Tips for keeping your alpaca cool

Spring can get quite hot, and your alpacas may feel the heat too. But worry not, as there are ways to keep their water cool throughout the day and night.

Most importantly, make sure you have booked your shearer well in advance of hot Summer weather, but whilst you are waiting for your shearing day, do this….

Other options include sprinklers, hosing down their legs and having two or three extra water troughs that they can cool down or splash themselves besides ice cubes.

It is crucial to keep your alpacas cool during warm weather. The best way to do this is to shear them early in spring, depending on where you live. For us, spring is the best time. Therefore, it is essential to have your shearer's contact information at hand and book their services well in advance.

Follow Daniela from Little Valley Farm for some useful tips and tricks on alpaca farming in the Hunter Valley.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, or follow her for more updates, or even join Daniela on the farm for their monthly Sunday workshops.

PIC number - do you have one?

When buying any livestock, please ensure you have a PIC # for your property. What is a PIC #?

A Property Identification Code (PIC) is required for all farms, including hobby farms.

A PIC is an eight-character code allocated by the state department of agriculture (or an equivalent authority in each state or territory) to identify a livestock-producing property. The PIC forms the basis of Australia’s food safety and traceability programs and is used in cases of disease outbreaks, bushfires and animal emergencies.

Individuals must, under law, have a PIC if they own or keep one or more cows, sheep, goats, pigs,  deer, alpacas, llamas, horses, ponies, donkeys, or more than 100 poultry (i.e. domesticated fowl, chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, guinea fowl, pigeons, quail or pheasants) or ten emus or ostriches.

In NSW, all livestock owners and occupiers of land carrying livestock must have a PIC, regardless of whether the livestock is moved. This is a requirement under the Biosecurity (NLIS) Regulation 2017 and Biosecurity Act 2015. 

When purchasing livestock, dealing with a reputable breeder who is transparent in their information is crucial. A top-notch breeder will ask for your PIC # before the livestock sale transaction and provide theirs. By engaging with a trustworthy breeder, you can avoid livestock scams and confidently make informed purchase decisions.

Contact your Local Land Service to obtain your PIC today.   Click here on how to apply.

Watch the Local Land Service video on PIC’s here.

When purchasing an alpaca from Little Valley Farm, please ensure your PIC code is ready and can be easily obtained from your Local Land Services. Refer to the link above to obtain yours. We will include your PIC number on our invoice for traceability.

The image above is courtesy of Cheryl Warning. Autumn 2017 at Little Valley Farm.

Support Local Cessnock Hunter Valley Campaign

We had the pleasure of participating in the SUPPORT LOCAL CESSNOCK campaign this month, thanks to the fantastic video creators Pink Donkey and Advance Greater Cessnock.

This incredible campaign showcased over 50 local businesses and highlighted the beautiful services, businesses, and people who call our valley home.

We were thrilled to be a part of it and even got to show off Little Valley Farm in Laguna, just 40 kilometres from Cessnock. It was an incredibly positive experience, and we're grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic initiative.

And here I am doing what I love the most - talking alpacas at Little Valley Farm. The filming was done at the end of June, and boy, oh boy, did our Autumn trees look fabulous. Daniela

What’s NEW this month at Little Valley Farm

We have some exciting news! We will offer one-night stays on Monday nights in our unique 1950s train for September, October and November. This is a limited-time offer, so be sure to take advantage of the stunning weather and relax with us.

Our glamping experience is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable memories with us, our alpacas and donkeys.

Book now for an early afternoon check-in and late checkout for only $450 (excluding long weekends). For more information, please visit this page and then email Daniela for dates.

We can't wait to host you!

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If you plan on visiting the Hunter Valley, reserve your farm stay with us ahead of time. You might also consider joining our monthly alpaca workshop, which is perfect for new alpaca owners. Weekends are strictly two-night stays, and long weekends are three.

Spring time alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley

We're so excited to invite you to our upcoming Spring time alpaca workshops, perfect for anyone new to owning alpacas.

You'll get to meet our amazing herd of Huacaya and Suri alpacas in the beautiful Hunter Valley and hear all about our journey into the world of alpaca farming. We'll cover everything you need to know about alpaca health and welfare and share some tips on creating shelters and shearing pens that are easy to manage.

Our workshops are kept small so everyone can get the most out of the day, and we'll be on hand to answer all your questions. You'll also get to learn how to handle alpacas with care, build trust with them.

We absolutely love what we do and can't wait to share it with you. Our Springtime workshops are held once a month on Sundays, so why not join us for a day of alpaca-filled fun?

