They've got the knack-a for alpaca
An open farm event is planned for the weekend of Sept. 29 and 30 at Suri Futures Alpaca Farm.
Now eight months into their Illinois Valley relocation, John and Christine Gardiner began working with alpaca seven years ago in Clakamas County. In January their entire herd of 60 animals was trucked to their new home, a farm at the west end of River Street, Daisy Hill Road, set up as a land trust by a longtime valley resident.
There at the edge of the Illinois River, a group of like-minded people are working to create a functional model in order to satisfy the often-asked question: “What is ‘sustainability’?”
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The alpaca scratch at the soil in places where they congregate, and enjoy rolling in the dust. Work to develop the farm includes improving the pasture, to make the soil less friable, so that it doesn’t blow away. When the Gardiners arrived, the former cattle ranch was covered in knapweed, so John’s been working to improve the meadow.
Seeding and a rain-water collection system are among the improvements planned. The beginning stages of the sustainable model, which includes an organic vineyard, are taking shape.
Asked whether it might be easier or more profitable to farm another way, Christine responds: “Farming for sustainability requires a deep commitment; you have to do it because it’s the right thing for you to do. Caring for the next generation is what real farmers have always done. When it comes from your heart it is easier.”
The animals are sheltered within a large hoop-house style barn, which lets out onto a large pasture. Inquisitive, elegant, and social, the alpaca flock to where John and Christine are tending them, and will investigate a respectful newcomer. Most of the animals have been born on their farm, but some have been bought in.
Christine knows most of her fleecy charges by sight, and calls them by name. “We pretty much know them all by their fleece and face,” she said.
Both members of the camel family, the alpaca and the llama, could potentially interbreed, but the alpaca is more closely related to the vicuña. They are some of the first domesticated livestock, cultivated and bred for many thousands of years in the highlands of Peru.
There are two types of alpaca: the Huacaya, and the Suri. Huacaya fleece stands up perpendicular to the skin like Merino wool, whereas Suri fleece hangs down in thin locks, and is much like silk. Suris are prized for their longer and silkier fibers, and are estimated to make up between 19 to 20 percent of the alpaca population.
Since importation into the United States, the Suri population is growing substantially in number and color diversity. The Suri is bred for the luster of is fleece and conformation.
“We’ve had 14 babies so far this year,” Christine beams. The breeding herd is presided over by 18-year-old “Bruxo,” said to be a legendary stud of mellow temperament. There is also a herd of non-breeding fiber males.
Desirable and somewhat rare, alpaca fiber finds its way into, capes, scarves, blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, and a wide variety of textiles, including luxurious sweaters, socks and coats. The fiber is in demand by the fashion industry around the world
“The alpaca fiber industry is in it’s early days. We’re part of a growing industry for textile production both in the U.S. and abroad,” Christine says.
“Part of our goal,” she added, “is to encourage people who have land and would like to do something economical and productive with it to start with a non-breeding herd to produce fiber and poop, and graze the brush. It’s a cost-effective way to start.”
They’re also hoping to generate a dialog about helping to grow a sustainable economy. In her opinion, the alpaca’s fleecy product is a commodity on par with pinot noir as an economic catalyst.
The Gardiners are now gearing up for National Alpaca Farm Days on Saturday Sept. 29 & 30, as part of a national campaign to educate the public about alpacas.
“We’re hoping folks will be interested in seeing an alpaca farm,” said Christine.
There are some six alpaca farms in Josephine County. The public is welcome to visit the Suri Futures alpaca farm at the west end of River Street and enjoy lemonade; examine displays of award-winning fleece; an array of end-products; and learn about the animals.
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