Resignation of Ian Preuss

It is with great sadness that we announce the resignation of Ian Preuss  from his position as a Board Director of the AAA. Thank you to Ian for your contribution to the industry during your time on the Board

Casual vacancy - AAA Board 

The AAA is therefore seeking an additional Board member. This is a great opportunity for someone with passion about the AAA and the industry. For further details click here 

#AgDay 2019

This week AAA celebrated National Ag Day with a morning tea in the office. National Ag day is a day to celebrate the contributions of agriculture to Australian society and the economy and to better connect all Australians with agriculture and people behind it.

AAA Website Advertising 

If you'd like to take out advertising on the new AAA website, please contact us for a media kit.

AAA Chief Executive Officer Amanda Olthof 

AAA Committee Updates

• AYE CLOSES TODAY!  The AAA is seeking expressions of interest for the Alpaca Youth Education Committee. Further details here. 
• Message from Biosecurity Working Group: With so much drought and many bush fires, just trying to get through the day can seem a struggle. It still remains important to stay on top of biosecurity. Farm Biosecurity for Livestock Producers  has some helpful advice.

Mycoplasma haemolamae in alpacas 

Transmission of Mycoplasma haemolamae  (formerly known as Eperythrozoon) is not completely understood; however is most likely via biting insects.  Most healthy alpacas will mount an immune response and clear it effectively.  Clinical disease is common when animals are immune-suppressed, stressed, debilitated or have other infections such as parasites. Clinical signs include chronic weight loss, depression, decreased fertility, lethargy and rarely, death.  The Vic DPI has a factsheet  that provides a useful overview on the issue.

Photo source - eclinpath.com 

#BuyFromTheBush

The ripple effects of the drought run deep through rural communities and affect many more people than those on the land.  If you are Christmas shopping, you may wish to support regional colleagues part of the #buyfromthebush campaign. You may find some alpaca products, or you may wish to jump on board to market your alpaca products!

In case you missed it

Earlier this week the Board announced new judge apprentices. Congratulations to the new apprentice alpaca judges Lisa Charteris, Rubey Williams, Ariana McCauley, Kurtis Parker, James Wheeler and Taryan Mathews. 

Get to know your Board - Sarah Wheeler 

Portfolios – Training and education, Biosecurity, Animal health and welfare.  Regional Liaison – VCR, QLD

Sarah and husband Perry joined the Association in 2006, like so many others, initially as a lifestyle owner.  As their herd grew she became more involved in breed improvement and showing.

Today, Sarah and her family run a successful family farm comprising of about 250 alpaca located within the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. They show at national level and are regular exhibitors at Australia’s largest events, including Sydney Royal, Colourbration and the National Alpaca Show. Commercially, the business has successfully exported both animals and fleece, recently opening new opportunities for the industry in both Europe and North America. This has allowed her to aid fellow breeders with the sale of their fleece. Sarah also helps operates one of the larger camelid shearing operations in Australia, providing services for over 500 owners in SA, QLD, NSW and VIC – a side of the business that she believes gives her a unique perspective on the things that are important to alpaca owners.

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 AgSkills: A Practical Guide to Farm Skills 

The book is a basic guide to some of the skills and practices of alpaca production and contains step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full colour pictures.  Great Christmas gift for an alpaca lover!

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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.

• 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