We raise Suri Alpacas.  Suris only represent about 15% of the U.S. Alpaca population.  We looked at and researched both Huacaya and Suris and chose Suris.  Thier fleece tends to have a more silk-like quality which is very cool to the touch.  We also preferred the look of the Suri and the fact that it is the minority could be helpful in competition and breeding recognition for our small farm. 

Let's talk about the Alpaca now.  They are fantastic.  I grew up working on my Grandfather's farm and we raised cattle on our farm but we didn't have enough room.  It was fun but I only had about 4-1/2 acres and that meant only 3 or 4 cows - not very profitable.  My wife (Wendy) started talking about Alpacas and she got me interested too.  We started visiting other farms, talking to breeders and pretty soon we were buying our own Alpacas.  Going from cows to alpacas isn't a big step but they are expensive.  It's a different mind-set for me.  I'm not trying to make a quick turn-around (fatten that cow as quick as I can).  I'm making an investment in an animal that produces one cria(calf) per year.  I insure my animals and my investment grows in relation to how I choose sires for my dams and the quality of their cria.  I've found that working as a breeder is an incredibly rewarding and exciting career.  We are always looking forward, with anticipation, to see how our next group of cria look, grow and mature.  Why do I think they're fantastic?  Alpacas are:  small in size and easy to work with (you don't need a holding-chute).  They don't tear up the fields or create mud holes like cows do.  Alpacas require little water and eat a small fraction of what a cow does  so you can have up to 10 animals per acre.  We have 27 now and hopefully 7 cria will be born this year.  I have only had to develope two new skills.  first- not making my Alpacas fat (it's hard) and second- keeping my fields clean.  Sometimes I feel a little bit more like a zoo keeper than a farmer/breeder but it's worth it.

What are we trying to accomplish?  We are trying to improve every new generation and so far I think we're doing a good job.  Alpaca fleece is a superior product and that is what we're working to improve.  We believe the Inca originally domesticated this animal and they used the fleece to make their clothing.  The mummies of the Inca are still being discovered with their (alpaca) clothing intact.  It is usually very beautiful and intricate in its detail.  The problem is that this ancient fleece is a better quality than what most alpacas possess today.  After the Inca civilization fell the fleece qualities they worked so hard to achieve were lost.  Today we are working to identify the best traits and selectively breed back to what the Inca had.  It's all about the fleece.

I'd like to introduce you to Stetson.  He's our first cria of 2011.  We didn't think he was ever going to get here.  It took his Dam 'Sterling' 409 days to get the job done.

 Stetson hit the ground at 22.8 pounds.  Why did she wait so long to get this guy outta there.  I don't know what caused the delay; just glad  everybody's happy and healthy.  Sterling did great with the delivery and he gained almost 5 pounds in his first week.  Both Dams that were due this fall were way late.  My only thought is that last year we went from real hot to real cold in less than a week and it stayed cold all winter.

Stetson's a week old now - snoozing with mom.  I'll try to add some new pics later.  Some when he's awake.

If you would like more information about all our alpacas please go to our alpaca nation web site.  At Alpaca Nation we have included information on their ancestry, show records and pricing.  We also have special deals - so take a look at our "Featured" alpacas and packages.  All our packages include guaranteed income or free rebreedings to get you started and keep you growing.  We have links to several important sites.  If you want to learn more about Alpacas just click on one below.  If you like what you see then spread the word.  I'm always surprised that so many people have no idea what alpacas are.