SOME of the top genetics in Australian alpaca breeding were on show in Bendigo on the weekend, with a sale of $66,000 topping the national show and sale.
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Ten alpacas sold at an average of $25,630, nine of which were female.
International buyers attended the event at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds to cast their eye over Australia's continually expanding alpaca industry, and to take home some of the fine genetics on offer.
Victorian specialist Neo Alpacas combined with NZ Summerhill Alpacas to purchase the top seller, a leopard appaloosa, as part of a unique breeder collaboration.
Grand Flowerdale Alpacas, of Kalmora, Victoria, achieved the impressive sale.
Australian Alpaca Association president Michelle Malt said the show demonstrated Australia's position as one of the main developers of fine alpaca genetics.
"Our animals travel this year to diverse homes both around Australia and overseas as global breeders work together on commercial alpaca," she said.
"It is inspiring to know that Austalia's contribution to the development of the breed is so highly valued by our colleagues around the world.
"Across the four days we also acknowledged the arrival of a major new player in the Australian industry, and a further advance in an exciting industry development collaboration."
The day's highest priced female sold for $55,000, from a South Australian herd, while two New South Wales females sold for $27,500 and $25,300.
Strathbogie breeders Surilana won the supreme champion suri, while Ambersun Alpacas, from South Australia, had the supreme champion huacaya.