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"Wyona Alpaca Stud" was the first alpaca stud to be established in the state of NSW in 1989.
Wyona is based 40kms NW of Young in a mixed farming area. We farm our alpaca herd of 150 on a 6000 acre property along with 4000 acres of mixed grain production.
Our aims & goals for this stud have been set high. With 5 generations of fine fibre production & animal husbandry in our veins, it has been the melding of these two assets that has bought "Wyona" alpacas to where they are today.
Having been active & highly successful in the show ring Australia wide, Karen is accredited to judge both in Australia and Internationally.
"Wyona" strives to produce a consistrency of fine micron fleece with a follecular density that is sustainable for our climatic region. Alpacas from "wyona" are being bred to produce the best possible fleeece on a strong & correct frame, with a gentle temprement.
Wyona Alpaca Stud strives to produce a conisitency of fine micron fleece with a follecular density that is sustainable for our climatic region.
Our venture in 1989 into the amazing world of alpacas began from a life long love and interest in exotic fibre and secondly the ”down-slide“ in the Australian Wool Industry. The initial purchase of three alpacas – two black and one grey proved to be the fore-runner of our firm conviction to stay with the unique coloured alpacas.
Australian consumers have recognized the luxurious feel of the garments made from the silky-woollen like fibre of the alpaca. Wyona Alpaca Stud, a family affair – (Andrew and Karen Caldwell and Frans and Margaret de Zwart) have always upheld the strong belief that garments made from alpaca fibre would eventually become highly valued fashion items. Since 1990 all four partners have participated in a range of promotional events. Male and female members have walked the catwalk with previously undiscovered panache!
Our exclusive ”one-off“ garments have taken their place in select boutiques interstate. Experimentation with colour and processing have lead to co-operative ventures with individual spinners and weavers, consultation with felting experts, specialized and established manufacturers – notably the knitting expertise of the Spinelli family of Kensington in SA. A prominent South Australian machine knitter, Roma Deer has contributed with her unique machine weaving skills. Two avenues for the sale of the fleece from our coloured herd have been pursued. Our show winning fleeces have been hand spun by selected spinners with ”value adding“ employed on the remaining fleeces, which are commercially spun and sold to the public.
As an active member and past president of W.C.E.I. S.A. (Women Chiefs of Enterprises International) Margaret has taken the opportunity to wear, display and promote alpaca fibre and garments in Tunis, St. Petersburg, Argentina and Adelaide conference venues. Andrew, a 5th generation wool producer has overseen the pasture and breeding program with a focus on fibre quality and the commercial viability of the end product i.e. fibre.
Karen’s dual judging status obtained both Internationally (Peru) and in Australia has had an enormously beneficial influence upon our herd and the quality of our end product; at the same time re-enforcing our conviction to breed for the browns, greys, and the blue-black alpacas. Quality naturally coloured, undyed alpaca fibre maintains that unique ”feel“ giving the finished cloth lightness, warmth and comfort.
Our ongoing experimentation and blending with other fibres is underway and we are assured of promising results. |