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| Alpaca History |
| Alpacas
were a cherished treasure of the ancient
Incan civilization and played a central
role in the Incan culture that was located
on the high Andean Plateau and mountains
of South America. Alpacas have been
domesticated for over 5000 years. Alpacas
were first imported to the United States
in the mid 1980’s. Farms across
the country have enjoyed the benefits
of alpaca ownership and now number more
than 2000. |
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| History of Alpaca
Fiber |
| Alpacas
produce one of the world’s finest
and most luxurious fibers. The alpaca
does not need to be harmed to sheer
its fleece. Garments produced from alpaca
fleece are as soft as cashmere and warmer,
lighter and stronger than wool. Alpacas
come in more colors than any other fiber
producing animal. Spinners and weavers
around the world now enjoy this cashmere-like
fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty. |
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| Alpacas |
| The
lifespan of the alpaca is about 20 years.
Alpaca gestation is a little over 11
months and the babies, or cria, are
the cutest animals you will ever see.
Alpacas eat grasses and chew a cud.
Manure cleanup is easy since alpacas
tend to use a common manure pile. They
are about 36” tall at the withers
and weigh around 150 pounds. They are
easily trained, gentle and great with
kids, of all ages! |
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| Herd Growth |
| Owning
a small herd of alpacas can yield impressive
financial returns. In the United States,
alpaca birth rates have increased to
above 80%. Starting with a herd of seven
animals (5 pregnant females and 2 males)
you can expect to end your first year
with 11 animals, end of year 2 with
15, end of year 3 with 20. It is easy
to see why alpacas have become a stress-free
investment you will love to hug. |
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| Who Buys Alpacas |
| Really,
alpacas can be a great opportunity for
almost anyone. Are you looking for a
fun experience for the kids? These animals
are gentle and fun for the whole family.
Anyone can become a breeder and gain
a great additional source of income.
Retired couples, who have raised their
kids, sold their business and retired
to the country, are often alpaca owners.
Many herds are owned by families where
one spouse has a job and the other manages
the alpaca business. Others are looking
to get out of the rat race of Corporate
America and are looking for a career
change to a slower lifestyle. Thorn
Apple Farm will gladly board your alpacas
as well. Boarding is great way to get
started even if you do not have property.
Give us a call to discuss your particular
situation. |
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| Alpaca Fleece |
| The
value of the alpaca fleece is the future
of the alpaca market. A breeder can
join organized Co-ops for the commercial
processing of the fleece or process
their own. Fiber is often sold to cottage
industries that revolve around hand
spinning and weaving. Each animal will
produce around five to ten pounds of
fleece a year and sells for as much
as $2 to $4 an ounce. |
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| Owning Alpacas |
| Raising
alpacas at your own farm, in the hands-on
approach, can offer some very attractive
tax advantages. If alpacas are actively
raised as a business, all the expenses
attributable to the endeavor can be
written off against ordinary income.
Expenses include normal farm operations:
feed, fertilizer, veterinarian care,
etc. But the depreciation of tangible
property like breeding stock, barns,
and fences are also part of the over
all tax picture. |
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| K2 |
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| K2
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K-2
was personally selected by Mike Safley, who considers his bundled
fleece one of the best he has ever seen.
Details |
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