The Farm

Merungle Alpaca Stud is nestled in the rolling foothills north of Maffra, East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia and with over 100 animals on farm, is unique in the experience it can offer.

The name 'Merungle' comes from a property just north of Booligal in the Western Division of New South Wales. The poem "Hay and Hell and Booligal" by A. B. "Banjo" Patterson which mentions the town was published in The Bulletin, 25 April 1896 The property was one of the holdings owned by Peter's mother's family and home to a Merino Sheep Stud.

The farm began as a 40 acre block. It has grown to 200 acres, some leased from neighbors, with the last 60 acres coming on-board in February 2006. We have some small holding paddocks and a sufficient number of larger paddocks now, so that some areas can be rested. Laneways, yards and shearing shed complete the facilities.

Jen takes on the day to day running of the Stud, making her familiar with individual animals, and usually handles the sales enquiries. She also handles the record keeping which includes using the computer program, Herd Logic.

Peter runs a concreting business during the week, but his shearing and fencing skills are well utilized and all things mechanical are under his care ensuring that Merungle have a smoothly run operation.

In recent years Merungle has moved to strict breeding times for the animals that are permanently on the property. This has allowed us to establish a routine for 5 in 1 injections, weaning and even timing of shearing etc., which in turn makes for more streamlined planning and efficiency.

We also manage a limited amount of alpacas for other breeders.

Jen and Peter both agree that: "We love the challenges within the industry and we love working with these intelligent animals."