News

‘Al-packing’ a punch

By Andy Wilson

Aug 29, 2024

The Australian National Alpaca Show drew more than 300 alpacas, and even more visitors, to Bendigo on August 16 to 18.

Bendigo this year welcomed over 600 alpaca entries as it played host to the Australian National Alpaca Show on August 16 to 18 at the Bendigo Showgrounds.

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The event attracted over 300 visitors across the three days and showcased the nation’s best alpacas and fleece products, with 200 exhibitors showing 300 alpacas.

National Alpaca Show convener John Provis-Vincent said he was very happy with the crowd that came through the exhibition shed.

“The highlight was having on display simply the best the industry has to offer,” Mr Provis-Vincent said.

“We were over the moon and loved the atmosphere of the shed; it rained on the Friday, but inside it was warm and welcoming.”

The show also featured 200 fleeces and over 100 craft exhibitors.

Mr Provis-Vincent operates Empyrean Alpacas with partner Maddy Bissels, where they have a breeding herd of 100 Huacaya alpacas.

Australia is widely considered the world leader in quality fleece production and the nation’s registered breeding herd is one of the world’s largest with over 180,000 alpacas.

Mr Provis-Vincent said the show had made its return to Bendigo in 2023 after a six-year absence and he was hoping to make it three-in-a-row in 2025.