Greenwood Alpaca Stud - Farm Profile

	GREENWOOD
	ALPACA STUD
	* SEEKING TO BREED COLOURED EXCELLENCE *

Welcome to Greenwood Alpaca Stud

Welcome to GREENWOOD Alpacas. I invite you browse through my web site to find out about my farm and these wonderful creatures and what attracted me to them.

GREENWOOD Alpacas has recently purchased and moved closer to Melbourne. We are now located at Dixons Creek which is approximately 60k from CBD of Melbourne in a north easterly direction in the magnificent Yarra Valley. Initially a small hobby farm was purchased 14 km from Mansfield in an attempt to retire from the fast-paced and stressful career of 20 years in marketing and high profile sales mainly within the snow skiing industry. Once living on the peaceful lifestyle property many of us yearn for the next step was to decide "what can I do on such a small acerage that brings in an income"? After 3 months of researching all sorts of alternative farming opportunities it was found that the alpaca industry came up trumps at each turn. Like many first timers, I purchased a female with cria at foot and a wether for company. As my alpaca business flourished and the obsession grew - and the quality and quantity of the herd improved - with it came the decision to purchase a somewhat larger acreage,closer to 'town'.

The extra acreage in Dixons ""Creek will further allow the expansion of my "Black" vision to include "Rose" and "Grey", while still remaining a "small breeder". I feel this is a vital componant to the business and am "living proof" that it can be done in small numbers.

I now have a VERY ENTHUSIASTIC new member of the alpaca industry. One of my grand-children wants to fly the flag also. She has her own web page : www.GemStarAlpacas.com.au. Gemma's passion is also colour! We will jointly breed towards our mutual goal of grey and black ,plus dark fawns for Gemma, with ongoing fleece improvement.

At GREENWOOD a niche market was created in colour. I am passionate about all the alpacas that run on this farm but do not compromise on the quality. Many a long afternoon can be had sipping on a cool drink, nibbling biscuits and cheese, overlooking the herd, trying to decide which is THE best herd sire to use over a particular female. The industry is working solidly towards much more 'scientific' values and sees Australia well placed to lead in genetic , fast tracking , improvement.

Alpacas are clean, intelligent, inquisitive, peaceful animals and safe around most children. I find them to be 'family' orientated as each family group sticks together within the herd. They are easy to handle and most of the associated 'work' can be done by one person,...although it is much more fun with two or more!

Alpaca breeders come from all walks of life and interact with each other by participating in shows wherein we compete against each other with much gusto,(the Australina Alpaca Association runs many registered shows - the largest being the National Show held once a year.) Alpacas compete against each other from as far afield as W.A, QLD. To win ribbons at 'National ' level against ones peers you feel you have really achieved something great. Farm visits, markets and "get to gethers" where we share our combined, and often newly accquired, expertise is another social and marketing outlet. The common interest and support has been the start of many wonderful friendships.

There are two types of alpaca, "huacaya" and "suri". They have twelve recognised natural colours from white, fawns, browns, and grey through to black...no dyeing to get that special colour with them!

There is a perfect alpaca for everyone no matter what your budget or colour preference.

Please explore this web site and discover more about alpacas and the fantastic lifestyle opportunities they can provde.

"GREENWOOD" is owned and managed by Mena Schnizler.
"GemStarAlpacas" is owned by Gemma King.

Click to enlarge

SHARAMAR @ National Show 2006

Click to enlarge

MAGICIAN National Show 2007

Click to enlarge

GREYLORD - National show 2007