 The
alpaca, Suri and Huacaya, were and still are cherished icons in the
mountains of South America. The Incan people have bred the alpaca for
5000 years to produce wonderful fiber and textile products. The alpaca
and vicuña were also used as a form of currency in the Incan culture.
Some of the first known records of the Incan people's relation to the
alpaca can be seen in drawings on the walls of South American caves.
Textiles made from alpaca and its cousin the vicuña have been dated to
1000 AD. Alpacas were first introduced to the United States in 1984 and
came from Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Later in 1993, alpacas from Peru
were introduced in the United States as breeding stock. Now the
importation of alpacas is banned and the Alpaca Registry is closed to
imports. The alpacas brought here were selectively bred to produce
consecutively better alpacas. There is no "perfect" alpaca but breeders
look to increase fiber production, conformation, color intensity and
fiber distribution. At Pipe Creek Farm, we are continuing this
selective breeding program in our own unique way by selecting
genetically powerful alpacas to produce the next show winning
generations. If you would like to explore the possibilities of the
alpaca in your life, come visit us at Pipe Creek Farm and spend some
time in the barn. We have several Suri and Huacaya's for you to
experience. There are many benefits to raising alpacas such as lowering
your heart rate, as you become calm just being around these inquisitive
and peaceful animals. There is also very strong demand for these
animals as well a defined show/auction circuit to market your animals.
As with many farm or ranch business operations you can deduct the
expense of the alpaca and related items under section 179 in the tax
code. Furthermore, you can insure your alpaca against certain lose with
several large insurance companies. Start out slowly, you do not need a
farm or equipment to start you can always agist/board your alpaca with
us until your barn is built and still take advantage of the benefits.
This will give you time to learn about the business while you explore
the possibilities for your life. You can rest easily knowing that your
animal will receive quality care and attention from us. |
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