By Coben Scott
On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, about nine alpaca ranchers gathered to sell goods, entertain attendees and educate the public about operating an alpaca farm — all part of the 19th annual Holiday Alpaca Extravaganza at the Black Forest Community Center.
Ranchers showed off products like ponchos, stuffed animals, finger puppets and baby mobiles. The vast majority of the products were handmade and sourced from the owners’ alpacas.
The vendors were eager to share how they raise their alpacas and what makes the animals perfect livestock. Alpaca owners agree that the personalities of the animals make the job fulfilling; being goofballs and sweethearts are apparently common traits among alpacas. “They’re animals you just fall in love with,” said Carma Jones.
The maintenance of running an alpaca farm is easier than other animals. Alpacas don’t need a lot of land to graze on and because they only have bottom teeth, they don’t harm the land. Owning multiple alpacas isn’t a difficult task, which is a big reason that many people go into the business as a retirement job. Peter Ziek, an alpaca farmer for 24 years, said, “It is the longest and most fun job I’ve ever had.”
The camelid community in Colorado is close; when there are events such as the extravaganza, the county fair or the National Western Stock Show, they all help each other get ready for the show. A camelid is a broad name for animals in the camel family, which includes alpacas and llamas.
Betzy Van Tilborg, a member of the camelid community, said that llamas and alpacas share a symbiotic relationship. Llamas are social creatures that do best in a group, which the alpacas provide. In return, she said the llama acts as their guardian, warding off any other creature that could disturb or harm the alpacas.
Van Tilborg became involved in the camelid business six years ago. Her goal is to introduce a younger generation to the thrill of caring for the alpacas. She said many 4-H members and Future Farmers of America kids participate with the alpacas at the county fair, and Van Tilborg would like to get future generations involved in other events as well.
