There is so much going on at this time of year on an alpaca farm that some days it really does feel like spinning plates would be a whole lot easier.

The sun is shining so the grass and weeds are growing like topsy. John Pierson who cuts our hay field is really pleased with the way it is coming on and we can see the benefit of fertilizing a month or so ago.

This year we are trying hard to keep all the fence lines clear so a combination of strimming and Round-Up is being used whenever we get a spare moment and the wind isn't blowing.
In addition I want to use a broad leafed herbicide to reduce the clover, dandelions and thistles. It is a mathematical puzzle to take the alpaca paddocks that we have created then put together a schedule for irrigation, topping (mowing), spraying, grazing and resting which doesnt cause any conflicts.

The hay we bought in the spring is still popular with the alpacas and even though they have plenty of fresh grass they can't resist the hay.

With shearing on Monday we are keeping the alpacas in our cleanest paddock so that they will hopefully not be too filthy come Monday.

Adrian Stewart