More than 300 alpacas were on show at the 2019 Australian Alpaca National Show in Canberra with some of the most prestigious animals from around the country on display.
Breeders from throughout Australia brought their animals to the show with premium Australian alpacas, Baarrooka Fa Lisbon and Dural Tiny Dancer secured well-earned titles as National Champion Supreme Suri and Supreme Huacaya respectively , consolidating consistent success for their studs at recent shows.
Kurtis Parker grew up watching his father as a stud manager and following him around the show circuit from a young age.
After developing his own heard for two years - Dural Alpaca Park - Kurtis was ready to attend his first National Show as a competitive exhibitor.
On the Sunday morning, a procession of 10 champion alpacas paraded into the ring to be judged as best in show.
Kurtis waited with bated breath for the announcement that Dural Tiny Dancer was awarded Best Female and Supreme Huacaya alpaca.
The success of the local alpaca studs continued as Pat Bova of Bova Alpaca Stud, located at Penrose, was awarded Best Male in show with a young alpaca by the name of Bova Terminator Too.
These two small studs have now brought the prestigious awards back to NSW.
For the first time the show was open to all members of the public and almost 3,000 visitors enjoyed the festivities, learning about all that alpacas have to offer.
This included seeing prize winning fleece and animals, retail products, craft demonstrations, trying an alpaca sausage roll, as well as the opportunity to cuddle an alpaca and get the ultimate alpaca 'selfie'.
Amanda Olthof, Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) chief executive officer, said it was inspiring to see the quality in the field across the weekend.
Ms Olthof was impressed both large and small breeders from around the nation presented consistently high-grade livestock and fleece for the premier annual competition.
"Australia is well respected as a nation for our expertise in natural fibre production," Ms Olthof said.
"It is very exciting that Australian alpaca is consistently raising the benchmark in production of the highest-quality animals."
Ian Frith, AAA President, said the event was a great way to profile an emerging rural industry that is on the rise.
"We are so pleased with this year's National Show," Mr Frith said.
"The quality of the animals and fleece displayed continue to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Australian alpaca industry's expertise as it grows from strength-to-strength."
