The Alpaca Business Today
Today US alpaca owners continue to improve the quality of the animals and their fiber. CCF has and continues to improve the herd and fleece quality using scientific resources, University and veterinary based information and breeding selection. Because the farm focus is to improve the quality of each animal, our products are luxurious. Our yarns are soft and our farm knitted and woven clothing show the same luxurious quality. Alpaca fiber is also very warm yet light weight. CCF yarn lots and yarn products are unique to our herd and many are one of a kind by color and/or style. We specialize in natural colors and some color blends. We also have 100% alpaca yarns in natural colors. Additional dyed colors and fiber blends are available.
The alpaca business can be rewarding and enjoyable for adults and children alike. Alpacas are recognized as livestock and can be a farming business.
Many hand spinners are interested in producing hand spun yarns and hand painted yarns; they may be looking for unique roving made from the fleece or for fiber to process their own roving. Others include knitters or weavers that also appreciate quality yarns.
Some farms produce large quantities of fiber and others produce only small quantities. Small fiber producers and large both have a number of choices to sell their fiber products. Some manufactures are using the alpaca fiber in commercial productions, such as Pendleton, Corps are also available to the producer. Specialty mills will work with the producer to create yarns, roving or felt that the producer desires. Regional markets may also be available, such as the Farmers Markets. Some alpaca farms have farm stores that sell a variety of fiber products direct. Alpaca shows are also available in every region of the United States; many State affiliates have an alpaca show every year. There are also brokers and auctions that will provide alpaca livestock sale services.
The alpaca business can be very diverse. Farm sizes across the US are different in makeup and size. Some start-ups may only have a couple of alpacas while other farms may have over 1,000 alpacas. Some farm lands may be a small acreage and others over 100 acres and/or multiple farms. Livestock shelters are also different in size and type. Some alpaca farms specialize in the fleece while others focus mainly on the animals. Many farms have guardian animals such as dogs or llamas. Many resources are available for equipment, supplies and services, some resources may be local and some are catalog/internet suppliers that can ship with a short lead time. Nearby alpaca ranchers are generally friendly people and love to share information or to help.
An investment in the alpaca business should begin by purchasing quality animals and building a quality herd. Additionally buying your first alpaca should also be based on the seller as a good steward and mentor. Alpacas are herd livestock and need companionship to thrive. That means having no less than two alpacas living together. Alpacas can be a great experience. When you decide to take some stress out of your life, and enjoy a country life style add the benefits of alpaca ranching.
