Alpaca have adapted and thrived in Australia since their introduction in the mid 1980’s.

They are intelligent animals with soft pads that cause minimal disturbance to topsoil, use communal dung piles that minimize the possibility of worm infestation and as they do not foul precious drinking water, are ideal gentle grazing animals to farm in Australia.  

The demand for Alpaca fibre is on the rise due, in part, to the rapidly expanding middle class in China where quality product is expected and the desire for superfine fibre in the fashion industry in Europe.

The largest Alpaca farm in the Southern Hemisphere is located at Binda where Alpaca stud, Millpaca, run between 4,500-5,000 animals.  

These Alpacas are selectively bred for their superfine fibre and now for meat as the demand for sustainable lean high protein increases.

Put some alpaca on your fork

MILLPACA co-owner, Ian Frith, explains, “I believe we are now sufficiently developed as an industry to move to the next level.  

Alpaca meat is a natural extension of farming to raise revenue as is the case with the sheep and goat industry.  

“It is exciting to see the acceptance of this product in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney at restaurants under our brand of Illawarra Prime Alpaca.  

“We are looking forward to introducing and showcasing Alpaca meat to our local Upper Lachlan community at the Farmers Market on May 7 at the Crookwell Uniting Church grounds from 9-1.  

“We believe they will be impressed with the product.”

Millpaca produce Alpaca meat from paddock to plate and to assure themselves of the best results, purchased a processing plant at Milton.

Ian stated, “We wanted to ensure that these animals would be treated with respect and decided to purchase the processing plant at Milton where we could manage and oversee the humane treatment of the Alpaca.  

“Having bred them for 10 years, we understand the needs of Alpaca and work with their natural animal behaviour adopting low stress management that is beneficial to the animal.”

Asked why Millpaca selected Binda as their primary breeding property, Ian said, “We searched all over NSW and beyond and kept coming back to the Southern Tablelands as the best location to breed fine fibre.  

“Binda is ideally located with a good climate.  

“We were impressed with the fresh water available and the mixed pastures that Alpaca enjoy.”  

The contours of the land offered good shelter and as Alpaca come of South America, they enjoy the rise and fall, to see what is over the next hill.  

“We have very experienced staff and an excellent farm manager that gives us confidence when away, that the Alpacas are well cared for and our selective breeding programs are followed to ensure progeny of the highest quality.”

Illawarra Prime Alpaca produce, including pies and barbequed Alpaca, will be on offer at the Farmers Market, 7 May.  

Alpaca fibre for spinning and Alpaca yarn will be on sale together with spinners from Crookwell Spinners and Knitters demonstrating how easy it is to spin, ply and produce wonderful product.  

Freshly harvested local produce from fruit and potato farmers will be on sale, farm animals, music, bush poetry in the Church, CWA providing Devonshire Tea in the hall, Rotary cooking lamb on the barbie and a number of high quality, locally grown and handmade products, just in time for Mother’s Day.