Little Valley Farm June updates

Hello everyone, welcome to June! Can you believe how fast the year is flying by?

Here's what's happening in June:

Alpaca Workshop

Join us for our Introduction to Alpaca Workshop on Sunday, June 16th, 2024, at 10:30 am in Laguna. Limited spots are available, so book online to secure your spot!

Alpacas as Pets

If you already have alpacas, remember to keep their vitamins up due to the fluctuating weather. Run your FECS before drenching and make sure you know which worms you are drenching for to avoid creating worm-drench resistance, using unnecessary chemicals and spending money needlessly. With the recent rain, persistent and heavy rains can leach nutrients from the soil, leading to nutrient-deficient plants. Make sure you have enough hay stocks and provide supplementary feed to the alpacas.

Want to Buy Alpacas for Your Hobby Farm?

In July, we have some delightful and laid-back alpacas that would be perfect additions to your hobby farm. Super chilled females to join your farm family.

Yarn

With the cool weather finally here, it's time to start knitting with our 100% handspun alpaca yarn. Check out our website to see what we have, and we'll be adding more to the shop cart shortly.

Handspun in the Hunter

Wear alpaca close to your heart.

Okay, I'm heading outside to feed the alpacas, donkeys, and chickens - including Whitey the silkie hen and her 9 chicks. It's a lot of fun watching these little things scurry about my feet. Adorable!

Talk soon, Daniela

Never to old for an alpaca cuddle wtih Taratini.

Autumn at Little Valley Farm

One of our favourite seasons at Little Valley Farm is definitely Autumn, with its orange-red hues bursting across the paddocks where the alpacas and donkeys play.

Photos by JarrodDiMauro

Join us for one of our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley. We are 90 minutes from Sydney and one hour from the Central Coast.

Alpaca sales can be viewed here.

Alpaca Husbandry Hands-on Day workshop

Thinking about getting alpacas?

Are you considering getting alpacas? Have you recently acquired alpacas and want to learn how to take better care of them? Our workshop is the best investment to start your own alpaca adventure. 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 already have alpacas, you will learn all the essentials to care for them so they can be happy, healthy, and thrive on your farm.

Join Euan and Daniela of Little Valley Farm Alpaca Farm, established in 2012 in the Hunter Valley, Wollombi Valley.

The next introduction workshop will be on 16th June and 21st July 2024. You can book via our website.

Shearing 2024

September 2024 will be our shearing weekend. Dates for this event are yet to be confirmed.

Husbandry Day - Get involved

The Hands-on Husbandry Day is designed for those who have previously participated in our Introduction to Alpaca workshop. Attendees of our previous workshop are welcome to join the morning session, which will cover drenching, vaccination, body scoring, and nail trimming for each alpaca. There is no charge for this husbandry day, and you are welcome to bring your children so they can watch and learn, too.

The next date for this is Sunday, June 9th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Places are limited, so book in advance with Daniela. We will be conducting body scoring, nail trimming, oral vitamins, and note-taking on every alpaca here.

We love what we do and want to share it with you.

Alpaca workshops for new and potential owners by Little Valley Farm in the Hunter Valley.

8 Amazing stays with Saunas across Australia

We built our own Sauna into the Shearers Studio to add that extra winter comfort. It’s a little extravagant given the beautiful wood stove at the end of the King Bed - but we build because we love the process and the challenge.

Our Sauna is an authentic Wood-fire Finnish Dry Sauna, with an imported wood stove and beautiful Red Cedar paneling. The Red Cedar windows and benches were milled by us from a discarded pergola in Hunters Hill. They were large & exceptional pieces (after quite a few hours work!).

We wanted the Studio to be an amazing, yet humble, sleeping and stay experience, and the relaxation you get from a Sauna elevates this to another level. We are so glad Saunas are having a revival at the moment, they certainly deserve to.

