Text and photos by Karen Olson House, September 2010
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After a couple of calls from Teresa, they slowly approach. When they reach her, these two-toed creatures are bunched fuzzily together, weaving slightly, softly humming and staring inquisitively at a visitor. Their bemusing ability to seem, simultaneously, both elegant and geeky only adds to their charm.
Enticingly, each is also very much his or her own. Here at Caraway Alpacas near Asheboro, Ann Poole and Teresa and Mike Johnson acknowledge their charges’ individuality with wide smiles. “They are as different as people in looks and temperament,” says Ann. “Lars wants you to stay in the pasture with him. Bodie loves glasses and shiny earrings. Rudy will pick with him. And they’re all curious about Jonas [a Chihuahua on the farm].”
Kin to camels and llamas, these exotic South American expatriates were first imported to the U.S. in 1984. Their gentle, intelligent nature makes them good farm pets, but they are chiefly raised because of their luxurious fleece. Owners sell it profitably as raw fiber, washed and carded fiber, and yarns. A smaller number also make and sell finished handmade products.
Alpaca fiber is silky soft, stronger, lighter and warmer than wool. It comes in 22 natural shades and is naturally hypoallergenic. People sensitive to wool can wear alpaca apparel comfortably.
The vast majority of alpacas in the U.S. are registered with Alpaca Registry, Inc., a database containing genealogy, blood typing and ownership records. Importation in the U.S. ceased in 1998 to protect the national herd’s quality and value. Since then, the limited supply has fueled ownership interest. Carolina Alpaca Breeders and Owners lists 55 North Carolina member farms, but the actual farm owner count in the state is believed to be at least 70.
There are two breed-types of alpacas: the more common Huacaya (pronounced “wah-KI-ya) and the Suri (“surrey”). Huacayas sport wavy or crimped fleece. Suris’ fleece clings in hanging pencil locks.
The cost to buy an alpaca varies widely depending on fleecing, conformation, bloodlines, breeding history, age and gender, as well as the economy. Commonly, prices range from $500 up to $25,000. Owners raise their alpacas themselves or place them with established breeders.
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