Akhira Alpacas Farm

This isn't the Andes in Peru or Chile, this is the Mount Lofty Ranges just outside Birdwood. These are alpacas. Alpacas are related to camels and were domesticated by the Incas over 5,000 years ago. Their fine fleeces were referred to as the "fibre of Gods" and they were tough enough to withstand weather extremes from century plus heat in the summer to winter snow. In 1989 the first alpaca auction was held in Australia and leading the bidding were Robert and Lyn Shepherd. "It was love at first sight and we were Alpaca owners a fortnight later." Robert runs an artificial insemination business and has a background in stud cattle but soon he and Lyn found themselves breeding alpacas. "They're very easy to look after, hardy animal with lots of pluses including clean skin, no fly strike, no cructhing, soft paws and good for the environment. Much easier than sheep and cattle."

The males are knows as "machos" and the females "hembras". One a year they produce "cria" or a single offspring. Like sheep they are shorn annually but unlike sheep their fleece has no grease in it and is fine, soft fibre that is extremely warm. Part of the Shepherd's 19th century farm has been converted into a store for alpacas products. Mostly imported from South America, although local knitters are now getting involved. Alpacas come in 22 different colours and so their fleece isn't dyed. The most sought is the pure Black wool. You can go on a tour of the alpaca stud and the animals aren't shy. The Shepherds farm was set up in the 1870s around the time when gold was discovered. Landowners Patrick and Mary Ann Hynes became wealthy and helped build schools at both Birdwood and Mount Pleasant. Patrick and Mary Anne probably wouldn't recognise the place now with its Alpacas, Murray Grey beef cattle and emus. You can visit the Akhira Alpacas Stud farm every day except Mondays. It's open 10am to 4pm and its free. Group bookings can be arranged which includes a presentation. It's signposted off the Mount Pleasant Road just outside Birdwood. For more information phone (08) 8568 5422 or email: akhira@mail.mdt.net.au