More about our sauna below by travel journalist CELESTE MITCHELL in the Australian Traveller magazine April 2024:-

———

Shearers Studio at Little Valley Farm, NSW

Hovering above a machinery shed on a working farm in the Wollombi Valley, the sauna experience at Little Valley Farm is as down-to-earth and authentic as it is secluded.

Crafted by hand by co-owner Euan Wilcox, using mostly reclaimed timber, the Finnish wood-fired sauna and adjacent rainwater-fed shower is beloved by guests who report the deepest sleep they’ve had in years – especially snuggled in the king size bed beneath a handmade doona filled with alpaca wool from their farm.

The Shearers Studio is set 100 metres from their other quirky accommodation offering – a 1950s Sydney Train carriage.


Full article at here…

Alpaca Workshops: Learn about Liver Fluke in Alpacas

Little Valley Farm conducts monthly alpaca workshops for those new to alpaca farming or considering owning alpacas. The workshop is an excellent opportunity to learn about alpacas and to determine if they are the right livestock for your hobby farm or acreage.

During the workshop, we will share our journey of starting an alpaca farm in the Hunter Valley in 2012. We will discuss what we did right and what we did wrong. We will also cover all aspects of alpaca farming, including animal welfare and health issues, and the best shed set-up for different weather conditions, including shearing day. Additionally, we will provide essential information on maintaining the daily health of your livestock and understanding the various parasites that affect them at different times of the year.

Today is about the parasite, LIVER FLUKE

Click on the image above to read more about Liver Fluke in Alpacas by Jane Vaughan, BVSc, Ph.D., MACVSc, CRIA Genesis.

Liver fluke are typically found in areas of southeastern Australia where the annual average rainfall is 600 mm or greater or on irrigated country where the average rainfall is 400 mm, in and around swampy areas, springs and seepages, irrigation channels and shallow, slow moving creeks where the intermediate host snail of this parasite breeds.

Liver fluke is the common name of the trematode, Fasciola hepatica. The parasite is found worldwide and is the only liver fluke found in Australia. Infection can lead to reduced productivity and death and costs millions of dollars each year in lost production (meat, wool, milk, liver condemnation, secondary infection, replacement stock requirements), stock deaths and costs of treatment and prevention. The fluke mainly affects cattle and sheep, but can also affect alpacas, goats, horses, pigs, kangaroos, wombats, rabbits and deer. Humans may also be infected, for example after eating watercress collected from fluke-infested creeks or following use of contaminated water on vegetable gardens. The adult fluke is a pale brown or grayish-brown flat worm about 1.5-4 cm long that lives in the bile ducts of the liver. Refer to the file by CRIA Genesis for actual images.



Things to Note

Treatment: Once a diagnosis has been made, a zero-tolerance approach is recommended when treating and controlling liver fluke because even light burdens can cause significant damage and production losses. The treatment recommended will depend on the nature of infection – are immature or adult fluke causing disease? Not all flukicides (anthelmintics effective against liver fluke) are effective against immature fluke so are not recommended in acute fluke outbreaks (Table 1 in the attachment of CRIA Genesis). They are also less efficient for strategic control of flukes. Even the best flukacides do not kill every fluke and an effective flukacide is described as being 90 % or more effective (compared with roundworm anthelmintics where effective drenches kill more than 95 % of target roundworms). Remember to test/treat introduced stock to reduce contaminating fluke-free areas.

Not sure on your parasites

If you are uncertain about the parasites you may have, you can conduct a fecal egg count (FEC) with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or your local veterinarian. However, you must specify the parasites you are looking for when testing.

Need advice or a drench

If you require any assistance or advice, please contact your local veterinarian. Alternatively, feel free to drop us an email if you are in Australia. We also have some supplies available if you need a particular drench for your small herd.

Little Valley Farm workshops

Click the link to learn more about our monthly Sunday workshops in the Hunter Valley.