Book via our website for adults and children. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Daniela at Little Valley Farm - Alpaca farm Hunter Valley

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In case you can't make it to the Hunter Valley, we've got you covered! You can always get your hands on our alpaca manual online. It's filled with valuable information on animal welfare, halter training, ear tagging, toenail clippings, collection of fleece, worm burden in alpacas, ticks, giving injections, eyecare, pregnancy diagnosis, cria care at birth, wearing crias, body condition score, and transporting alpacas. The book is designed to be user-friendly, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and full-colour pictures.

Alpaca Workshop for new owners

Discover the wonders of alpacas with our unique workshop that provides all the tips and tricks to make these magnificent creatures thrive on your small farm or acreage. You'll learn about alpaca management and health, alpaca breeds, and the importance of having a PIC before purchasing alpacas. We'll also cover topics such as livestock breeding, shed layouts, appropriate shade for livestock, feed and grass, husbandry and management and alpaca welfare.

Our workshop is suitable for anyone interested in owning alpacas, and we'll provide a copy of the AgGuide Practical Handbook - Farming Alpacas for you to take home. We're a registered breeder with the Australian Alpaca Association and have been working with alpacas since 2012.

The workshop takes place in Laguna, Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley, once a month. Join us for an unforgettable experience and secure your spot by clicking on the link below for the upcoming August and September dates. We'll wrap up the day with a cuppa and light refreshments at the house.

Daniela Riccio at Little Valley Farm Laguna, Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley

At Little Valley Farm, we have a deep passion for working with alpacas on a daily basis and take great pride in our stunning alpaca family. We're excited to share them with you soon.

If you are unable to attend our alpaca workshop, you may consider buying our recommended alpaca learning manual. This will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed purchase decision and help you identify key factors to consider when buying alpacas.

We are only two hours from Sydney along the M1 and one hour from the Central Coast. We also have two cabins for adults. If you book in advance, you may be able to secure one of our cabins to stay in so you can make a weekend of learning about alpacas.

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Stay up to date with us via our Facebook or Instagram page.

Stay N Sip at Little Valley Farm Hunter Valley

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Hunter Valley by staying with us in the lush bushlands of Laguna. Embrace the natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. With the long weekend just around the corner, gather your closest companions and reserve the entire farm for an unforgettable getaway.

Only a two-hour drive from Sydney, but it feels like a world away. Spend time with alpacas and donkeys, basking in the sun and enjoying evenings by the bonfire, making delicious wood-fired pizzas for dinner. We have the glamping train with a queen bed and the shearers studio with a King bed. Cabins are separate so you can come with your friends and have your own space. Come together for brekkie, lunch and Dinner.

Try something different, perhaps?

For a unique experience, book a STAY n SIP adventure on the train deck. Stay n' Sip offers exclusive in-house wine-tasting experiences. They bring the best wines from various boutique cellar doors, all in one experience, right to our cabins. The selection of seven wines can be tailored to your palate.

All of their products are sourced from local businesses, ensuring an authentic and unique experience for our guests. Book our accommodation directly with Daniela to save on platform booking fees. Also, book your Stay N Sip experience directly with Pierre and Mercedes for a whole lot of fun and not worry about driving around.

Fun, Fun, Fun with Pierre and Mercedes Stay N Sip experience.

Book our accommodation early with Daniela and then book your Stay n Sip; otherwise, you will miss out on all the fun.

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Please note that we are only suitable for adults. No children/infants/pets are allowed on our farm due to safety and our bio-security policy. We currently sleep four (4) adults and have two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a large kitchen in the glamping train alongside amazing facilities that you can enjoy all to yourself. You can read more about this on our FAQs.

Harvest Trails on ABC 702AM Morning Weekends

Hey there! So this morning I was chatting with Simon Marnie on ABC 702AM Weekend Morning Show, and we talked about some amazing places. Here are the links in case you're interested in checking them out too! Thanks Daniela

Weekend Morning Show with Simon Marnie ABC 702AM

Experience the beauty of Sydney markets and help support local farmers and producers while enjoying a fantastic day.

Markets 

Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market

Wow, this morning's lineup of Growers and Producers is simply amazing! You can find everything from delicious Australian seafood to mouth-watering Aussie-grown truffles. And on top of that, some incredible Artisans are showcasing their products. 

