Smallholding Secrets

09/10/2026

Back bacon, streaky bacon, gammon steaks and gammon joints are back in stock.

Limited amount, so don't delay if you want some.

08/10/2026

Don't forget, we are closed this weekend, so pop in today or tomorrow for your Pantri fix.

Carrot cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Drizzle, Egg Custard, Tiffin, Chocolate Brownie, Flapjacks, Rocky Road, plain and fruit scones, Apple Crumble all available.

What will you treat yourself to?

05/10/2026

We are expecting! 🍾

When I say 'we', I am talking about alpacas, not me. Definitely not me! 😬😆

It was a tough mating season without Law Enforcer to show the youngsters what to do, and Cosmo struggled to take the lead without him.

However, Cosmo should have four cria next year, and Sky should have one (he managed to get the hang of it at his last mating 🙈). It doesn’t look like Po was successful, although one has got a question mark as it wasn't clear due to the position the alpaca put herself in when scanning. So, although I have my fingers 🤞, I doubt she did catch.

Thanks to InVision Animal Services for being gentle and patient with the girls. ❤️

04/10/2026

Next weekend, we are taking our show team to Welshpool for The Welsh Alpaca Show.

This means Y Pantri will closed on Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th October. Sorry for any inconvenience.

We will be open as usual today and again Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week, so please do pop in and get your Smallholding Secrets fix before next weekend.

This show will be little Tomos' first ever show. At just 5 years old, my nephew decided in the summer that he wanted to show alpacas. Well, he actually wanted to show his favourite alpaca, Sky Marshall, but Sky wasn't being entered for any classes, so I’ve worked hard to persuade him to take another.

I explained to Tomos that the trailer was rather full and it would be better if he showed another alpaca. He did his very best to find a solution....

'Auntie Hayley, We can put Sky in a cage on top of the jeep.' No, we can't Tomos, what if it rains?

'Auntie Hayley, We could put Sky in the back of the jeep.' No, we can't Tomos, that will be full of all the stuff we need.

'Auntie Hayley, We can use gates in the trailer to move the alpacas up to make space'. Tomos, we still won't have room. 🤣

But, we had a breakthrough a couple of weeks ago when we were halter training. Tomos asked to lead Honeybee, and whilst leading her, said she was just like Sky. I pounced on the opportunity! 'Tomos, you know we are struggling to fit Sky in, how about taking Honeybee?' Thankfully, although with some reluctance, he agreed. He did give a caveat - he's not leading Lady because she spent too much time stood on her back legs!

So, Young Handler class here we come. As he's never been to a show, I am totally prepared for him to decide not to actually go in the class. It will be scary for him. But, I'm sure he will enjoy walking around with his white coat on. 😁

Will be a long day. Early start to be up there by 8am. No exhibitors can leave until the Champion of Champions has been judged, so looking at leaving around 4pm.

Mum and Caitlin will be kept busy getting alpacas ready for me to take into the ring. Some of our clases will be back to back, so they will need to collect an alpaca from me as I come out, and be ready in the collecting ring with the next one. They have their work cut out - keeping an eye on the running order and times, and making sure the right alpaca is ready and in the right place at the right time. 🫣 But, the Welsh Show is a lovely, friendly show so will be a great day out whatever the outcome in the ring.

Excited!

The 2026 Welsh Alpaca Show is fast approaching!!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🦙

Alpaca judging starts at 9am and is expected to finish around 4pm. The event is open to the public throughout these times, with trade stands and demonstrations also running at this time.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the show.

01/10/2026

Guinness Cake is in the cabinet. 😘

30/09/2026

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29/09/2026

You all thought I'd come back with pigs or alpacas. Well, you were all wrong.

I came back with a Push Me-Pull Me! 🤣

Dad can't complain about this.. he likes rare breeds. 😜

29/09/2026