Alpaca & Rare Breeds Farms Combine in Family Friendly Open Day

Brenel Estate Alpacas and Warwickz Farm are holding their second annual Open Day in Dunsandel on Sunday 4th October. The Day is an opportunity to discover what alpaca and rare breeds farming is all about while enjoying a peaceful day out in the countryside with the family.

Alpacas are increasingly becoming part of the rural landscape. With a growing alpaca industry led by an increasing number of very experienced farmers with large commercial herds, it can be a bit overwhelming for the little guys, let alone those looking in from the outside. This was the motivating factor behind the Open Day idea according to co-host Elaine Gilberd of Warwickz Farm.

Exported around the world, New Zealand bred alpacas are world class and as the quality of the national herd continues to improve the sky is the limit. Many smaller breeders specialise in the fibre (alpaca fleece) part of the market and this will also be a focus of the Open Day

Brenda Lester of Brenel Estate Alpacas, who have won numerous awards for their fibre believes that if by sharing her knowledge with others we can grow this area of the industry then everyone is a winner.

As well as alpacas, Warwickz Farm is home to over 200 creatures from 40 breeds of 20 species, many of which will be on show including kunekune pigs, arapawa and gotland pelt sheep, angora goats and a range of rare breed chooks, ducks, geese and turkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs. A highlight this year will be a stand run by the Enderby Island Rabbit Club of NZ featuring this extremely rare and endangered bunny.

The Red Barn will be the focus of activity which will include several spinners at their wheels, opportunities to try some hands-on craftmaking, pony rides (10.30-12.30), a craft and crystal gallery, an alpaca ring, and a sausage sizzle. A special will again be set aside for supervised fun children’s activities allowing parents time to relax and look around.

Many visitors were spotted picnicking in the car park paddock last year so this year seating and hot water will be provided for visitors who would like to have a picnic lunch. This year’s gate prize is a hamper of goodies valued at $100.00 kindly sponsored by CRT/McMillans Feed Barn Yaldhurst.

The Open Day will be taking place whatever the weather at Warwickz Farm, Main South Road, Dunsandel, Sunday 4th October. Free Entry.

ENDS