Welsh urged to consider llamas

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is suggesting that farmers who are looking for alternative livestock enterprises should consider moving into New World Camelid breeding.

With beef and sheep producers contemplating changes following CAP reform, it is urging farmers to consider other animals.

It hopes that the display of llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guarnacos that will be staged at its Smallholder and Garden Festival on May 21 and 22 will attract mainstream farmers.

The society will be highlighting their potential for producing high-quality, high-value fibre for the fashion industry.

It will also point out that camelids co-exist happily with conventional farm animals, thrive on rough grazings, and are a potential deterrent to wild dogs and foxes.