The Kansas Alpaca Association had its first public gathering, “Alpaca Day” Saturday at the McPherson County 4-H building. The event coincided with National Alpaca Farm Days.
The Kansas Alpaca Association’s mission is to “support members and customers with education and the care of alpacas, support quality breeding and marketing of alpacas and alpaca products; while promoting the industry in Kansas.”
Alpacas are small, friendly animals of the camelid family (camels and llamas belong to this family).
Alpacas are raised for their fur or fiber. Their fiber is then made into yarn that makes anything from a sweater to a rug. They are hype-alergenic animals, which makes their fur prized by those that cannot wear wool fabrics.
The animals are sheared once a year, usually around May, said Michael Terry of Country Home Alpacas in McPherson. He said most of the Kansas Alpaca Association farms hire a shearer each year.
“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,” Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Web site said.
Terry said alpacas are clean, socialable animals. They are herd animals and need to have another alpaca or they will become ill. They also bond easily with their owners, much like a dog.
“They find people fascinating and bond quite easily. They are quite smart and want to please people,” a Kansas Alpaca Association release said.
Alpaca Day in McPherson allowed visitors to interact with alpacas from several area farms like Country Home Alpacas of McPherson and Smokey Valley Alpacas of Lindsborg. Pipe Creek Alpacas had live demonstrations on how to prepare and spin alpaca fleece. Visitors were also able to buy products made by the Alpaca Farms.
For more information about the Kansas Alpaca Association contact Jodi Stickney at 620-245-1671.