September brings to mind thoughts of school being back in session, apple harvests, alpaca farms…ALPACA FARMS? For the last several years, alpaca enthusiasts have opened their farms and ranches to visitors the fourth weekend in September in an effort to introduce this magical animal to more people.
What is an alpaca, you ask? An alpaca is a South American camelid native to the Altiplano region of the Andean Mountains. You may be more familiar with its cousin, the llama. Alpacas are known for their large curious eyes, long necks and luxurious fiber. Grazing placidly in a pasture, they resemble a cross between something prehistoric and E.T.!
Before you think that you’ll have to load the kids in the car for an all-day drive to the country, consider that alpacas can be raised just as successfully on smaller acreage as they can on larger more traditional farms . . . so there may be one closer to you than you think! Alpaca Farms are popping up everywhere (there are farms in all 50 states and some U.S. territories) because of the ease of care and lack of acreage that they require.
Some alpaca farms will feature hayrides and pumpkin patches, while others will focus on crafts, fiber education, needlecraft demonstrations, and games. All will impress you with their willingness to share their knowledge about this fantastic creature with you!
Since spring through fall is cria (cree-ah- is a baby alpaca!) season, you might catch a glimpse of some newborns as they gleefully "pronk" with each other (one farm in Upstate New York just had a rare set of twins born in late August).
Alpacas and kids are a natural match. Because of their small stature (they stand about 5’2”), alpacas tend to gravitate to those their same height or shorter). You’ll hear the calming humming sound they are famous for. Don’t be afraid of them spitting…they only spit at each other and usually during mealtime!
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to get up close to an alpaca. There are participating farms across the country and you can find a list by visiting Alpaca Owners Association's National Alpaca Farm Days.
What is an alpaca, you ask? An alpaca is a South American camelid native to the Altiplano region of the Andean Mountains. You may be more familiar with its cousin, the llama. Alpacas are known for their large curious eyes, long necks and luxurious fiber. Grazing placidly in a pasture, they resemble a cross between something prehistoric and E.T.!
Before you think that you’ll have to load the kids in the car for an all-day drive to the country, consider that alpacas can be raised just as successfully on smaller acreage as they can on larger more traditional farms . . . so there may be one closer to you than you think! Alpaca Farms are popping up everywhere (there are farms in all 50 states and some U.S. territories) because of the ease of care and lack of acreage that they require.
Some alpaca farms will feature hayrides and pumpkin patches, while others will focus on crafts, fiber education, needlecraft demonstrations, and games. All will impress you with their willingness to share their knowledge about this fantastic creature with you!
Since spring through fall is cria (cree-ah- is a baby alpaca!) season, you might catch a glimpse of some newborns as they gleefully "pronk" with each other (one farm in Upstate New York just had a rare set of twins born in late August).
Alpacas and kids are a natural match. Because of their small stature (they stand about 5’2”), alpacas tend to gravitate to those their same height or shorter). You’ll hear the calming humming sound they are famous for. Don’t be afraid of them spitting…they only spit at each other and usually during mealtime!
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to get up close to an alpaca. There are participating farms across the country and you can find a list by visiting Alpaca Owners Association's National Alpaca Farm Days.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch
58 Old Mill Rd
Harvard, MA 01451
+617-529-8262
harvardalpacas@gmail.com
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm
Join us in celebrating our sixth anniversary at National Alpaca Farm Days. We will be hosting tours of the farm all day on Saturday and Sunday. We will also be hosting a mini pop-up market with other local vendors and various events and surprises throughout the weekend.
Angel Hair Alpacas
66 Wesson St, North Grafton, MA 01536
508-839-9856
imjcmoe@charter.net or Angelhairalpacas@outlook.com
We are available by appointment for farm visits and tours or for access to our on site "Paca Products" farm store.
