The annual Alpaca Association Expo, is in Tauranga this year at the Baypark Stadium.

There will be more than 400 alpaca on display with large classes of animals ranging from six month old ‘cria' – think lambs with long legs, big eyes and long eyelashes – through to gentle mothers – hembras – and the proud strutting stud males – machos.

Like any smaller industry, the owners mostly know each other and there is fierce and friendly competition between them. There will be the dedicated specialists up from the South Island with their impressive mountain dwelling herds and the smaller lifestyle block holders with their carefully bred champion, in with a chance.

The excitement of breeding a winner from a good buy and a better eye is a great motivation which spurs on breeders at all ends of the spectrum and greatly benefits the developing industry.

Fleece Competition
The fleece or fibre – we don't call it wool – is shorn from the alpaca normally once a year after winter. Therefore a September/October expo is perfect for sharing the results of the best fleeces in New Zealand and these are also judged.

The judges are looking for ‘handle' – the softness and comfort factor which lifts the product so far above the wool we are used to. They will measure the crimp – pattern of waviness in the fleece length – and assess the lustre or shine.

All this is done anonymously and whether the winner is a bigger farmer, a lifestyler or a new entry breeder, it can be a thrill to see this irrefutable proof that the breeding programme is going well.

The end product
That's not where it ends, however and there are a few breeders with sheds or spare bedrooms full of fibre, some of it very good quality, who want to know what to do with it.

This year, the organisers of the expo have invited people who make things from the fibre to bring along examples of their work: Fine, lustrous and lacy shawls, elegant knitwear, as well as more robust work wear – warm working sweaters and thick stay up socks, felted goods from fashion items to the insides for toasty gumboots, knee blankets, cot blankets, floor rugs, to name but a few.

The support industry
The New Zealand primary industry is well supported by suppliers of advice, equipment, chemicals and veterinary services. Many are now appreciating the importance of the alpaca to the future of our farming economy and will be at the expo in numbers at the trade stands. In addition to the more astute of the core agricultural providers, there are also specialist services for the alpaca industry. They have interesting tales to tell and some well-honed advice to share.

Visit the Alpaca Expo 2011 and also go in the draw to win a fabulous 100% NZ made alpaca duvet.
The Alpaca Expo 2011 is on Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2 at Baypark Stadium, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga.
For more information visit www.alpaca.org.nz