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We are very proud of our newest farm member, Awesome's Rosy Megan, who had a wonderful showing at the 2006 Kentucky Classic. She shown as a rose gray, and took color champion! We were absolutely shocked because there were some very tremendous looking animals in her class.

Our little Megan isn't the typical rose gray. The only patch of white fiber she has is the underside of the tip of her tail. The rest of her blanket has a very well mix of brown, gray, and white fibers that produces a very exciting color that is consistent throughout her entire body.

To check-out our current sales list, click here!

The Alpaca Industry

Originally from Peru, Chile and Bolivia, the American Alpacas are gaining superiority with each generation through the use of selective breeding techniques. Ohio is one of three states leading the Alpaca industry, an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds every year.

An alpaca is a gentle natured animal small enough to be handled by most anyone. Alpacas are wonderfully fleeced, multi-colored animals that produce a soft, luxurious, fiber in 22 natural colors that is used in a wide variety of textile products.

Raising and breeding alpacas at your own ranch, in the hands-on fashion, can offer the rancher some very attractive tax advantages, If your alpacas are actively raised for profit, all the expenses such as feed, fertilizer, veterinarian care and the depreciation of such tangible property as breeding stock, barns, and fences attributable to the endeavor can be written off against your income.

Alpaca breeding allows for tax-deferred wealth building as well. An owner can purchase several alpacas and then allow the herd to grow over time without paying income tax on its increased size and value until the sale of an animal.

Alpacas offer an outstanding choice for livestock ownership. They have long been known as the aristocrat of all ranch animals. The demand for alpacas has increased dramatically every year since their introduction outside of South America (1984). This growth is sure to continue as the alpaca gains international recognition. Most of all, alpacas have a charismatic manner, they do very well on small acreage, and they produce a luxury product which is high in demand.

Supply will continue to be limited in the near future for a number of reasons:

1. Alpacas reproduce slowly. A female generally breeds for the first time between 18-24 months of age, is pregnant for 11-12 months, and almost always only has one cria per year.
2. Many breeders retain their offspring to build their herds The limited size of the national herds in each country outside of South America will restrain growth to a small degree.
3. The U.S. alpaca registry is closed to further importation to protect our national herd, which will further moderate U.S. herd growth.
4. Breeders can realize returns of 30% to 70% over time.
5. Alpacas are fully insurable.
6. An Alpaca investment may be depreciated over a five-year period.
7. The Alpaca maintains a high value due to the industry's focus on breeding only quality stock.
8. Nearly 12% of all Alpacas in the USA are registered to Ohio Alpaca owners.

Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It is clipped from the animal without causing it injury. Soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool, it comes in more colors than any other fiber producing animal (approximately 22 basic colors with many variations and blends). This cashmere-like fleece, once reserved for Incan royalty, is now enjoyed by spinners and weavers around the world.

Alpacas have brought impressive financial returns to families all across America, but it's the fun and hands-on nature of this lifestyle that has really captivated people searching for a simpler and more rewarding way of life. Even if you don't have the land and are committed to a full-time career, you can still begin your alpaca adventure by purchasing and boarding at a nearby alpaca farm or ranch.

Alpacas have coexisted with humankind for thousands of years. The Incan civilization of the Andes Mountains in Peru elevated the alpaca to a central place in their society. The imperial Incas clothed themselves in garments made from alpaca and many of their religious ceremonies involved the animal. Museums throughout the Americas display textiles made from alpaca fiber.

Our Farm

After discovering Alpacas through an article in our local newspaper, we began essential research for the requirements for starting an Alpaca ranch. Awesome Alpaca Ranch, LLC, was founded in the spring of 2001 for the purpose of creating a business that our entire family can enjoy and participate in. One of the most attractive aspects of the Alpaca industry is balance between the competitive necessity within any industry and an open spirit of cooperation as each farm continues to build the American Alpaca Herd. Our insulated nursery allows us to breed and birth our alpacas all year round, and is one of the services we offer here on the farm is birthing expecting dams during the winter months.

Our herd started with six animals, SA Peruvian Grand Alegra, PLF Tommy Girl, CPeruvian Olive 1239, HSA Princess Elora, Peruvian Camelia and 7011 Peruvian Mia and PLF Peruvian Bart Maverick. We have since been blessed with fourteen more wonderful alpacas. With the help of our 6 year-old daughter Emily and her two brothers, 8 year-old Will and 15 year-old Alex, who love to show and help train and care for our alpacas. They are truly the A(lex)W(ill)E(mily)some part of our ranch. Please call or click to discover how we will help you build your American Herd.

 

 

DateLine: 3/21/2005

• Awesome Sebastian took fourth (Diamond) and Fifth (Emerald) at the 2005 Tipple Crown Lama and Alpaca Show.
• Emily, our 5 year old daughter took first place in the junior obstacles at the 2005 Tipple Crown Lama and Alpaca Show! Congratulations Emily!
• William, our 7 year old son, took first place in the junior obstacles at the 2005 Tipple Crown Lama and Alpaca Show! Congratulations William!
• Alex, our 14 year old son, took fifth place in the Senior obstacles class at the 2005 Tipple Crown Lama and Alpaca Show! Congratulations Alex!