End of an Era: Alpaca Farewell

All good things must end eventually, and thus we decided to shut down the alpaca operation this summer. A combination of changing interests and longer absences this summer made us face the difficult decision of giving farming a rest. We are grateful for 13.5 happy years as alpaca farmers.

A series of "last" photos from June 7. The last beautiful dining done on the pasture. Dark Star is looking regal and elegant in his shaggy winter coat. 

Peggy-O is taking one last nap in the shade at Shady Grove. Her fluffy face is looking forward to a shearing!

Sweet fluff nugget Cherise is happily munching on her favorite grass snack. 

Lounging in the sunshine. 

The last time the ladies are lined up to come into the barn after a long day on the pasture. 

Waiting for pick-up in the barn on June 8. Our friends at Big Pine Acre Alpacas agreed to adopt the three alpacas into their herd. We bought Peggy-O from them in 2021 and they were delighted to have her back with some friends.

Peggy-O insisting on leaving the way she came, by sitting down and not budging!

If we resume animal farming in the future, this is the type of trailer I would love to own. It has two pens so you can transport both male and female animals in the same trip. Cherise gets a helpful lift into the trailer first.

Dark Star is trying to go the wrong direction. A true home boy. 

Final glances, sniffs, and hums from Dark Star inside the trailer. This picture breaks my heart. He was our first cria and a sturdy friend.

Another good-bye from Peggy-O as we load the remaining bales of hay and grain bags into the pickup bed.

And thus concludes our farming adventure, with three alpacas humming good-bye all the way down the driveway. What an amazing experience with the incredible memories they provided! Even though they are no longer living with us, we have hundreds of pounds of raw fiber and lots of yarn to remember them by. Gratitude!

Shady Grove Alpacas - October 31, 2010 - June 8, 2024

Great Pyrenees guard dog - Tenny

Suri Alpaca Foundation Herd - Bella Oak, 'Greta, & Moonstar

Cria #1 in 2011 - Dark Star (mom - 'Greta)

Cria #2 in 2012 - Cassidy (mom - Bella Oak)

Cria #3 in 2012 - The Eleven (mom - 'Greta)

Cria #4 in 2015 - Ripple (mom - 'Greta)

Purchased in 2020 - Ramble on Rose

Purchased in 2021, first Huacaya alpaca - Peggy-O

Cria #5 in 2022 - Cherise (mom - Peggy-O)