Hope to see you soon, thanks, Daniela Riccio

Life cycle of the Liver Fluke: Fasciola hepatic by David Barlow. This video of the life cycle of the globally significant parasite of sheep and cattle; the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica was produced in collaboration with parasitologist Dr Clive Bennett (University of Southampton, retired)

Attachments:

Live Fluke in Alpacas - a very good read on this PDF document by Jane Vaughan BVSc PhD MACVSc CRIA Genesis.

Visit Wollombi Valley and what to do on your stay in the Hunter Valley

If you're planning a trip to Laguna, Wollombi Valley NSW, get ready for a nature stay surrounded by National Parks and State Forests. Feel hidden away on your getaway and explore this tiny hamlet and what it offers. 

Laguna and Wollombi are small towns in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. They are only 90 minutes from Sydney and Newcastle and under one hour from the Central Coast along Tourist Drive 33.


Daniela Riccio of Little Valley Farm Alpaca farm in Laguna, will give you the insider scoop on what's happening and what to do when visiting this charming hamlet. 

Firstly, book your accommodation directly with your host and avoid overseas booking platforms. Think of it as keeping it all local, helping the circular economy and grabbing a better deal for yourself.

Here's a basic itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival

    • Arrive in Laguna and enjoy brunch or a tipple at the Trading Post Laguna. This charming pub, cafe and restaurant should always be your first stop in Laguna, plus a little retail splurge thanks to the Laguna Luxe lifestyle.


Afternoon: Explore Local Attractions

Explore the historic town of Wollombi Village, known for its heritage buildings and art galleries. Grab an ice cream from the Wollombi General Store and enjoy walking around the tiny hamlet.

Take a casual nature walk around the Wollombi Brook, and enter Negro Road just past the Tennis Club House. 

Wine Tasting at Noyce Brothers Wine and a quick coffee top-up at Wollombi Kitchen Next Door cafe or lunch at Myrle and Stone or Wollombi Tavern.


Evening: Dinner

    • Have dinner at a local restaurant or pub. Wollombi Tavern is a popular choice on beautiful evenings with its casual outdoor courtyard or go for something special up the road at Wollombi Kitchen and be spoilt for culinary delights thanks to Chef Rhomney. 

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning: Breakfast and Wineries

    • Start your day with breakfast at the local cafe, Myrtle and Stone, perched up on the hill in Wollombi Village. 

    • Visit nearby wineries like Stonehurst Cedar Creek or Undercliff Winery for wine tasting.

      Afternoon: Outdoor Activities

    • Head to Yengo National Park for hiking or bushwalking. The Finchley Cultural Walk is a great option. Make sure you have the right type of vehicle for this track of creek crossings and dirt roads. 

    • Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the park.

    • Book a game of tennis at the Wollomb Tennis Club. 

The Trading Post Laguna Wollombi Valley

Photo credit: The Trading Post Laguna, Wollombi Valley. 2023


Evening: Relaxation

    • After your outdoor activities, relax at your accommodation or enjoy a quiet evening in the serene surroundings. 

Day 3: Art and Culture

Morning: Breakfast and Gallery Visit

    • Have breakfast and explore local cafes.

    • Visit local art galleries, such as the Wollombi Cultural Centre or forage for a while at The Forge, curious finds and antiques and a casual stroll down to Roadside Gallery by the old world of 1881 Wollombi School and 1849 Wollombi Cemetary. 


      Afternoon: Local Markets

    • If your visit coincides with local markets, like the Wollombi Market Day, explore the unique offerings from local artisans and producers. They are usually held on long weekends; otherwise, you can head up to Pokolbin for their markets. It is a 40-minute casual drive, and do check out the Wine Loop trail when heading up there.  


      Evening: Farewell Dinner

    • Have a farewell dinner at a different local restaurant or pub. Wollombi Kitchen, The Trading Post, Wollombi Tavern. 

Day 4: Departure

Morning: Leisure and Packing

    • Take a leisurely morning to enjoy the surroundings or do any last-minute exploring.