Saturday 8 am - 12 Noon

https://www.harvesttrailsandmarkets.com.au/all-markets/castle-hill-farmers-fine-food-market/

Look out for the new Jance Spirit Stall - Honey Mead 

Discover the delicious Jance Honey Spirit from 100% Australian honey sourced directly from our local beekeepers. Join James & Lance of Rouse Hill on their journey to bring you the best of what nature offers. Honey Mead. https://jance.com.au/

Carriageworks Farmers Market

245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Winter Seasonal Market! Open 8 am-1 pm. Come along for all the best winter produce and get involved in the day's program. Jump on their website for full event info: 

Jump on their website for their weekly stallholder list. https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market/

Look out for Organic Food Markets across Sydney in

Lillyfield, Camden, St Ives, Seaforth, just to name a few. 

Discover one near you via the website 

https://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au/markets.php

Pick Your Own 

Wyuna Farms Central Coast 

Winter Navel oranges, juicy and sweet!

Ripe for picking this Saturday and Sunday and then next week for the last PYO session. 

No need to book + lots of parking and room to pick oranges. 

$20 BYO normal shopping bag to collect.  9:30 am to 1pm. Stay up to date https://www.facebook.com/wyunafarms

Pick your own Oranges Dooralong

They just had a massive school holiday PYO oranges and now opening for the next couple of weekends. 

10 am to 4 pm. No booking and no entry fee. Pay for what you pick. 

If you can’t make PYO this weekend on the Central Coast, there is a new one that we have not talked about before. Book online for next weekend up at Peats Ridge called

Meliora Farm

Cost is $30 for a Meliora farm bag that you can fill up with our delicious citrus. Approximately 12kg of fruit. (29th and 30th July). 

https://meliorafarm.com.au/whats-on/

More Winter time fruits to PYO 

Anderson Pick Your Own Fruit

Mandarines, Oranges and lemons along the beautiful Hawkesbury River. 

PYO morning or afternoon sessions to book online. 

Book via their website. $5 entry adult - $10 bucket

951 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North,

https://andersonfarm.com.au/

Cider Australia Awards by

Cider Australia 

Exciting news! This month marks the start of the biggest cider show in Australia - the Awards. It's known for being a leader in cider judging and has gained a great reputation both nationally and internationally.

Cider Australia is all about Australian cider makers using 100% Aussie grown produce.  Any cidermaker big or small can join the cider awards. Jump on their website for full details. https://www.cideraustralia.org.au/

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Special thanks to Simon Marnie ABC 702 AM.

Listen, download here on the ABC App.

Alpaca workshop in the Hunter Valley

Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that we're hosting our next alpaca workshop on Sunday, 20th August 2023. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about these amazing animals! We hold these workshops once a month in the beautiful Laguna/Wollombi Valley, which is just 90 minutes from Sydney and an hour from the Central Coast.

Our alpaca workshops are open to children; each child will receive a special alpaca gift. We highly recommend booking online in advance for our monthly Sunday workshops, as spots are limited.

We hope to see you there! Daniela, Little Valley Farm

This is our BB, Suri weanling. Isn’t he lovely!

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We offer accommodation for up to four adults if you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway. Alternatively, we can suggest one-night stays at Noyce Brothers Wine/Grays Inn Wollombi, located in the central area of Wollombi Village and just a ten-minute drive from our farm. The village has various dining options, including the Wollombi Tavern for dinner and drinks, the Myrtle and Stone Cafe for charming cafe vibes, and the Wollombi Kitchen for breakfast and lunch.

We look forward to seeing you at Little Valley Farm in Laguna for our alpaca workshop.

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Using the wood fired stoves in the Shearers Studio

Please read before you arrive. We will set the Sauna fire for you but we must brief you before use.

The Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm contains two wood-fired stoves! It's one of the reasons it is an incredible place to stay on the cold nights the Hunter Valley is well known for.

More precisely, the Studio has an Australian-made Nectre Bakers Oven in the main area and a Finnish-made Harvia H2 wood-fired sauna stove in the bathroom area.

Not everyone has wood stoves or lights many fires anymore, so here we want to introduce how to use both types and light them. 

Lighting the stoves

Invariably we ask guests to let us know if they will be using the stoves before they come, certainly for the sauna. The timber is cut, split, stacked and dried for at least two years before you arrive. Here on the farm everything is about preparation. 

When you arrive the stoves will be prefilled with newspaper, a fire starter, kindling and small timbers. You should just need to light the newspaper and they will burn well for about 15 minutes.

The Nectre Bakers Oven may need the door slightly ajar to help the air get the fire burning in the first 10 minutes.

NEVER leave the fire when the door is open. The Harvia wood fired Sauna stove has a bottom grate sucking in air - Do not leave this door open at all. 

After about 15 minutes the fire should be burning well. Do not smother the flames too early with big pieces of timber and do not leave it too long so the fire essentially goes out. 

Introduce smaller pieces of timber and gradually build up to bigger, heavier pieces. 

