Alpaca Gold for Gardeners

Calling all gardeners. Your veggie patch just met its new best friend.

We’re now selling alpaca poo. Yep, you read that right. At Little Valley Farm, we call it Alpaca Gold; if you’ve ever used it, you’ll know why. It’s rich, gentle on plants, and doesn’t burn like some other manures. Basically, it’s the VIP of garden fertilisers.

Our alpacas are raised with love and fresh paddock grazing, and their poo/dung/manure (whatever you want to call it), collected, composted, and packed into this handy barrel pictured here. 

Why do gardeners love alpaca poo so much?

It’s low in odour, high in nutrients, and can be applied directly without “cooking” like chicken or cow manure. It boosts soil structure and feeds your plants naturally. Think of it as slow-release plant food that also keeps your soil happy

We use it on all our fruit and also native plants. We’ve had plenty of locals swing by for a barrel, and their gardens love it. Tomatoes, roses, and fruit trees thrive on this stuff.

So, if you’re keen to give your garden a boost the natural way send me a message and I will book in a time for pick up. 

How to pick it up

We will tip the barrel contents into your trailer as it's nice and low to do so. Please note, we can’t tip it into your ute tray as it's too tall and heavy for me to lift, so trailers are better. Otherwise, you need to scoop it out yourself.

Please note that Walk-ins are not allowed on our farm; due to our biosecurity policy, you always need an appointment. $40 per barrel. Thank you, Daniela.

Thanks to the alpacas for the alpaca gold

Thats it!

My daily task on the farm thanks to their communal alpaca dung pile

The 40 gallon drum of alpaca gold

Hay and straw will also be present in the barrel

Why pick up alpaca poo from their communal dung pile?

Picking up alpaca dung is beneficial for alpacas because it helps control the spread of parasites and maintains a healthier living environment. Alpacas naturally create communal dung piles, which makes collection easier and more efficient. Regular removal of dung prevents parasites from feeding and multiplying in the manure, reducing the risk of parasite-related health issues for the herd. Additionally, keeping paddocks clean supports better pasture quality and ensures alpacas have access to clean grazing areas, further promoting their overall well-being.

We also use the Greystone paddock vacuum, which I could not live without, for a through clean of the paddock.

We will talk about this in our monthly alpaca workshops for new owners.

Here’s an older video we did for our YOUTUBE channel.

Red-Bellied Black Snake by the Dam: A Relaxed Visitor at Little Valley Farm

At Little Valley Farm, we share our space with all kinds of wildlife, including the occasional visitor like the red-bellied black snake. Recently, we spotted one of these beautiful creatures relaxing by the dam, enjoying the water and foraging for food. While it may seem alarming to see a snake, this calm visitor is an important part of the natural ecosystem in the Hunter Valley.

The red-bellied black snake, known for its glossy black scales and striking red belly, is a native species commonly found in the area. Though they can be venomous, these snakes are generally shy and avoid confrontation. In this case, the snake seems content to pass through, possibly staying for a few days as it searches for frogs, fish, or small animals near the water.

At Little Valley Farm, we believe in respecting wildlife's natural habitats. Snakes like the red-bellied black are an essential part of the local biodiversity, helping to control populations of pests and maintaining a balanced ecosystem. As part of our land care practices, we allow wildlife to pass through without interference, ensuring that all creatures—from alpacas to snakes—can coexist harmoniously.

While it's important to remain cautious around snakes, we know this one is simply passing through and won't pose any threat to our farm. If you're exploring the farm or attending one of our alpaca workshops, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings, but rest assured that these snakes prefer to keep to themselves.

Look at the two distinctive marks on his back in the video.