    • Check out of your accommodation and start your journey back home, and if you are heading back to Sydney, take a detour via Mt White and stop in at Saddles for lunch or coffee to ease getting back into the Sydney rush. 

Remember to check for any local events or festivals during your visit, as they can add a special touch to your trip. Additionally, always consider the current travel guidelines and conditions and plan accordingly.


Lets chat all things harvest trails with ABC702AM

Hello there! I'm excited to return to ABC ‘Weekend Mornings’ 702AM with Simon Marnie. However, Simon is away this week, so I'll be conversing with the amazing Dom Knight about the harvest trails in Sydney.

In case you missed our chat, I have included some links below to the places we discussed. You can visit these places to support the farmers' markets this Christmas and show your support to the growers and producers of Australia. Enjoy! Thanks, Daniela

Markets 

Castle Hill Farmers & Fine Food Market  

Saturday 9th December, 2023 

8 am to 12 noon @ Castle Hill Showground

It's the second-last market for the year, so don't miss out.  Also, get your pre-Christmas orders in with the vendors for collection at the Christmas Twilight market on the 20th. 

4 pm to 8 pm, which will be the final market for 2023. https://www.harvesttrailsandmarkets.com.au

Carriageworks Farmers Market 

The smell of Christmas is alive, thanks to Dural Christmas Tree Farm.

Trees available: Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th December, 2023. 8 am to 1 pm. 

Heads up: Parking in the precinct will be limited; however, there will be a pickup area for quickly collecting trees after payment.

https://www.facebook.com/CarriageworksFarmersMarket

https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market


Organic Food Markets

Glebe 

Saturday (11.00 am to 4:00 pm) Glebe Public School 

Leichhardt 

Saturday (9.00 am to 1:00 pm) Orange Grove Public School, Leichhardt

St Ives

Saturday (9.00 am to 2:00 pm) St Ives Showground Market, 450 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives

Marrickville

Sunday (10.00 am to 3 pm) 142 Addison Road, Addison Road Centre, Marrickville

Mona Vale 

Sunday (9.00 am to 1:00 pm) Mona Vale Pittwater RSL, 82 Mona Vale Road, Mona Vale

Seaforth

Sunday (9.00 am to 12:30 pm)

https://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au

Photo credit ABC 702AM

PICK YOUR OWN 

Pine Crest Orchard, Bilpin

PYO Peaches 

Saturday 9th December, 10 am  - 3 pm or until picked/sold out. 

Not open on Sunday.

Peaches $6/kg

No booking required

Entry fee $2/person 3 years and older

Bring your own bags or buy ours for $2

Cash or EFTPOS available

Dogs welcome on a lead for a family day out. 

https://pinecrestorchard.com.au/

Photo credit: Pine Crest Orchard


TNT Produce Pick Your Own Bilpin 

PYO delicious Strawberries

Open Sunday, 10th December 2023

10 am to 4 pm 

Walk-ins only - bookings not required

Entry   $10 per adult and $5 for children 3 to12

$20 kilo for what you pick

No EFTPOS so bring cash. 

Dogs on a leash are welcome

Address 153 Kurts Road, Bilpin

https://tntproduce.com.au/pick-your-own/pick-your-own-message/




Cedar Creek Orchard 

PYO Peaches + a new variety - the White Peach 

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December 2023 

$8 per person includes a fun tractor ride out to the paddocks. 

Make sure you jump on their website and make a booking in case they sell out. 

https://cedarcreekorchard.rezdy.com/



Glenbernie Family Farms

The farm closed today due to extreme heat but they will be OPEN 

Sunday 10th December from 9 AM - 3 PM

With So So many gorgeous sunflowers in bloom on Sunday you can get 2 free sunflowers with every adult entry.