We leave a lot of kindling and small timber so you can have multiple fires, it is best to use it wisely. If you need more let us know with good notice. It has to be gathered from the bush or split from bigger stockpiles.  ONLY burn what we have given you. Do not burn tissues or paper that you find lying around.

Nectre Bakers oven

The ‘Nectre’ was the original and only stove in our house before we renovated it. We refurbished it for the Studio. It can heat large areas and you can bake your bread in it too if you want!

Because the Nectre has a very long straight flue, it has an amazing draw, sometimes maybe too good. If the fire gets too hot it sucks in even more air, and the fire gets hotter and hotter. Please DO NOT OVERLOAD the firebox. The room is small and well-insulated; it will only get too hot. 

Please do not use the Nectre Bakers fireplace during Summertime.

There are two tricks to help manage the amount of air entering the stove and controlling the heat: 

1/ Air Intake spindle - the spindle on the front of the firebox, below the glass, should always be closed. It is unnecessary to use this as so much air enters around the glass and the door. Opening this with enough timber and heat will certainly overload the fire and it will get too hot.

2/ Bypass Damper - the damper is located on the top of the stove near the chimney, it has a chrome handle. Pulling this up closes the damper to divert the hot air around the sides of the oven. This will help get the bottom oven area hotter and it has the effect of reducing air intake and calming down the fire.

NOTE - it is impossible to make the Nectre burn overnight or even stay alight for long periods if you go out. Stacking the firebox and leaving it unattended is wasteful and potentially dangerous. You have plenty of kindling to easily restart the fire when you come back. 

Spindle - air intake

Bypass damper - heats oven, reduces flames

Harvia wood fire sauna stove 

This great little stove is perfect for small saunas. It has a much smaller fire box and retains heat through the use of dense, heavy stones on top. 

This wood stove has an ash box and draws air up through a grate in the fire box floor. It has no air intakes and the door should never be left open, even while starting the fire.

Because the firebox is small it needs to be fed timber regularly to keep burning. Once established and one larger heavier log is placed in the firebox it will stay hot for the duration of your 40-60min sauna session.  

For more on using the stove to have a great sauna see this blog post. 

Nectre - all set. Split Stringybark helps get fire started.

Harvia - all set. Never leave this door open.

Timber

The timber used here in these stoves is mostly StringyBark, Ironbark, Grey Gum and White Maghony. All excellent Australian hardwoods.  We mill some of our own timber here but these are off cuts or unsuitable for other uses. 

The StringyBark is the lighter colour timber with straight grain. We split it into smaller kindling as it burns easily and it burns hot. The Ironbark is red in colour and is very dense and heavy. It burns long. The others are somewhere in between. Making great fires is often about choosing different timbers to achieve what you want. 

Kindling and mixed sized & species of timbers.

Enough timber for 3 days.

Building your own fire

Setting or building your own fire is probably a post all of its own. But as a very simple overview of different ways to set fires this video is helpful (although not comprehensive).

I use a small “log cabin” it starts easily and has enough timber so stay alight for people to add to. A '“teepee” is a traditional way to do things, but works a little more easily in a campfire like the video. I would NOT do a “pyramid” as you don’t really have enough room and it is too much wood which may end up burning too hot.

(if you know a better, Australian, video let me know. I just did a quick search).

Please ensure you note our check-in times so we can meet you and cover the health and safety of all wood-fired facilities. You will not be able to light them until we cover our H&S upon check-in with you. If you are late for check-in then you will have to wait until the next day to meet up and show you. Your safety and ours is a priority.

What's happening along the Harvest Trail this weekend

With winter in full swing, it's the perfect time to indulge in fresh, locally grown Australian produce. If you're looking for something to do this weekend or during the upcoming school holidays, why not consider picking your own fruit? You could even organize a family picnic and support your local farmers market. 

This morning I spoke to Simon Marnie of ABC Sydney, Weekend Mornings. Here's a quick overview to help you plan. Listen to the ABC Sydney radio - Saturday, 24th June 2023, from 6 am. You can also download the ABC app for the Weekend Mornings. Thanks, Daniela 

Anderson Pick Your Own Fruit

Just opened last weekend for PYO. 

Anderson Farm is based along the banks of the beautiful Hawkesbury River. It is a lovely place for a stroll through the trees. PYO morning or afternoon sessions to book online. 

Mandarins

- Imperial Mandarins - juicy and less seeds.

