Posts by Martin Bennett

I am very excited to report the progress of Oak Ridge’s next generation Black Sire – ELR Marcello ( known as Marcel). With the 2021 show season behind us, he was a Black Super Star, consecutively awarded  4 x Black Champion Huacaya titles – Champion Black Huacaya in Show – Oxford A & P Show…

While 2020 is a year most of us would like to forget, there were some highlights… and one of these was the acquisition of new Black Genetics to compliment the Oak Ridge Breeding Programme. Welcome to the herd –  Waikara Park Emily – a black Shackleton daughter that includes genetics from Sierra Vista Coalminer &…

For the second time this year, I was back in Europe and on the Alpaca circuit once again. From seminars in Germany and Austria, a Trade Stand at the Buchloe Show in Germany, farm visits and herd assessments, and a little time off with a side trip to Vienna, with it’s beautiful architecture, famous cafes,…

Occasionally when a cria is born you have a gut feel that tells you “this is going to be a very special alpaca”…  well that was the feeling upon seeing Spectre for the first time and instinct was correct – he has been a little superstar in the show ring over the last year, and…

Now that Black Knight has has a few seasons with us, we can see what the results of his progeny are like, and to be fair they have been nothing short of Amazing! He is definitely stamping his quality on his progeny, and Oak Ridge Obsession is a fine example of what he is capable…

As well as taking time to have a holiday in Europe this year, I also managed to combine it with some alpaca based visits at the end of my trip.  Once again, so nice to stay with my friends Christoph & Madlene, at my “second home” in Austria… thanks you as always for the wonderful…

In 2018 Oak Ridge Alpacas was very fortunate to be able to host Nocturne Paladium on our farm for 6 months, while on-route to his new home in Switzerland.  Many thanks to Andi Rudi (Alpaak Alpacas, and Rochelle Veitch, Nocturne Alpacas) for entrusting us with this special boy, who quickly became a favorite with his…

The NZ Nationals showcase the best of alpaca breeding in New Zealand.  This year the judge was Amanda VandenBosch from the USA. We had a great show with highlights including – Champion Brown Huacaya in Show – Oak Ridge Ultimo Champion Roan Huacaya in show – Oak Ridge Aurelia Champion Roan Huacaya Fleece in show…

Great to be back at the Malvern A & P Show 2018.  Thanks to convenor Brendan Taylor & crew for a well put together show, lots of laughs, sunny weather and a fun relaxing day. Also thanks to Judge Molly Gardner for constructive and articulate critiques. The Oak Ridge Team had a great outing with…

This February & March saw another trip to Europe, with 3 Alpaca Shows in as many weeks.  The first was Ilshofen, Germany – the biggest show in Europe with exhibitors for many european countries competing.  Next Was Goppingen – also in Germany. Finally was Trabock, in Austria.  Always great to be back catching up with…

After recently competing in the last Spring Show for 2017, looking back we can reflect on some great results for our Breeding Programme. Some highlights included our little Roan star – Oak Ridge Aurelia, winning multiple Champion Awards including Sureme Champion Roan!.  Cinnamon, our only Fancy, winning multiple Premier awards and at the last show…

  New Zealand National Alpaca Show 2017. A well run event at a fantastic venue. Huge thanks to everyone involved with putting this National Show together – it is a massive task and you all should be proud of your efforts. Oak Ridge has a show team of 6 alpacas and very happy to come…