The Welsh Assembly Government has a policy to eradicate Bovine TB in Wales.  We are committed to supporting this policy and we maintain vigorous biosecurity on the farm.  After very careful consideration we have decided that we should take additional steps to protect our herd and, as far as possible, those of our clients in 2010.

During 2009 we decided not to show our alpacas until a reliable bTB testing regime had been developed and we were confident that the risk of bTB transmission had been minimised.  We will continue this policy in 2010.  Additionally we have decided not to offer any external stud services or agistment in 2010.  We believe these actions demonstrate a responsible approach to bTB and protect our and our client’s alpacas.

We have a really nice group of pet males for sale, all gelded and ready to go to new homes. All our pet males are well handled, socialised and halter trained. Although these are pet alpacas, they are of great quality and we have Huacaya and Suri's in a range of colours to grace your paddocks. If you're interested, get in touch quickly as they don't tend to hang around long.

 

We sheared our herd in the middle of May this year, so that the task is completed before the birthing starts in June. We use a brilliant local shearer, who has been looking after our herd for years. He is very gentle with the alpacas and does a great job. Our wonderful fluffy herd suddenly look like alien creatures. Its amazing how many people stop their cars on the roadside to admire the curious sight before them.

 

Despite the global economic downturn we are still getting lots of enquiries for our alpacas. Recently we have supplied alpacas for new owners in Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, the Forest of Dean and Powys. A few of these own guest houses and the alpacas are an added attraction for their visitors. Judging by the reaction we get from visitors to our farm, the alpacas will go down a treat.

 

In 2008, after a lifetime in banking, Peter hung up his hat to work full time on the farm. It's surprising how much more you can get done with two people; but as the alpacas don't take up all of our time, we started keeping chickens and building poultry housing. This has become a business in it's own right and we have set up The Cosy Hen Company. Just click on the link if you'd like to find out more about our hen houses.

As part of our herd development plan, last year we acquired a new herd sire to stand on the farm. He is a solid white peruvian huacaya called Florentino. He is a well conformed and handsome fellow with a dense 21 micron fleece. We have used him on some of our stock and his cria have been very impressive. This year we will begin using our home bred stud, Amazing Diogenes, sired by the award winning CME Tulaco Centruion. Di is a stunning solid white male and we have high hopes for him.

For those of you who would love to keep alpacas, but don't have land available, you may be interested in our Access to Alpacas™ initiative. Just click on the link for more details.

Our farm was awarded the status of a Local Wildlife Site, for the quality of its ancient pastures and diversity of grasses. We display our plaque with pride - the alpacas just love the hay.