- Hicksons -  known for its superb flavour, the fruit is of medium size and is easily peeled

Oranges

-Washington Navels - tasty, seedless oranges in mid-winter  

-Seville oranges are small to medium in size. The flesh ranges in colour from yellow to deep orange and is soft, juicy, and filled with many cream-coloured seeds. When ripe, they are aromatic with a sour, acidic, tangy, and somewhat bitter taste - great for marmalade and cooking.

Book via their website. $5 entry adult - $10 bucket

951 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North,

https://andersonfarm.com.au/

Watkins Family Farm 

8th Generation of Watkins Family Citrus Growers farming at Laughtondale.

It's an exciting season as the trees are loaded with juicy fruit. With over 2000 fruit trees to

PYO this weekend - Mandarines.

What else to do? Make an event of it. 

Bring a picnic and have a great family day out. 

1006 Singleton Road, Laughtondale. Via Wisemans Ferry 

Jump on the website for full PYO info:

https://watkinsfamilyfarm.com.au

Canoelands Orchard, Canoelands 

PYO Imperial Mandarin’s at $6/kg, tiny but tasty!

Plus PYO juicy Navel Oranges also $6/kg. 

You are also welcome to BYO picnic or BBQ in the grassy area at the shop. 

Bookings are essential and open from 9am to 2 pm. 

Coming Soon Central Coast 

Speaking of Oranges, look out for July dates for Central Coast. 

PYO Winter time Navel Oranges at Wyuna Farm & Pick your own Oranges Dooralong

Markets 

Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Market 

How lucky is The Hills District to have its own Farmers Market? It has been operating for almost 21 years now, providing fresh produce to the local community. Saturday 8 am to 12 noon 

https://www.harvesttrailsandmarkets.com.au/all-markets/castle-hill-farmers-fine-food-market/

Carriageworks Farmers Market

245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm

Explore the finest growers and producers in NSW and get the opportunity to chat with the farmers directly to discover the fascinating tales behind their delicious food. Take your pick from a range of organic and biodynamic produce, artisan bread, delightful wines, single-origin coffee, herbal teas, meat, and freshly picked flowers. Jump on their website for their weekly stallholder list. https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market/

Orange Grove Market Lillyfield

Saturday, 9 am  -1 pm. Farm fresh & organic produce gourmet food bread fashion. Find more markets around Sydney, simply follow this link. https://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au/markets.php

Camden Fresh Produce Markets

Patio Plants with seedlings for the veg garden, fresh winter citrus fruits and vegetables, plus a new stall selling nut-free butter & regular local growers and artisan producers. Every Saturday, 7.00 am – 12.00 pm

https://www.camdenproducemarket.com.au/

Bilpin Community Markets and Cafe 

It's time to buy some warming beanies, cosy winter scarves and snuggly mittens for all these cold days, plus shop for organic vegetables from local growers. 

Saturday mornings 10 am -12 Noon. Bilpin Community Markets and Cafe 

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Drop us a note, if you know of any up and coming events along the harvest trails.

Hello Winter 2023

It's that magical time of year again - winter in the valley! We can't help but feel excited about bonfire nights, toasty marshmallows, and our luxurious Finnish dry sauna. There's so much to appreciate during this season; we're ready to soak it all in.

What's New

You may have all seen the photos of our gorgeous donkeys, Maisie May and Loxie Love. We can excitedly introduce our new jack, His Royal Highness Honkie Hamlet of Laguna. 

We picked up this lovely jack on his majesty weekend hence the HRH title. We always like to have fun naming our beloved pets. 

Our donkeys are the rare English/Irish breed, and we have them for their gentle and friendly nature. We can't wait to breed our girls when they age four. It will be another learning curve for me. For now, it's lots of halter training, hoof trimming, brushes and heaps of cuddles. 

Smitten to bits by this little Jack. He already has me wrapped around his hoof.

Alpaca PURE Duvets 

We love our new made-in-Australia Alpaca PURE Duvets. Our bedroom is super cold, and it's such a great time to snuggle and enjoy every moment in bed. If you have recently stayed in our cabins, you would have also enjoyed them. We have them available in Double, Queen and King to purchase. HINT: Use your discount code below.  Shop Duvets here.

What's coming up 

We are excited to share some wonderful news about the upcoming Alpaca Workshops. These workshops will take place in August and will continue on a monthly basis, every Sunday. To secure your spot for you and your child and to find out the dates for 2023, kindly follow the link provided. We can't wait to have you be a part of this fantastic experience, and we have an alpaca gift for the kids to take home. See the alpaca workshop dates here and to book.

Alpaca Sales for pets 

Coming up Springtime. Make sure you follow our blog for updates on our alpaca progress. Keep up to date here or drop me an email.

