After deciding to seek a 'tree change' ten years ago, our main requisites for a small acreage were:  a drought-proof water supply, the land being chemical free and reasonably cleared with views.   Our search led us to Ruffy, a district of approximately 200 people, in the Strathbogie Ranges, less than two hours drive north of Melbourne. The property of 180 acres was larger than we had anticipated buying but we could see the potential and it met all our requirements so we eventually sold our Melbourne home and became ' full time farmers'.

Having a background in the nursery industry, we were keen to establish a botanical environment. The fence around the house has moved out a few times and the garden is quite extensive.   We frequently have garden clubs visiting the property and 'Open Gardens' once or twice a year for local charities.

The 'White House', once the original homestead's laundry/shearing quarters, has been renovated and is a self-contained Bed & Breakfast cottage.

With the purchase of the property came 80 cross-bred ewes which were due to lamb.  Having been introduced to alpacas at a number of shows we decided to buy two black wethers as fox guards.  The result was just amazing - the Strathbogie area is renowned for large lamb kills by foxes but our two boys proved to be guardian angels and we didn't lose a lamb.  Of course, within six months we had bought some females with crias and so began our 'pack of pakkas' which now is nearing 80 animals - mostly black but also with some silver/rose greys and rich browns.  Some of our wethers still perform fox guard duties, hired out to local farmers around lambing time, and the results are excellent.

From the beginning it has always been our aim to breed alpacas with fine fibre, good conformation and temperament.  The learning curve has been steep but we now feel that each generation born is an improvement - the quest for a dense superfine black alpaca probably still is a long way off but by using better males and females the results are getting better and better.

Biodynamic principles are followed for healthy pastures and animals and because of the wonderful natural colours of our alpaca fleeces, no dyes are used by our fleece processors, the Fibre Naturally Mill at Macclesfield.

As well as our alpacas we have 20 young Angus heifers, a few sheep with lambs (black of course) and eight llamas.

Life in the country is busy - but  certainly never dull!