Entry fee

Adults $15 / Kids $8 (4-16) / Kids 3 and under free

Flowers PYO

Sunflower $5

BYO secateurs (otherwise hire them for $6) 

610 Bells Line of Rd, Kurmond NSW 2757,

https://glenberniefamilyfarms.com.au/contact-us/



Coming up 

The Bloom Barn Farm

PYO Sunflowers will be available for picking in December at Peats Ridge. 

8 am to 12 pm on the 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th of December. 

Book via their website https://thebloombarn.com.au/

You are welcome to bring your own rug and drinks to enjoy the day on the farm. 



Hunter Lavender Farm

Broke, Hunter Valley 


The newest lavender farm in Broke Is on BLOOM watch this week.  

Soft open day today, 9th December 2023.

Admission is free of charge from the 9th to the 14th of December, and no booking is required. 

The farm shop, gelato bar, and lavender field walk experience are open. The lavender field has flowers, but they are not fully bloomed yet as they rely on a lot of sunshine.

https://hunterlavenderfarm.com.au

Photo credit : Hunter Lavender Farm

If you know of any great farmer's markets, pick-your-own fruit farms, farm events, or flower picking opportunities, please let me know. I would love to explore new ways to support our local farmers and growers.

Weddings in Wollombi Valley

Whether you're looking for a rustic country wedding or want to tie the knot in total style, Wollombi Valley has now got it all. A range of new and stunning venues, with or without accommodation options, is now available right across this beautiful valley. 

Weddings Wollombi Valley

Here are our favourite speciality Wedding venues in the valley (not in any order as we love them all):

  1. Redleaf Wollombi

  2. Woodhouse at Redwood Park Wollombi

  3. Stonehurst Cedar Creek

  4. Mystwood Weddings Laguna

  5. Grays Inn Garden Wollombi Village

  6. Hollybrook Sweetman’s Creek Wollombi

  7. Laguna Hall Laguna


Redleaf Wollombi 

On the drive to Redleaf, the rich green pastures of the region's farms give away to serene bushland before you get to the 10-acre property, nestled in its own valley a few minutes from the nearby town of Wollombi—approximately 17 km from our farm.

Redleaf boasts six king-sized bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a swimming pool, wood fireplace, billiards room, library and a lovely large pond to say 'I do'. With its French-inspired building and lavender garden, it is simply stunning and ultra-elegant.


Woodhouse at Redwood Park Wollombi 

The Woodhouse is an impressive, architecturally designed space that will make your big day unforgettable.

The exterior of this timber building is designed to feel rustic with an elegance that only the most refined European designs could achieve. The whole space has been thoughtfully planned out, from its lofty 7m ceilings and 4-metre windows all way down into every detail like a freestanding fireplace, a huge dancefloor and lounge area covered in fairy lights for that little magical touch.  Approximately 17 km from our farm.


Stonehurst Cedar Creek 

Create a magical celebration among the vines, poplar grove and rich history of the vineyard. Stonehurst Cedar Creek offers you a one-of-a-kind location on this 550-acre property for your wedding day. Stonehurst sleeps up to thirty people.  Around 22 km drive from our farm.

Mystwood

This stunning property is set on 140 acres of rolling hills, open pasture and native bushland and is styled with a country and bush elegance. The marquee seats 110 people. Adjacent to this gorgeous space, you will find the rustic bar amenities DJ booth with an outdoor dance floor all residing under a huge 5-meter high arbour lit by 600 metres of fairy lights. It is under a 10 km drive from Little Valley Farm. Speak to Sue of Mystwood Weddings for more.


Hollybrook Hunter Valley 

What better way to celebrate love than with a beautiful country wedding on a historic 100-acre dairy farm? Relax in the peace and quiet of the 1900 homestead buildings, mindfully renovated so they retain their heritage while providing modern amenities. Hollybrook sleeps ten adults and is perfect for those intimate weddings. Approximately 18 km from our farm.