Let's Yarn

Cool days and cold nights mean staying at home and enjoying spinning, knitting or crocheting. We have some wonderful handspun and fibre-milled yarn available on our shop cart. And make sure you show us your creations.  Shop the yarn here.

Thank you 

Thank you so much for subscribing to our mailing list! We really appreciate your support. As a small token of our gratitude, we wanted to offer you a discount code that you can use on our website. This code will give you 10% off your stay, alpaca duvets, plus any alpaca yarn you purchase. Just use the code -

SUB-ALL-10 at checkout! Thank you again for joining our community. See you all soon. Daniela

Poisonous Plants for Alpacas

Compared to other animals, alpacas have smaller livers, making them more susceptible to liver damage and poisoning if exposed to toxic plants for prolonged periods.

Alpacas seldom suffer from acute poisoning caused by the consumption of toxic plants. As grazers, they tend to steer clear of poisonous vegetation when alternative feed is available. However, it's crucial to control the growth of harmful weeds in paddocks. Additionally, many ornamental plants are toxic, so it's best to prevent alpacas from grazing in garden areas where these species may be present.

Various types of plants, including exotic trees, shrubs, and pasture species, can contain toxins. However, most of these plants have bitter alkaloids that make them less appealing to consume. Feeding mouldy hay or drinking water that supports algal blooms can also lead to poisoning.

The toxicity level of plants can change depending on the season and the stage of their growth.

• Wilting in dry conditions and rapid growth after rain can increase the toxicity of some plants.

• Applying fertiliser to promote lush growth may increase toxicity.

• Some plants may only be toxic when growing in particular soil types.

• Stressful growth conditions, such as drought or insect attack may cause toxins to concentrate in a

plant.

• Plant parts can vary in their relative toxicity.

• Herbicide treatments can increase the palatability of plants.

• When livestock are hungry, they may gorge themselves on things they would not normally

eat. Therefore, do not introduce hungry livestock to areas where toxic plants are known to be growing.

• Livestock grazing in an area for extended periods may become accustomed to eating small amounts of toxic plant material. New mobs introduced to the same area will not have the same tolerance.

Poisonous plants can vary in toxicity according to parts of the plant and stages of plant growth. Typical indicators of plant poisoning can include:

• loss of appetite

• abdominal pain (alpacas will sit on one hip with a leg extended and roll). They may not be able to stand.

• restlessness

• diarrhoea

If you think your alpaca has been poisoned, it's important to bring samples of the plants they may have ingested to the veterinarian for identification. This will help in getting the appropriate treatment for your alpaca. 

Other Things to Do 

• Besides calling your vet.

• Move your alpaca to a secure small pen with a companion. Have drinking water and hay available.

• Take the temperature of your alpaca and record it and the time. Just use a standard chemist rectum thermometer. Check and record several times throughout the day or night.

• Pick and bag suspected plants as well as faecal sample of the animal.

• Check eyelids and gums to see if they are pink or turning white. Record and or take a photo as it will help record the time.

• Take a video of your alpaca, which can be handy when explaining to your breeder or vet. 

  Plants that are toxic/poisonous to alpacas.

  As a general guideline, it's essential to be aware that certain flowers, flower buds, seeds, and berries may be toxic. We take great care to maintain our paddocks and regularly inspect and remove any fireweed. Although plants like bracken fern and Privett are located on the other side of the fence in the bush, they may encroach on the paddock if left unchecked. As responsible animal caretakers, we make it a point to mow our paddocks to keep them well-maintained regularly. Our alpaca herd undergoes a weekly paddock rotation as well. Additionally, we incorporate cross-grazing with our donkeys, which also benefits. We also leave a large bucket of hay and or chaff so alpacas can help themself, especially during the Wintertime when the grass is not so great.

If you're interested in learning more about alpacas and are new to the subject, we invite you to attend our upcoming weekend workshop. Daniela

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Alpaca Workshops in the Hunter Valley

We would like to invite you to the upcoming alpaca workshop at Little Valley Farm. The spots for this event are limited, so be sure to book your reservation online before June 18th, 2023 to secure your place. During the workshop, we will introduce you to the majestic creatures from Laguna, and the event will begin promptly at 10:30am. This is an experience that you won't want to miss!

Meet Summertime Opal by Suki and Sire Richmond, Huacaya Alpaca

“Feeling intimidated by farm life? No need to worry! This starter guide gives you the courage and foundation needed for a successful farming adventure. Get ready - your journey begins here!”

— Daniela

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Learn about the different alpaca breeds.

The Suri breed, which is rarer of the two breeds, has long dreadlocked fleece that hangs from their body like tassels. Their fleece is vibrant in lustre and has a silky soft feel. This fleece is primarily used to make fine and luxurious cloth for high-end fashion garments.

