Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine - Ritz Family Publishing, Inc.

West 27
Alpacas Offer Farm Income Diversity
Many farmers and ranchers are
currently looking at ways to
augment or replace revenue
lost due to the recent BSE (mad cow)
disease reports. Alpaca ranching is one of
those options being considered by many.
Alpacas are native to South America where
they were established as domestic livestock
long before the Inca Empire. Large herds of
alpacas provided exquisite fiber for the garments
of the Inca aristocracy. Until recently,
alpacas were found only in South America.
Today there are now about 30,000 alpacas
in the United States.
Alpacas are small (average adult weight
is 120 – 150 pounds), with large expressive
eyes. They are very curious, highly
intelligent and easy to train. There are two
types of alpacas: huacayas (wah-kay’-uhs),
with fluffy, teddy bear looking fleeces and
suris (sir’-ees), with silky, elegantly draping
fleeces. They come in a remarkable range of
colors: white, beige, tan, brown, mahogany,
black, silver and all shades in between.
Alpacas are hardy and thrive throughout
the U.S. in most climates. They do well on
grass pastures supplemented with grass hay
and a small daily feeding of inexpensive regionally
compounded pellets. Because their
digestive system is very efficient (three
stomachs), alpacas require less pasture area
per animal than do most grazing breeds.
Inoculations and worming for alpacas are
similar to those of other pasture animals.
Their padded feet have two toes each with
small toenails requiring trimming several
times per year, depending on the terrain.
Alpacas usually create a herd dung pile,
making pasture clean-up easier. Their manure
is mild and can be used immediately.
Alpacas need access to shade in the
summer and only a small three-sided
shed for harsh winter weather. Perimeter
fencing should be designed to keep out
predators. Alpacas rarely rub or chew on
fences or buildings. Their padded feet
are easy on pastures.
Alpaca females are usually ready for their
first breeding by 15 to 18 months of age and
males at 2 to 2 ½ years. Gestation is about
11 months with single babies delivered.
Twins are very rare. A baby alpaca is called
a “cria” (kree’-uh). Crias usually weigh 15
to 20 pounds at birth. Re-breeding is done
about three weeks after delivery. The females
are induced ovulators, meaning they
ovulate in response to breeding rather than
having a breeding season or going into
“heat.” Breeders can control what time of
year they want to have their crias born.
Alpacas need annual shearing to keep
them healthy and comfortable. Alpaca
fiber is as soft as cashmere and much
stronger than wool. Some have called it
the “titanium” of fibers.
As an investment animal, alpacas are excellent.
With a long yearly gestation period,
single births, a strong national breed association
and a closed registry (no more importation)
the alpaca industry has maintained
its strong prices for breeding stock. Breeders
often sell bred females for $10,000 to
$20,000. Several breeding males have sold
at auction for as much as $265,000 although
a good quality herdsire can be purchased
for about $5,000 - $30,000.
So, what do you do with an alpaca?
People raise alpacas for a variety of reasons.
The tax benefits are great. Farmrelated
expenses can be written off and
property use requirements satisfied. Retirees
can augment their income with a
small breeding stock herd. Families are
more comfortable raising small gentle
animals with their children. Hobbyists
enjoy showing and winning ribbons. Executives
find the sweet, loving temperament
of alpacas to be stress reducing.
Fiber artists can create a profitable cottage
industry. Potential for good income
from larger-scale operations is likely.
The Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association
is hosting an alpaca show on Saturday
& Sunday March 27 and 28 at the
Linn Co. Fair & Expo Center just off I-5 in
Albany, Oregon. About 300 alpacas from
all over the Northwest will be exhibited to
the public in one location. Their owners
will be present to answer questions about
raising alpacas and being involved in this
exciting relatively new industry.
Free educational seminars will be presented
on Saturday and Sunday. Expert
alpaca veterinarians Dr. Pat Long and Dr.
Steven Hull and CPA Gary Kronmiller
will discuss basic alpaca care, running
an alpaca business and tax issues. All are
welcome to attend.
Throughout the weekend hand-spinners
will be demonstrating alpaca fiber spinning
techniques. Fleeces and finished products
such as sweaters, hats, gloves, blankets,
etc. will be available for purchase from
individual ranches and vendors.
A judged fleece show will be held on
Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Fleeces are
judged on annual yield (weight), lock
structure, handle (softness), fineness,
uniformity, and preparation of the fleece.
A judged halter show will be held on both
Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m.
Alpacas will enter the ring in various
classes divided by gender, age and color.
They will be judged on conformation and
fleece quality and awarded ribbons.
The Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association
is made up of about 20 ranches
in the mid-Willamette Valley. WABA
members meet monthly to share alpaca
raising information and plan events.
March 27 & 28, 2004
Linn Co. Fair & Expo Center, Albany, Oregon
AOBA Certified Halter Show • Lorraine Guyn, judging
AOBA Certified Fleece Show • Shannon McConnell, judging
Featured Speakers: Stephen Hull, Farm Management
& Dr. Pat Long, Herd Health Management
Many seminars for new & experienced breeders!
Fun Family BBQ! Venders Galore!
For Registration Forms contact Wendy Greenwald at
SylvanSkies@aol.com or 503-394-4266
www.alpacas-waba.org
Sponsored by Willamette Alpaca Breeders Association