Missouri alpacas at Stone Bluff Farm

Alpacas are originally from the Andes mountains in South America and are related to llamas and camels as members of the camelid family. They are much smaller than llamas and have traditionally been bred for top quality fleece that is comparable to angora or cashmere.

We shear their fleece off once a year in the spring or early summer and spin it or have it processed into extraordinarily soft, strong and warm yarn. Alpaca fleece is a hand-spinner's and knitter's delight. There is an increasing demand for alpaca in the worldwide market and fashion industry, as alpaca is used in high-fashion coats and suits. Even the military has been known to use it for insulation under wet-suits!

SIZE & TYPES OF ALPACAS

Their height at the withers varies from 30 to 36 inches. Their weight averages 125 pounds. They range in color including 22 color classifications identified by the national registry, Alpaca Registry Inc. The colors include white, shades of tan, maroon, brown, grays (including rose-gray) and black.

There are two types of alpacas as classified by their fleece characteristics. One type, huacayas, have fleece similar to sheep that grows straight out in all directions, is soft and crimpy. The other type of alpaca, the suri, has fleece that grows down in twisted locks like hair. Suri fleeces tends to have more shine or luster to it. Here are Stone Bluff Alpaca Farm, we raise huacayas.

CARING FOR ALPACAS

Compared with other farm animals, alpacas are relatively easy to care for. Alpacas eat grass, hay, and grain supplements for best nutrition. One acre of land can support up to five alpacas comfortably or more with hay and grain supplements. They can be sheltered in open barns through most weather conditions. They do not challenge fences. They do not pull up grass by the roost and are comparatively easy on the environment.

THE ALPACA LIFESTYLE

Alpacas are gentle, easy to handle, and safe around children. Watching the babies (crias) be born is an incomparable delight. Alpacas have brought back to the average family the possibility of living the American farm dream lifestyle, and make a living at it!

The alpaca market in the US has been strong since alpacas were first imported in quantity in the 1980's. Find out more about the alpaca investment potential.

If you are just getting started in the alpaca business, or considering investing in alpacas, we recommend that you visit several farms for a tour of their operations. We would welcome your visit and the opportunity to show you about our alpaca breeding program. Please contact us for more information about raising alpacas or to schedule a farm visit.