Noyce Brothers Wine / Grays Inn Wollombi 

With a pergola covered in seasonal purple wisteria, this hidden gem will take you by surprise. Full of character and historical charm lies behind the cellar door, an luscious green garden waiting to be transformed with creativity oozing out from every corner! Make it your own space that celebrates under open skies. Grays Inn sleeps seven, and there is a cafe and intimate restaurant to book in also. It is 11 km from our farm.

Laguna Hall

Laguna Hall has lovely country rustic vibes. If you're on a budget and want an intimate wedding under the radar, this is your place. You can bring your caterers and style the hall your way.

At Little Valley Farm, we do not host weddings, but we can accommodate intimate events for small groups. Please email Daniela for more information.

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 you have your PIC code ready and can be easily obtained from your Local Land Services. Refer to the link above to obtain yours. We will now include your PIC number on our invoice for tr…

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.

Adorable alpaca photo's you need to see

We had the pleasure of hosting two wonderful guests from Italy, @alextringhy and @meristella. Alex, an aspiring documentary maker, captured some moments on the farm of our cria's, and we'd love to share them with you.

Alex, thank you so much for sharing your photos with us and capturing our majestic alpacas. We're grateful for your effort in taking and sharing these photos with us. Daniela

Chatting all things Harvest Trails today

What's happening along the harvest trails this weekend? I'm planning to have a chat with Simon Marnie from the ABC702AM Weekend Morning Show. Tune in around 6:30 am - 7 am to listen to our discussion.

~ Saturday 4th November 2023.

Below is a list of places to explore, including the ones we talked about.

PICK YOUR OWN 

Canoelands Orchard 

PYO Peaches, Nectarines and Berries. 

New sessions are available, and bookings are essential. 

Open 9-2 weekdays and 9-4 weekends.

PEACHES are NOW available as well as some yummy nectarines. $6.00 per kilo.

Berries are available at $15 per kilo. Due to their high demand, we recommend that you book a Friday or Saturday morning picking in advance. Please note that the availability of berries changes frequently, and they need to assess the situation regularly. 

Www.bookingscanoelands.com

TNT Produce Bilpin 

PYO Strawberries 

OPEN Saturday 4th, but the strawberry PYO is only on Sunday. 

Sunday 5th November 2023 for PYO STRAWBERRIES.

OPEN 10 am to 4 pm or until sold out. 

Entry is $10 per adult / $5 for children 3 to 12 

You can try it before you buy it!  $20 kilo for what you pick

They are not taking bookings at the moment, walk-ins only.

No EFTPOS is available so bring cash. 

Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Check their Instagram or Facebook for updates on strawberry picking days.

TNT Produce 153 Kurts Road, Bilpin

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054382157120

Bilpin Fruit Bowl 

PYO Strawberries 

Weekend PYO only from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Jump on the Bilpin Fruit Bowl website to book your session. 

2093 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin 

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


Pine Crest Orchard Bilpin 

Cherry season has started

SHOP Sales only on Saturday 4th November for delicious cherries. 

They will not be open for pick-your-own due to recent rainfall, insufficiently low cherries to pick, and extensive damage to our trees from last weekend.  You can purchase cherries from their shop and jump on their website for the next cherries PYO. 

If you miss out they have the most delicious home made cherry ice cream to enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/pinecrestorchard

The Giving Farm Central Coast Jilliby

PYO Blueberries 

Saturday and Sunday sessions to book online. 

Certified organic blueberries, and they are seriously incredible! 

Make sure you book online, as it's a small family farm, and you just pay for what you pick on the day. They have seasonal pick-your-own flower events throughout the year so keep an eye on their website for upcoming dates.

https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingFarmAU

https://thegivingfarm.com.au/


Markets

Northside Produce Markets North Sydney 

8 am to 12 noon 

This warmer than usual Spring brings Tradie Fresh Produce from Orange to Northside Produce Market earlier than expected. Not only will they have their Early Sweet variety of cherries they'll also have their luscious mulberries. https://www.facebook.com/NorthsideProduceMarket

The new-ish markets at Stanmore

Stanmore Community Markets 

They opened in September

Today 8 am to 1 pm Every Saturday.  Artisan and Gourmet Food + Fresh produce.