Huacaya is the most common of the two breeds making up 90% of the world's population; the fleece is similar to that of Marino sheep and grows out from the body with crimp; it is bright and shiny but has no lanolin. The fleece is used in the production of knitted garments like jumpers and scarves and in the manufacture of luxury carpets, and seat covers through to duvets, doonas and pillows.

Llamas

We do not keep llamas. However, it is worth noting the difference between llamas and alpacas. The primary difference is their size. Alpacas are smaller, measuring around 90 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 55 and 65 kg. On the other hand, llamas are larger, standing at about 120 cm at the shoulder and weighing approximately 113 kg or more.

What do we do with all our alpaca fleece?

At Little Valley Farm, we hand-spin wool into yarn balls and send some of it to the fibre mill for skein processing. We also use the fleece to make our own cushions, and some of our clients use it for their soft toy making. We also make our own duvets, which you can find online. See them online here.

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Little Valley Farm is a unique alpaca farm located in the Hunter Valley. We take great pride in providing hands-on training to our friendly and adorable alpacas, and their care is our top priority. Our daily routine involves spending quality time with them, hand-feeding them, and frequently relocating them to new paddocks to ensure they have access to the freshest grass possible, which is essential for their overall health.

We want to invite you to join us at our next monthly alpaca workshop, where we will cover all aspects of alpaca health and welfare. You will learn how to enjoy and get the most out of living with these wonderful animals. We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions, drop me an email via the contact page. Thank you, Daniela

Sydney Agri-Tourism Chat on Radio Weekend Morning Show ABC702AM

I have been fortunate enough to have regular conversations with Simon Marnie from the Weekend Morning Show on ABC 702 AM since 2019.

We cover various topics related to agri-tourism that I enjoy, such as harvest trails, Pick Your Own Produce around Sydney, including happening farmers’ markets.

Tune in this weekend at 6 am on ABC 702 AM to listen to our conversation. Listen to the show here or download the APP here

My snapshot of what is happening this weekend.

Hunter Valley 

Talga Estate Lovedale 

POMEGRANATE Pick Your Own

Attention to all those interested in picking pomegranates! 

Talga Estate is currently offering daily pickings from 9 am to 5 pm until further notice. You can savour the sweet and tart fruit with its thick, red skin that contains hundreds of juicy seeds. Although the skin is not edible, the seeds can be eaten plain, added to salads, or used in other dishes. A delicious seasonal fruit. https://www.facebook.com/talgaestate

Bilpin

TNT Produce Pick Your Own Bilpin

PYO every weekend and public holiday till the end of June.

10 am to 4 pm

PYO Delicious crunchy, juicy PINK LADY APPLES. $5 kilo

Best tasting PYO TOMATOES only today as limited stock. $5 kilo

Entry is $10 per person/children 3 to 12yrs $5

Bilpin Fruit Bowl

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May. 10 am and 3 pm

Pink Lady $5.00/kg

Granny Smith $5.00/kg and Figs $20.00/kg

Adult entry $20 / Child between 3 & 12 years $10 per child to farm. Under 3 yo free.

https://bilpinfruitbowl.com.au/pro.../pick-your-own-booking/  

Autumn Garden Adventures this Mother’s Day 

Wildwood Garden Bilpin

They have hit peak autumn!  This private garden looks wonderful, filled with autumn leaf colour, and the sasanqua camellias are blooming—experience autumn in the mountains this weekend and right through to Mother's Day.

Open Friday to Monday from 10 am-4 pm 

https://www.facebook.com/WildwoodGardenatBiLpin

Nooroo Garden Mt Wilson

Historic Australian Garden 

Book in for an adventure and discover 140 years of horticultural history with their guided tours to make the most of the stunning gardens. 

Open until 28 May 2023. 10 am to 4 pm. 

Adults $10, children $2 

Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mt Tomah 

1.5 hours Walking tours of the Garden's rich and unique history and introduce you to some of the birds who make the gardens their home.  

Every Sunday via donation or wednesday in Autumn 

Then Winter walks on Fridays. Book via their website. 

Canoelands Orchard 

HARVESTING NOW: Bookings Essential They are holding a Mother’s Day weekend special. 

Limes are $10/kg; gourmet tomatoes are $6/kg, and occasional Eggplant $8/kg.

Book online to secure your place. https://canoelandsorchard.com/

Markets

Gourmet Food, Freshly locally grown flowers for Mother’s Day. 

