Jigaru Alpacas is located 1
hrs drive North of Melbourne in Langley, Victoria, Australia. (10 klms
to the northern side of Kyneton towards Lake Eppalock). Running on 40
acres
Jigaru Alpacas care for over 100 alpacas consisting of various colours
and fleece types. Alpacas, Huacaya and Suri – White through to Black
and everything in between. Owners of the property are Russell & Jillian
Holmes. Partner in Jigaru Alpacas is Gloria Davis (Jillian’s mum).
Jillian & Russell work the farm/stud full time along with caring for
their two small children Bryce 10 and Kurtis 8. Under the banner of Husbandry
Helpers, Jigaru Alpacas assists many breeders (large and small) with their
husbandry requirements, including vaccinations, spit offs, shearing assistance,
fencing & shelter construction to name a few. Jillian, Russell, Gloria & their
Agistees enjoy showing at numerous alpaca shows with great success having
received many Championships over the years.
|
Jillian |
Russell |
Gloria |
Bryce & Kurtis |
Both
Russell and Jillian are active members within the alpaca industry
and their region – Central Victoria. Jillian
was awarded the inaugural ‘VCR member of the year’ in 2004.
Russell played an important role in the organization and smooth running
of the 2005 & 2007 AAA National Show and Sale, being the convenor/coordinator
of the National Auction. Russell is the Vice President of the Victorian
Central Region, and he also has his own part time business in the field
of window furnishing sales & fitting.
Jillian is involved in various activities including Editor of the VCR regional magazine ‘The Yarn’, Co-convenor of the VCR – Alpaca Fiestas, AAA & RASV Royal Melbourne Show Committee – VCR representative and Chief Fleece Steward and is an active member of the VCR Regional Committee. Jillian has also previously been involved in the co-convening of the Victorian Colourbration show from conception for 3 years, and the 2005 AAA National Show & Sale – Fleece show coordinator & Chief Fleece Steward. Jillian successfully completed the AAA Accredited Judges course in 2007 and is undergoing further training under the traineeship program. She has also been involved with the training of show stewards, with the Victorian Central Region.
Russell and Jillian had their introduction to alpacas at Christmas 1998. Jillian had always admired alpacas in a property in Kilmore Australia, so Russell decided that he would look into purchasing one for her for Christmas. After looking into the idea, he discovered that it was better to purchase two animals as they are companion animals and would fret if taken on their own. Two animals were purchased and unbeknown to Russell that was to be the start of something much bigger. Slowly over the years more animals have been purchased and bred and Jigaru Alpacas was formed. Russell, Jillian and Gloria take pride in their herd and the alpaca industry and are striving for and achieving consistent improvement in their animals breeding program and in the Australian Alpaca industry.
 |
Jigaru Alpacas originated in Lancefield Victoria and have now moved to the new property
at Langley Victoria. The new property has been set up to facilitate alpacas
and their requirements for ease of handling and management. Further improvements
are on the drawing board and will commence shortly. Education facility
permits have been granted and Jigaru looks forward to holding weekends
of individual hands on training days, including fleece characteristics,
animal husbandry, stock selection and much much more.
Primary concerns of Jigaru Alpacas is animal welfare and education to
new breeders in a friendly and cost effective manner.