58-76 Stanmore Road, Stanmore https://www.facebook.com/stanmorecommunitymarkets

http://www.stanmorecommunitymarkets.com.au/

Carriageworks Farmers Market 

Every Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm

The market is a Sydney institution providing the freshest seasonal produce from the best growers and producers from around NSW. Talk to the farmer firsthand and learn the stories behind your food. Find organic and biodynamic produce, artisan breads, boutique wines, single-origin coffee, herbal teas, meat and freshly cut flowers. 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Stallholder list: https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market

Camden Fresh Produce Market

Open Every Saturday 7am - 12Noon 

Camden Town Farm 4o Exeter Street Camden

https://www.facebook.com/camdenfreshproducemarketarket

Organic Food Markets

Open-air markets are right across Sydney. 

Find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & veg, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer and other delicacies. In fact, all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets every week, rain or shine.

Newcastle - Friday & Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm

Leichhardt - Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marrickville - Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

Mona Vale - Sunday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Seaforth - Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

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


Photo credit ABC702 AM Weekend Morning, Simon Marnie

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.


Herding alpacas

Our YOUTUBE channel features an informative video on how we effectively move (herd) our alpacas from one paddock to another. We do this every two weeks to ensure our alpacas have access to fresh and nutritious grass, control parasites, and to never over-graze our paddocks. Watch the video below.

Tips on how to herd alpacas?

We advise herding the alpacas into a smaller enclosure or their usual handling area, where they feel more comfortable and settled for optimal results. We recommend gradually confining the herd into smaller numbers while ensuring that the illumination in the handling area is uniform and minimizing shadows and bright spots. Removing any items that may impede the animals' movement, such as clothing hanging on rails, is also essential.

You can use a moveable fence to confine the herd while working quietly and calmly. Our moveable fence method involves having a long rope held at waist height between two people and stretched across a paddock, allowing us to herd the alpacas to a specific location. We exercise extra care when handling pregnant alpacas, crias, machos, or isolated alpacas. We always ensure that an alpaca has one or more alpacas in close proximity to prevent them from becoming stressed.

Our alpaca workshops in the Hunter Valley are a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about our techniques and farming alpacas and of course, alpaca welfare. We conduct this activity at the start of every workshop. To participate, visit our website, choose your preferred date, and book online.

We are confident that our method for moving alpacas is effective and stress-free, and you can do this with two or more alpacas. Visit us at Little Valley Farm and experience farming alpacas in the Hunter Valley at our workshop. Thank you, Daniela

Along the Harvest Trails this weekend with Simon Marnie

Get ready for an exciting adventure! I recently had a chat with Simon Marnie from ABC 702AM Weekend Morning about the thrilling harvest trails for you and your family this long weekend.

Discover the highlights of our conversation and embark on an unforgettable journey along the harvest trails. Listen to Simon Marnie, ABC 702AM Weekend Morning Show every Saturday. Get the listen App.

Markets 

Wollombi Valley Market Day 

Monday 2nd October, 8 am to 2 pm. 

This is where we live in the Hunter Valley and a great place for us to catch up and connect with our community. Find antiques, bric-a-brac, fresh produce, fresh bread, and activities for the kids at our community market day. Market day raises funds for our Laguna RFS and community facilities.


NEW Markets at Stanmore

Stanmore Community Markets 

Grand Opening TODAY - Saturday 20th September 2023 

Artisan and Gourmet Food + Fresh produce. 8 am to 1 pm. 

