• Alpacas are part of the camelid family, cousins to the llamas. They are native to the Andes mountain range of South America, where they were once reserved only for Incan royalty.
• Alpacas fiber has the softness of cashmere and is warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. It comes in more natural colors than any other fiber-producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends), so it is no wonder that the Incas called it "The Fiber of the Gods". Today spinners and weavers all around the world enjoy the fiber.
• Alpacas were first imported into the United States in 1984. The registry has been closed since 1998 to any newly imported animals. There is less then 200,000 registered alpacas in the United States. It has been suggested that this industry will demand several hundred thousand alpacas in the United States to meet the needs of the growing alpaca fleece industry.
• Breeding females have only one cria (baby alpaca) a year. An average of 50% of those are males. The alpaca's life span is 15 to 25 years. Needless to say it is a slow growing industry.
• Alpacas generally have a gentle nature and are easy to care for. They do not challenge fences and although they are curious animals, if one should happen to get out of the fenced in area, you can usually find it trying to figure a way to get back in. They require small amounts of acreage (5-8 alpacas per acre). Just a short amount of time is required each day, depending on how many alpacas you have, to feed them and make sure they have fresh water (a self watering system eliminates this). Dung clean up is relatively easy since they all use the same spot. Sometimes 2 or 3 areas in a pasture. Some type of shelter is needed to keep the animals out of harsh weather. Barns are most commonly used but a 3-sided shelter is adequate. Alpaca's are hardy animals and tend to be disease free. Although alpaca owners learn to do most things themselves (shots, nail trimming, etc.) it is important to have a veterinarian that knows or is willing to learn about alpacas.
• There are two types of alpacas. The Huacaya (pronounced wah-ky-ah) is the most common type. Huacaya's have a teddy bear like fiber. It is dense, crimpy and soft fiber. About 90% of all alpacas are huacayas. The other type of alpaca is the Suri (pronounced surrey). The suri is very rare and a unique animal. It has a rope like twisted lock structure that resembles dreadlocks. If not shorn these "pencil" locks can reach the ground. The suri's extraordinary luster and silkiness of the fleece make this animal highly sought after.
• Alpacas have been called "the world's finest livestock investment"! Unlike the stock market, alpacas are depreciable over 5 years, and unlike the stock market, which has risen and fallen over the past years, alpaca prices have been stable. Alpacas are 100% insurable. Starting with just three bred females could result in a herd size of 20 alpacas in five years, assuming half of the offspring are female and half are male. At an average value of, $5,000 for males and $15,000 for females, your original investment of $45,000 would be worth $180,000 in 5 years. This analysis was taken from the Great Lakes Alpaca Association; which brings up another great reason to invest in the alpaca business. In the 90's national and regional organizations like AOBA an GLAA were formed. You can learn everything about alpacas from showing, training, to where the nearest alpaca farm or ranch in your area is just by visiting their websites. Through ARI (Alpaca Registry), created in 1988, the animals are registered and their pedigrees documented by DNA testing. The AFCNA (Alpaca Co-op) is also becoming a strong organization. This where you can send your fleece to be made into yarns and clothing. They are still building and growing with over 1000 members.

We could go on and on about all the great reasons to invest in the Alpaca Industry. The best way to learn is by going to some farms or ranches near you and putting your hands on these wonderful animals. Most alpaca owners in our opinion are friendly, helpful and more than happy to spend the day showing you their critters and helping you decide what the best avenue for your lifestyle is. Whether you would like to start your own farm and raise them yourself, board your animals on another farm so you do not have to deal with the day to day care or to just buy a few 4-h friendly alpacas for your own fiber use or as pets! We are sure you'll be happy you jumped into the wonderful world of alpacas!