About Alpacas

Alpacas are part of the South American camelid family, domesticated by the ancient peoples of the Andes and revered for their exquisite fleece, called "fiber," which rivals cashmere in softness and warmth, even in the thinnest garment construction. The alpaca became an integral part of the ancient Inca culture, where its fiber was used exclusively for making clothing for the royal family and elite members of government.

Alpaca fiber gained world-wide prominence during the Industrial Revolution when the British came upon this luxurious material and figured out how to process this fiber on a large scale, allowing the mass production of alpaca yarns, cloth, and garments. This "new" material became popular with British royalty and aristocrats and soon spread throughout the elite societies of Europe.

Today, many fashion designers consider alpaca fiber to be one of the finest materials to work with. It is an exquisite fiber alone, or it can be blended with other quality fibers such as mohair, angora, or silk for a truly luxurious garment of exceptional quality.

Their soft, crimpy fleece is sheared with no harm to the alpaca. The fiber is processed into a variety of valuable retail products such as coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, socks and even accessories for the home. So, what makes this wonderful fiber so sought after?

• It is much finer than wool and is lanolin-free, so it does not irritate the skin.
• It does not wear out and retains its shape.
• It is remarkably stain-resistant.
• It is extremely lightweight and incredibly warm.
• Alpacas are bred in 22 distinct, natural colors for vibrant color choice, reducing the need for dyeing yarn.

A single alpaca averages roughly eight pounds of fiber annually and is sold for approximately $4.00 to $12.00 per ounce! The animals themselves can sell for $5,000 to $40,000 or more depending on the alpaca's age, sex, and conformation.

Alpacas are an insurable investment and allow several tax benefits (please consult your personal CPA for specifics). For example, there is a deferral on capital gains until you sell an alpaca, and many expenses may be written off, such as grain, hay, and veterinary expenses. Also, depreciation can be taken on barns, machinery, and equipment necessary for maintaining your alpacas.

Alpacas are very gentle on the environment and require little space. A single acre can easily accommodate six to ten alpacas, and minimal fencing is required as they do not challenge fences. They are quiet, calm, and intelligent creatures, communicating to each other through humming, body language, and the occasional spitting match to resolve disagreements. However, they generally do not spit at people.

For those who wish to continue the American farm tradition, alpacas make a sound choice. They are a visibly beautiful investment that has not decreased in value since they were first imported to the United States in 1983, and they provide a relaxing lifestyle with a host of lucrative opportunities.