AAA Member Update September 2020

The AAA monthly update is our way of communicating with our members. 

I encourage everyone, as you prepare for your shearing, to select your best fleeces for the Fleece Challenge in December.  Its promising to be a great event.  As mentioned in Cathi McMullen’s Education article, fibre education sessions are being prepared as a lead up to the Fleece Challenge to encourage those who have never show fleeces – “to have a go”. 

Training and Education, and Member Services will be the major topics at the next Regional President’s meeting on 10 September.  As President I have a monthly Zoom meeting with the Regional Presidents to open up two-way communication between the Regions and the Board.  Cathi (Director – Training & Education) & Brett Fallon (Director – Member Services) will be attending the September meeting to discuss and seek feedback on Member Services and share the recent Member Survey results along with Cathi discussing Education and Training.

It is no co-incidence that we are focusing on Member Services and Education and Training as both are fundamental to ensuring a sustainable future for our industry - as is the opening of Export Markets, Research and Development.  Sarah Wheeler (Director -  Biosecurity, Animal Health & Welfare) is developing an R&D Strategy with the next step calling for suggested projects from the Membership.  The aim is to be shovel ready for the next round of grant applications in February 2021.    

I look forward to seeing the contributions from our “creative” members in the “National Art, Photography and Product Competition” to be held in late January.

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine,   Prue Walduck, Interim President.

Richard Dixson Scholarship

In recognition of services to the alpaca industry by the late Dr Richard Dixon, the AAA offers a scholarship to senior veterinary students. The development scholarship honours the late Richard Dixon who is widely recognised for his vision and commitment to improving alpaca health and for establishing so many of the founding veterinary practices in Australian alpaca industry including Q-Alpaca. Submissions close 30 October 2020. For more information please see the AAA website 

Regional news

•  VER held their ARM last week and we congratulate the new Committee:  
  • Nic Holdsworth - President
  • Lynda Holdsworth - Vice President
  • Vivian Blacker - Treasurer
  • Wendy Talbot - Secretary
  • Committee members - Tim Blake, Kylie Taylor, Heather Gardner, Angela Betheras and Gwyn Morgan
• VER also presented three AAA Certificates of Appreciation to retiring committee members Lezley Golding, Joy Skinner and Chris Pendlebury. Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to the industry
• NSW AAA region is looking for an enthusiastic convenor to run Canberra Royal alpaca section in 2021. For more info head to the NSW newsroom

Education Update

As Covid roles on, I am happy to say that we have an awesome education and training committee working steadily to develop educational offerings suited to the times, but with a mind to how these can be used “on the other side”. The Educational and Training Committee have a great mix of experience and skills - Taryan Matthews, Steve Glenday, Katy Armson-Graham, Janelle Jago and Anne-Marie Ashton-Wyatt. Feel free to pass on any ideas and feedback through them. We now also have “friends” working on resources on shearing preparation, health & husbandry issues and halter training and leading. Also in preparation, is an explainer on AWEX codes for fleece and guidance preparing fleeces for commercial collection. More details on these soon.

In anticipation of shows down the track – initially, we assume with State boundaries -we are currently investigating with the showing and judging committee what training in this area can be delivered in an online mode – and later be used in conjunction with face-to-face workshops. Given the demand for training in areas of stewarding and convening, these areas will be addressed in line with the new Convenors and Stewards manual.  Also, insights into what judges are looking for both in halter classes and in fleece shows.  Recommended resources for September: Shearing and Shearing Shed Guidelines. https://alpaca.asn.au/alpaca-resources/alpaca-shearing/                                    Cathi McMullen

Market Access and Trade (MATC) Update 

Australian Standard for the Export of Livestock  (ASEL) - We have previously advised that the new ASEL 3.0, to take effect from 1 November 2020, reduced the alpaca stocking density in the crate on the aircraft. The MATC have spent considerable time seeking an amendment to the stocking density rate. We believe we have presented a strong argument in support of the amendment.  This was largely possible through the support and input from two Licenced alpaca Exporters.  We would like to acknowledge and thank Sue and Steve Ridout (International Alpaca Exports P/L) and Carolyn Young (Viona Exports) for their respective contributions. We are hopeful of a positive response. 

Prue Walduck, MATC

From the CEO

• Due to the prevailing COVID-19 circumstances, the AGM this year will be a virtual/online meeting. It is scheduled for 23 November. Further details will be distributed shortly. 
• Our current social media campaign is a focus on all things fibre to support our 2020 shearing season and the lead up to the Fleece Challenge. Use the hash tags #FocusOnFibre #Shearing2020 #ShowUsYourShed as well as of course #AustralianAlpaca 
• We are also wanting all of our members to "show us your shed" - How is your alpaca shearing shed set up? What are your favourite aspects? What would you change? What advice do you have for other alpaca owners as we head into shearing season? Show us some pictures of your shed on our Facebook Page.
• We have been advocating on your behalf to ensure that alpaca shearers are recognised as essential workers and can get to you all for shearing this year. The AAA website has a list of AWEX accredited alpaca classers as well as a shearer directory.
• A quick reminder about the COVID shearing guidelines and Guidelines for Shearing Shed Set-Up as well as other shearing resources on the AAA website
• It is also a great time to be sharing the news about alpacas as herd guardians before spring lambing. 
• A reminder that the Board has approved a new fee schedule for registrations and transfers from 1 January 2021. These changes incorporate increases for the “late payment” fee of transfers and registrations. There is an amnesty on the charge for backdating of male certifications until 31 December ($0, previously $110).  A copy of the fee schedule can be found on member's area of  the AAA website (please log in to the website access)
• This week I have attended a meeting with the Textiles Exchange about their  development of the international Responsible Alpaca Standards. 
• The newsletter schedule has changed slightly so that we can include all of the news from Board meetings. That way you are getting timely advice from your Board. 
• Please call the office at any time to discuss any aspects of your membership - or even if you just want to have a chat!