Alpaca Workshop and Training
Alpaca Workshop and Training
~ Introduction to Alpacas Workshop + Off-Grid Living
Alpacas are fascinating animals, but they do need the right set-up and know-how. Our Introduction to Alpacas workshop is designed for small farms and acreage. Perfect if you're deciding whether alpacas will suit your place and lifestyle.
In a relaxed, practical session, we cover the essentials: herd behaviour and welfare, feed and shelter basics, safe handling, routine health checks (including Body Scoring and FAMACHA), shearing and simple parasite control. You'll get a clear picture of time and costs, seasonal jobs, and the common mistakes to avoid.
If you're considering a tree change or wanting to live off-grid, we will also talk through the practicalities of this.
Come with questions and leave with a straightforward checklist and the confidence to take the next step, whether that's welcoming your first trio or refining the care of the alpacas you already have.
What You'll Learn 🔽
🦙 Alpaca management & health essentials
🧬 Huacaya vs. Suri breeds. Shat’s the difference?
📍 What is a PIC? Why do you need a Property Identification Code before buying alpacas
🧑🌾 Choosing the right breeder. What to look for and what to avoid
🛖 Best shed layouts for safe handling and shearing
🌳 Shade, shelter & paddock design. Why trees matter and how to design rotational grazing
🌾 Feeding & pasture. The best grass types, laneways, and paddock rotation
💉 Husbandry 101. Nail trimming, shearing, FEC’s, worming, body scoring & vaccinations
🐑 Livestock compatibility. Why alpacas and hard-hoofed animals don’t mix
🦙 Alpaca types explained. Females, wethers, entire males & crias
⚖️ Weaning & paddock dynamics. Why we don’t sell crias and the importance of same-sex groups
🐺 Guard animals & predator myths. Truths about foxes, dogs, and herd protection
🧶 Alpaca fleece & fibre from fleece to yarn: processing, spinning, and knitting
🦠 Biosecurity & pest management. Practical advice and resources from LLS, DPI & Landcare
We’ll wrap up with a cuppa and light refreshments at the farmhouse, where we will discuss off-grid living and our tree change.
You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase the updated AgGuide: Practical Handbook – Farming Alpacas, the book that helped guide us back in 2012.
Workshop Details
📍 Location: Little Valley Farm, Laguna NSW 2325
(Just 10 mins from Wollombi, 2 hours from Sydney, 1 hour from the Central Coast)
🕥 Start Time: 10:30 am at our Red Barn House
⏳ Duration: Around 4 hours
👩🌾 Group Size: Small, intimate groups (max 6) to ensure personal attention
💡 Note: Due to the intensive nature of this session, it is best suited to adults. Children (8–18 years) can attend and are charged at the child rate.
🐾 Biosecurity Notice: Please do not bring dogs to the farm.
👟 What to Bring: Sun hat and closed shoes.
🌧️ Weather: Rain or shine. We’ll go ahead unless there’s a fire or flood warning.
🛏️ Need to Stay Overnight? Please let us know - we may have availability or be able to recommend something local.
💳 Cancellation Policy: A refund is required with at least 3 days’ notice (less an approximate $20 card fees). Happy to reschedule if needed.
FREE Follow-up Workshop: Husbandry Hands-On Training
Available only to past participants of the Introductory Workshop.
Once you've attended the Intro Workshop, we invite you to return for a free follow-up session where you'll get hands-on experience with:
Vaccinations
Toenail trimming
Body scoring
Eye and teeth checks
We host these free training days several times a year as part of our commitment to mentoring new alpaca owners and building a strong local network of like-minded farmers.
New! Private Workshops on Your Farm
Can’t make it to Laguna? We’ll come to you.
We now offer customised workshops on your property for up to four people—ideal for families with young children or those who’ve recently welcomed alpacas to their land.
📍 Travel Range: Within 90 minutes of Laguna
🚫 Note: Due to our strict biosecurity policy, our alpacas are not transported off-site.
📬 To Book: Email Daniela for availability and pricing.
Private workshops at our farm are also available by request.
Seasonal Alpaca Events
We also host a few seasonal events throughout the year. These are limited and very popular, so be sure to join our mailing list for early access to tickets!