Castle Hill Farmers and Fine Food Markets 

Saturday, 8 am to 12 noon. 

https://www.facebook.com/HarvestTrailsAndMarkets/

Carriageworks Farmers Market

245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm

Another Genuine Farmer Market where all products sold must be grown, produced or made by the farmers:

Camden Fresh Produce Market

24 stalls to enjoy producers' market and artisan products

Open Every Saturday 7 am - 12Midday

Camden Town Farm  Exeter Street Camden

https://www.camdenproducemarket.com.au/about-us/

Orange Grove Market Lillyfield

Every Saturday, 9-1 pm. 

Farm fresh & organic produce gourmet food bread fashion plants flowers for mum. 

Find more markets near you across Sydney via

Sydney.com and Harvest Trails and Markets.

Know a great market or harvest event? Share it with us. Contact Daniela Riccio on the form below.

Special thanks to Simon Marnie and producer Georgia Bateman.

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Alpaca Duvets for sale in the Hunter Valley

Alpaca duvets are excellent for keeping warm during cold winter nights. Alpaca wool is a natural fiber known for its insulating properties, making it ideal for bedding. Alpaca wool is also hypoallergenic, breathable, and lightweight, making it a comfortable and practical option for those who want to stay warm and cozy during winter.

Get your very own Little Valley Alpaca PURE Duvets online and be ready for the cold winter nights.

We use Australia Post to send our duvets and will email you a tracking number for delivery. Any questions, please email or call Daniela at Little Valley Farm. We are a small family business in the Hunter Valley so do expect a real person to chat to and not some bot!

Wholesale rates. If you're a provider of accommodations in Australia with an ABN number, you can now benefit from our wholesale rates. Please get in touch with Daniela for further information.

Thanks for supporting a small Australian business. Daniela and the alpacas. x

Lovedale Long Lunch 2023

Get ready to indulge in a weekend of delectable dishes and flavorful wines at the Lovedale Long Lunch!

Foodies can experience all that Lovedale has to offer as seven wineries come together with some of the Hunter Valley's top chefs, along with plenty of local entertainment for an extraordinary occasion. So make some memories - gather your friends, escape to Little Valley Farm, hop on board, book a bus tour, and taste every flavour imaginable from these delightful vintages and gourmet offerings- it’s time for you to embark on this epicurean adventure!

Spend your day in Lovedale, then return to Little Valley Farm for an unforgettable afternoon of rest and relaxation. We offer a traditional Wood-fired Finnish Dry Sauna, an outdoor bath with views of grazing alpacas, wood-fired pizza ovens (BYO pizzas), that will delight your taste buds, plus cozy bonfire nights complete with marshmallows!

Little Valley Farm is a 40-minute drive to Lovedale, but you can book your minibus with Melissa and Mark of Grape Experience tours.

Book your tickets to Lovedale Long Lunch Here

Book your accommodation for four people—message Daniela to secure your two cabins for two nights, as we have a special cabin rate just for you.

The train has a queen bed, and the studio has a king bed. Four adults only. Read more here on our cabins.

Getaways for four adults this Autumn in the Hunter Valley.

Enjoy the unique experience of cozying up in a rustic 1950s train for an off-grid getaway! Little Valley Farm offers a picturesque backdrop with plenty of friendly alpacas to keep you company. Spend quality time with friends and make unforgettable memories on this memorable stay, perfect for four adults only.

Glamping Train and Shearer's Studio in the hidden valley of Laguna, Wollombi Valley in the Hunter Valley. For adventurous and eco-conscious travellers only.

Sleeps four adults only. No dogs.

Book direct with Daniela and save.

Escape the daily grind and relax in utter tranquillity at Little Valley Farm. Spend time with friendly alpacas while you admire stunning views, all enveloped by a rustic charm that will make your off-grid getaway truly unforgettable. Watch as the adorable alpacas put on an entertaining show, then savour authentic wood-fired pizzas, bonfire nights, and cozy sauna sessions - it's time to restore balance!

Read more about the two cabins here.
Now taking dates for four adults for Autumn/Winter. Current stay Price list here.

Alpaca Yarn for sale in the Hunter Valley

Get ready to craft something special with our handspun alpaca yarn! This luxurious fawn-colored yarn is perfect for your next project - not only providing an incredible softness and comfort, but made sustainably from Tamworth our cria, one of the newest additions to our farm. It's time you create a luxury piece that shows off both nature and nurture in style!

Handspun approx 8 PLY Colour: Fawn

Name: Cria Tamworth

10 yarn balls (not sold separately)

Each yarn weights approx 70-80 g each.

I have taken photos of the yarn outside to try and capture its true fawn colour. Please note, that it may look slightly different on your devices. As its handspun yarn there will be variations.