S5 Ep 8 - Storybook Alpacas

They're the quirky creatures with super soft fleece, members of the camel family and often unfairly criticised for spitting. Alpacas occupy a unique corner of the agriculture industry and, one central west New South Wales farm boasts the state's largest herd. These animals have won the heart of the next generation, with young farmer Rubey Williams working on the family property and she is already turning heads as an industry leader. To learn more, Rubey Williams of Storybook Alpacas joins me now.      Rubey's favourite place is the old shearing shed on their Mittagong property, which holds both personal memories and historical significance as one of the first alpaca sites in Australia.   She also values a specialised area on their newer Central West property designed for reproductive technologies, representing future opportunities for the business.   As a second-generation alpaca farmer, Rubey has grown up in the industry and purchased her first show-quality alpaca at just 13 years old.   Although she initially began studying pre-med, COVID led her back to the farm where she rediscovered her passion for agriculture.   Rubey made the decision to leave university and instead invest in the family alpaca business, while continuing her studies in agribusiness.   Alpacas are part of the camelid family and are primarily bred for their fleece, which is soft, fine and suitable for those who are sensitive to wool.   Rubey's main interest lies in the fibre market, working with other growers to market and sell alpaca fleece both domestically and internationally.   Rubey's involvement with the Royal Agricultural Society has broadened her perspective and allowed her to connect with other sectors across agriculture globally. She is the youngest qualified alpaca judge in Australia.  What Rubey loves most about life on the land is the resilience it builds and the strength of rural communities.   A common misconception is that alpacas spit all the time, when in reality it is simply a defence mechanism used when they feel threatened or annoyed.   One of the most unexpected outcomes in her journey was how COVID changed her career path and led her back to agriculture.   Rubey's ultimate dream is to continue growing the family business, expand into new agricultural areas and build on the opportunities in the Central West. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.      Links:  Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram  Partnered with Australian Farmers   Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram     Storybook Alpacas    Produced by Pretty Podcasts