Heritage Suri Farm Alpacas Shearing Day/Open House
Saturday 4-26-2008
On Saturday the alpacaspace.com crew (the wife and I) went over to Heritage Farms shearing day and what a day it was.
We have visited this farm before and were welcomed with kindness and treated like family as we were this time. Tim Sheets and his wife Beth are extremely nice. They love to share their passion for alpacas and enjoy talking about them. Beth was taking the kids to see the alpacas and teaching the children about alpacas. The kids seemed to enjoy listening to her and enjoyed petting the alpacas. Tim was helping out with the shearing and greeting the visitors.
The alpacas were getting their hair cuts today and allot of people came out to watch and learn. I have to admit I was impressed at how the shearing takes place. The tools used and the differences in the areas the fiber is sheared from. The back of the alpaca (saddle area of a horse) is known as the blanket. This is where the best fiber comes from and is used for yarn for creating items like sweaters, socks, scarves, and more. This fiber is considered prime fleece because it is the finest and has fewer or no guard hairs. For more information on fiber Tim has written a great ALpaca Fiber Article. They not only shear the alpacas they also trim toe nails and teeth if needed. Yep you read that right I said teeth. The alpacas don't have upper teeth they only have bottom teeth. Some alpacas teeth grow faster than others and since the diet of alpacas don't allow much grinding the teeth need to be trimmed. No worries though the alpacas don't feel a thing as the teeth don't have any feeling so this process does not hurt the alpaca and is needed to insure a healthy happy alpaca. The only thing is the alpaca may get mad at you for messing with its mouth and spit at you.
Shearing TableSpecial K Alpacas was on hand with their mobile alpaca shearing crew and tools. Which in itself is impressive. The process they use to shear the alpacas is quit simple. The table sits vertical and they walk an alpaca up to it and strap them in and then lay the table horizontal. This process is like you laying on a table. The legs are restrained as to ensure the alpacas safety and the crews safety. Once the shearing and trimming is complete they remove the restraints and simply put the table back vertical and the alpaca is standing again and can walk away. The shearing takes about 15 to 20 mins depending on the cooperation of the alpaca. I watched about 6 alpacas get sheared and every time the alpaca got off the table I was amazed at how skinny they look, it is site to see. Watching this was a learning experience anyone interested in alpacas should attend.
They also had a few seminars. Tim always explains everything in a way you could understand at any level of alpaca knowledge. One of the neatest things about the seminar we attended was that we were upstairs in a very beautiful old cabin. Tim talked about the history of alpacas and their fiber. He also talked about the industry and how it looked today. His seminars are always informative and enjoyable. He packs in a ton of information and does it without boring you. If you get a chance to attend one of his seminars do yourself a favor and go to it. You will be glad you did.
Also in the cabin they had spinners on hand to answer questions and give advice. I spoke to the ladies and I must say that spinning looks to be relaxing. As they pushed on the peddles to spin the wheel they were teaching others how to do it. It was really neat to learn that they were spinning fiber from the alpacas on the farm I was visiting. The wife and I or should I say the alpacaspace.com crew got to see not only the shearing process but we also got to see how the fiber was converted to yarn. They also had a shop set up in the cabin with finished products to buy. The blankets are soft, well everything made with alpaca fiber is soft. The wife found a grey scarf and had to have it.
Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas is a great place to visit and learn. The drive out is a great trip through the country and the family will enjoy it. You and your family may not have heard of alpacas before but I assure you once you start learning you will become captivated by these animals. My two year old daughter talks about alpacas all the time and absolutely loves them. It is really neat to have my two year old educate adults about an animal that has been around for thousands of years. And I enjoy seeing the excitement on her face when she sees one. If you cant make the drive to Heritage Farm then find a farm close to your house and visit them. You will be amazed how close an alpaca farm is to you. Be careful as you might want to take a couple alpacas home with you.
They were also collecting canned goods for the local food pantry. We felt that we should add this in the blog and ask our readers to follow in their act of generosity and contribute to your local food pantry today. Every bit helps.
We learned allot as we do every time when we talk with Tim and Beth. We absolutely enjoyed the visit to their farm. The hospitality and conversations will be remembered.
Tim and Beth thank you for sharing your knowledge and kindness with us.
Suri Alpacas
