Member and Industry News All-paca your information in one place! AHA Communications team Managing your alpaca herd has never been easier with the introduction of eAlpaca, a new online platform from the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA). With a simple user interface, the online registry and show system allows users to manage several different aspects of their alpaca business, said Fiona Vanderbeek, AAA’s Vice-President. “Users can easily update their personal account details, register animals for breeding, view the International Alpaca Registry and complete all steps of an animal transfer electronically,” said Ms Vanderbeek. “Producers can also enter their animals in the nationwide network of AAA alpaca shows, access an in-breeding calculator, and have the ability to connect with other members.” The system was developed to address feedback from AAA’s members in 2013. Over the next four years, AAA sought advice from specialists such as show conveners, vets and the Q-Alpaca registrar, as well as AAA staff and members to create a system that was suitable for a large variety of producers, from hobbyists to commercial farmers. The eAlpaca platform officially launched in November 2017 and has been well-received by “Users can easily update their personal account details, register animals for breeding, view the International Alpaca Registry and complete all steps of an animal transfer electronically.” 42 THE LINK AUT/WIN 18 Fiona Vanderbeek, AAA’s Vice-President producers since it went live. “In the first two weeks of the system becoming active, about a third of our membership had already logged into the system,” said Ms Vanderbeek. “The response from members has been very positive, which is fantastic. We’ll continue to listen to our members to improve the system further.” The latest updates to the platform include the ability to set up leases, manage agisted animals and order registration ear tags; soon to come will be the ability for electronic communication between producers and their vets, further reducing the need for paperwork and streamlining animal health and biosecurity procedures. You must be an AAA member to access all the features of the eAlpaca system, but you can set up a guest account free of charge to explore key aspects. To set up a guest account, or to find out more about AAA membership, go to www.ealpaca.com.au. For general information on the alpaca industry go to www.alpaca.asn.au.
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