Here are some details of areas to access information and assistance. Read more

Victoria

For all fodder requests or fodder donations contact the Victorian Farmers Federation: 1300 882 833
For all inquiries related to stock loss, contact Agriculture Victoria: 1800 226 226
For other information on assistance and livestock management services: click here

New South Wales

Fire-affected landholders can register for emergency livestock fodder, livestock water, animal assessment and veterinary services by calling the Agriculture & Animal Services Hotline: 1800 814 647
For a list of designated Animal Safe Places: click here
Those in need of shelter, food, water or other essentials can call the NSW Disaster Welfare Assistance Line: 1800 018 444

South Australia

For all fodder requests or fodder donations contact Livestock SA: (08) 8297 2299 / 0419 035 459
For all inquiries related to stock loss, contact PIRSA: 1800 255 556

Western Australia

For fodder assistance, contact the Department of Fire and Emergency Services: 08 9395 9341
For all enquiries related to stock loss and assessment, contact DPIRD: animal.welfare@dpird.wa.gov.au
For further information on stock loss and assessment: click here

Click here for a full list of available services.

Vale Maureen Piggott

It is with great sadness that we inform members that Maureen Piggot from Broadmeadows Farm at Kin Kin in QLD tragically passed away in early January following an accident. Maureen was a much-valued member of the QLD committee. Her partner Vince, family, loved ones and the Kin Kin community are in our thoughts

Maureen was an incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and caring person who gave much to her community. She was proud of the animals she bred and the fleece she produced. She took part in open farm events, welcoming in people and sharing her love of alpacas.
Maureen will be greatly missed

Market Access & Trade Committee

It is with pleasure the Board announces that Carolyn Austin, Annmarie Ashton-Wyatt and Mick Williams will form the Market Access and Trade Committee (MATC). The committee members bring a wealth of industry experience (both animal and fibre) with the desired skills to help develop customer driven markets to promote and grow the Australian alpaca industry. Thank you Carolyn, Annmarie and Mick for volunteering your time to work for the benefit of all AAA members.

AAA Website Advertising

The AAA is offering advertising on the AAA website for HALF PRICE if booked and paid in full prior to 31 January. If you'd like to take out advertising on the new AAA website, get more information and book here. If you have any questions you can get in touch at communications@alpaca.asn.au.

Farm water management after fire

Ash entering water sources, creeks, dams and rainwater tanks, may affect water quality. There is the possibility of bacterial and algal growth (particularly if the weather remains hot). Should the water look, smell or taste unusual an alternative water source should be found for stock. Rainwater tanks used for stock water and the associated roofs and gutters should be flushed and cleaned as soon as possible, to ensure collection of clean rainwater at the earliest opportunity.

With some areas now experiencing rain, dams and watercourses will need to be managed. To avoid silt and debris contaminating your dam or water course look at putting in sediment traps. Use small hay/straw bales pegged down with droppers to filter rainwater running into the dam and chicken wire anchored across a water course to catch debris. If practical to do so fence around the dam and cover with shade cloth to stop contamination of ash and other debris in strong winds. If unsure or in doubt about the quality of the water after a bushfire you should seek expert advice.

RASF Vocational Education & Training (VET) Scholarships

Through the VET Scholarship Program, the RAS Foundation supports students studying VET courses through TAFE and other registered providers. If you live in a rural or regional NSW community and need a helping hand with your study costs, you could be eligible for a scholarship of up to $6,000 for full-time study or $3,000 for part-time study. Applicants can be studying a range of courses including Wool Classing, Food Science, Farming and Nursing. Don't miss out on this great opportunity. Applications have been extended to and apply by 27 January 2020. Read more .

Get to know your new apprentice judges - James Wheeler

James first became involved in the alpaca industry in Australia in 2006, establishing his own stud in 2008. In the spring of 2017, James left his job in information technology to farm alpacas full time and now manages / assists in the management of approximately 700 alpacas (90% huacaya, 10% suri) across two properties in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. Read more

What's in the AAA shop?

The AAA website has a shop where we sell merchandise and alpaca resources. Our featured item this week is the Alpaca Fleece Colour Chart.

This chart has been produced by the AAA to details the colours used in Australia for registration and showing.

The official colour chart from the AAA provides real samples of fleece to enable correct colour code / name categorisation to assist you in correctly colour recording your alpacas.

Follow us!

Please make sure you're following us on our social media channels - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you have photos from the past or news that you would like to celebrate on the AAA main page, please send it through to info@alpaca.asn.au.

Contact the AAA Board

Andrew Munn
E: president@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0408 410 281
Prue Walduck
E: prue@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0429 437 781
Trevor Parry
E: trevor@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0428 196 946

Rochelle Veitch
E: rochelle@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0422 329 174
Sarah Wheeler
E: sarah@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0434 982 760
Michelle Simberg
E: michelle@alpaca.asn.au
Ph: 0408 371 957

Upcoming events

Berwick Show - 22 February 2020
Canberra Royal - 28 Feb - 1 March 2020
Red Hill Show - 7 March 2020
Farm World 2020 - 26 - 29 March 2020