Te Anau, New Zealand
News from 2011
February 2011
March 2011
June 2011
The 2010/2011 season has had it’s ups and downs for us at Honeyfields. Although we live a long way from Christchurch we have most of our close family there and some of them have had a pretty tough time. Our hearts go out to all who have suffered, and are still suffering, the consequences of the events of February 22.
Here on the farm we have had a mixed bag this season. On the good news front, all our cria are now born for the season without incident and even if we say so ourselves, we have some stunning new cria several of which are shaping up to vie for spots in the next show team. On the downside, we had drought conditions in November December 2010, consequently we are already short of grass and must express our most grateful thanks to neighbours who now have alpacas grazing their paddocks. When farming alpacas intensively, it is very important to constantly monitor body condition and ensure that all stock are getting a good mix of grass and hay, and some higher protein supplement from time to time. Lactating and pregnant females and young growing weanlings need a good healthy diet to maintain good health. Paddocks also need to be well maintained and kept as clean as possible.
Our two new boys are working well and we are looking forward to seeing progeny from Forestglen Bravo ET and Timbertop Jedi as well as more progeny from Honeyfields Sutherland and the top of the pops Premier Fernando
Here on the farm we have had a mixed bag this season. On the good news front, all our cria are now born for the season without incident and even if we say so ourselves, we have some stunning new cria several of which are shaping up to vie for spots in the next show team. On the downside, we had drought conditions in November December 2010, consequently we are already short of grass and must express our most grateful thanks to neighbours who now have alpacas grazing their paddocks. When farming alpacas intensively, it is very important to constantly monitor body condition and ensure that all stock are getting a good mix of grass and hay, and some higher protein supplement from time to time. Lactating and pregnant females and young growing weanlings need a good healthy diet to maintain good health. Paddocks also need to be well maintained and kept as clean as possible.
Our two new boys are working well and we are looking forward to seeing progeny from Forestglen Bravo ET and Timbertop Jedi as well as more progeny from Honeyfields Sutherland and the top of the pops Premier Fernando
The South Island Colourbration Show was held on Saturday 10 September 2011 at the Canterbury A & P Showgrounds. We took 4 juniors from Honeyfields and all gained ribbons in their respective classes which was exciting - especially as two of those juniors were progeny from Honeyfields Sutherland’s first drop. The most exciting achievement for us at the Show however was that HONEYFIELDS MANUSKA WON SUPREME WHITE/LIGHT FAWN CHAMPION!!
This is a huge accolade for us - the first time we have achieved a broad ribbon in the white/light fawn section. Manuska is a daughter of Premier Fernando who has a number of progeny with broad ribbons including our Honeyfields Sutherland .
This is a huge accolade for us - the first time we have achieved a broad ribbon in the white/light fawn section. Manuska is a daughter of Premier Fernando who has a number of progeny with broad ribbons including our Honeyfields Sutherland .
Saturday March 12 saw us up very early in the morning, alpacas loaded and on the road by 6.30 am heading for Upper Clutha Show at Wanaka. We had 7 fleeces entered and also several breed alpacas. It was a lovely day in Wanaka and a good turnout of alpacas and alpaca enthusiastists. Paul Garland was the alpaca Judge and he started the moning off very well for Honeyfields by awarding the championship fleece ribbons. Honeyfields Sutherland took Reserve Champion fleece which was quite exciting given that there were more than 50 fleeces entered. Several of our alpacas also gained placings in their classes as a perusal of our 2011 Show results will reveal. Upper Clutha Show is the 2nd largest show in the South Island and run over 2 days - a great event to attend.
There were 51 fleeces entered in the Gore Show - the most they have ever had. Judge Kevin Burgess said he was delighted with the standard and although a long afternoon of judging he said the fleeces were a pleasure to see.
We were absolutely delighted that Premier Fernando the ‘old man’ of our herd with his 5th fleece won Champion Fleece with 81 points. We also achieved a number of 1sts and the average over the 8 fleeces we had entered was 74.75.
Gore Show is a Composite show where the breed section is judged on conformation then the conformation points and fleece points are added together to get a total. A number of our entries gained first place in their class, but the most exciting news of all was that Honeyfields Isabella, our young medium fawn junior female took the highest overall score and the Supreme Championship - another accolade for progeny of Premier Fernando!!
We were absolutely delighted that Premier Fernando the ‘old man’ of our herd with his 5th fleece won Champion Fleece with 81 points. We also achieved a number of 1sts and the average over the 8 fleeces we had entered was 74.75.
Gore Show is a Composite show where the breed section is judged on conformation then the conformation points and fleece points are added together to get a total. A number of our entries gained first place in their class, but the most exciting news of all was that Honeyfields Isabella, our young medium fawn junior female took the highest overall score and the Supreme Championship - another accolade for progeny of Premier Fernando!!
September 2011
Honeyfields Alpacas 15 William Stephen Road R D 1 Te Anau New Zealand
Phone: 03 249 9099 or 021 0514 359
