Are you interested in having alpacas? Perhaps you recently acquired alpacas and want to learn how to better look after them. Our on-farm workshop is the best investment you can make. If you don't have alpacas yet, you will learn the essentials of alpaca management and determine if they are the right animal for you and your property.  If you have alpacas, you will learn all the essentials to care for them so they can be healthy and happy. 

We will cover the basics in the morning and then move on to handling and healthcare in the afternoon:

Morning session: Introduction to alpacas

• The different reasons people keep alpacas, alpaca history and characteristics
• What to consider when setting up your farm for alpacas, fencing, shelters, and handling facilities
• What type of alpaca is best for your goals: males, females, castrated males, breeding stock
• What alpacas require to be healthy and happy: nutrition, pasture, supplements, injections, shearing, healthcare

Afternoon session: Alpaca handling and healthcare

• Types of illnesses alpacas can get and how to prevent them
• How to herd and handle alpacas safely and calmly
• Demonstrations of health tasks 
• Q&A 

The workshop is led by experienced alpaca owner Rita Soares. Rita believes in putting alpaca welfare and well-being at the forefront of all decisions and is an advocate of ethical alpaca ownership and natural farming.

What you will get: 

• Lunch, drinks and snacks 
• Comprehensive notes and resources to take home
• Inside knowledge about alpaca ownership with hands-on practice 
• Fun and relaxed learning in a small group setting (maximum of 8 participants)

Location:  Campo Verde Alpacas farm in Harcourt (next door to Castlemaine, just south of Bendigo, and about 1 hour and 30 minutes north of Melbourne)

What previous participants have to say:

• I loved it all! Rita, you are so engaging and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to listen.
• It's so hard to pinpoint one aspect as the best. I had such a good time. I love Rita's teaching style, which is very kind, knowledgeable, generous, and patient. I also loved meeting other alpaca owners and hearing their stories. Of course, the hands-on aspect with the alpacas and seeing Rita's set-up in action is invaluable.
• Thanks again for the workshop yesterday. I was buzzing with delight all day from it.
• Wow, what a brilliant day. Loved every moment of the workshop.
• Thank you for a lovely and informative day. I learned so much about caring for alpacas and enjoyed the balance of theory and practical learning.
• Thanks again for last Sunday. My daughter and I really enjoyed the day. You were very informative and welcoming.

The presenter:

Rita Soares is a member of the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA). She was born in Brazil with an African-Brazilian heritage and has lived most of her life in big cities in Brazil and Australia. In 2017, she made a tree change from Melbourne to regional Victoria when she acquired her first alpacas. From an initial three, her herd has grown to around 40 alpacas.  

Rita has participated in various professional development courses in the alpaca industry, learned from specialist alpaca vets and international and local experts, volunteered at alpaca farms, participated in alpaca shows, and is committed to continuous learning. She has travelled to the UK to complete an advanced alpaca handling clinic with camelid behaviour expert Marty McGee Bennett from Camelidynamics. She believes in keeping alpaca welfare and well-being at the forefront of all decisions.

Rita has worked professionally in the education and communications sectors. She has held volunteer roles with the Australian Alpaca Association regionally and nationally. In 2017, she was awarded "Most Enthusiastic New Breeder" by the Australian Alpaca Association - Victorian Central Region. 

Rita is an avid knitter, artist, and felter. She loves teaching others about appropriate alpaca keeping and advocating for their well-being.

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