Wendy Williams from Wiraki Alpacas in the Capertee Valley is well known in alpaca circles. As well as showing the delightful animals at her Rylstone market stall each month she also writes an article for the World of Alpacas each year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of her articles covers the “first few years” and in it she says “The country or the coast, the mountains or the sea? Couldn’t afford the coast and the land’s nothing without mountains. Then in 2001 while resting after the Olympics I rediscovered Mudgee. I realised its powerful attraction. No not the wine, well not only the wine, the total ambience. It talked to me. I could live there.”
After fortnightly exploratory trips over the next six months she discovered the Capertee Valley near Rylstone, did some alpaca research, visited eight or nine breeders, looked at farm layouts, fencing, water systems, pastures, nutrition requirements and animals.
“They’re very assertive and they protect sheep when they’re lambing.”
Ms Williams is now well placed to not only sell alpacas to interested buyers but also give advice and tips on looking after them. She brings young ones into the markets to get them used to people.
“It’s ideal. People can look at them and buy if they like, and the experience quietens down the young animals.”
Ms Williams says alpacas are great as fox guards for sheep and free ranging chooks.
“They’re very assertive and they protect sheep when they’re lambing.”
The RAPA markets are held on the second Saturday of each month at the Rylstone Memorial Hall from 9am to 1.30pm.