Stanmore Road, Stanmore 

https://www.facebook.com/stanmorecommunitymarkets

http://www.stanmorecommunitymarkets.com.au/


Carriageworks Farmers Market 

Every Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm

The market is a Sydney institution providing the freshest seasonal produce from the best growers and producers from around NSW. Talk to the farmer firsthand and learn the stories behind your food. Find organic and biodynamic produce, artisan breads, boutique wines, single-origin coffee, herbal teas, meat and freshly cut flowers. 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh

Stallholder list: https://carriageworks.com.au/events/carriageworks-farmers-market


Organic Food Markets

Open-air markets are right across Sydney. 

Find Certified Organic food, artisan gourmet produce and conventional fresh fruit & veg, freshly baked bread and patisserie, seasonal produce from the farmer and other delicacies. In fact, all the goodies you love to eat are at the markets every week, rain or shine.

Newcastle - Friday & Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm

Leichhardt - Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Marrickville - Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

Mona Vale - Sunday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Seaforth - Sunday, 8:00 am to 12:30 pm

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



Family Fun Events 

The Giving Farm Jilliby 

Is a small family farm on the Central Coast by Missy and Anthony. 

They are running lots of school holiday workshops, bee education days and also growing delicious blueberries, sunflowers and seasonal flowers such as the pretty Dutch Iris.

Monday 2nd October 2023 

Buzzzzyyyy Bee Session for the kids – Native Bees & Bee Hotel Making workshop. $55. 

Learn all about our native bees and pollinators.

  • Learn about native bees and the difference between pollinators

  • Learn about the importance of bees and how we can help pollinators

  • Build a bee hotel to take home. (all materials supplied)

  • Plant some seeds in a pot to take home

  • Try to find some native bees and pollinators in their blueberry orchard.

The Giving Farm. 147 Durren Rd Jilliby. 

COMING UP…. Pick Your Own Spring Flowers. 

https://thegivingfarm.com.au/product/buzzzzyyyy-bee-session-native-bees-bee-hotel-making-fun/


Anderson Farm 

Pick your own fruit morning sessions

2 hrs |$5 entry adult $10 bucket of Oranges. 

951 Sackville Ferry Road, Sackville North,

https://andersonfarm.com.au/online-bookings


Watkins Family Farm

PYO and have fun and get their fruit picked. 

FINAL WEEKEND for PYO, so don’t miss out. 

Open all long weekend - Open Saturday, Sunday & Monday. 

No need to book, lots of free parking and plenty of fruit to pick.

They had so much fun last weekend making juice & munching ice cream that they are doing it again. Watkins Family Farm 

1006 Singleton Road, Laughtondale

https://watkinsfamilyfarm.com.au


COMING UP & New

Central Coast Edible Garden Trail

EXPLORE – CONNECT – LEARN

Inspirational gardens – growing a community & growing food naturally


Explore edible gardens on the Central Coast 

21st + 22nd October, 2023

An annual ticketed, self-guided weekend event showcasing home and community gardens growing food naturally. Ticket buyers can visit the gardens that interest them and plan their weekend to suit.  All gardens grow food naturally, and many demonstrate a range of permaculture systems. Visiting gardens across Gorford, Woy Woy, Killcare, Bateau Bay just to name a few. 

A great way to encourage people to try growing food naturally at home by providing a direct connection between new and experienced gardeners, bringing opportunities to share knowledge, inspire and grow the community. 

The first Edible Garden Trail took place in 2018 in the Blue Mountains, the brainchild of Susanne Rix, this wonderful initiative has grown into a movement with new Edible Garden Trails popping up all over Australia. 

The Central Coast Edible Garden Trail is ticketed event so hop on their website. 

https://www.facebook.com/CentralCoastEdibleGardenTrail

https://centralcoastediblegardentrail.org.au/

I will be back next month with more things along the harvest trails and more…..

Thank you, Daniela

Thats me having a chat with Sukki and the girls at feeding time

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!


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.

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



Here’s the video we created to enter Winter 2024. It's been a super warm August, and Spring is nearly here. The visiting weeds are already showing up, with fireweed keeping me busy in the paddocks

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

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.