NEWS RELEASE
alpaca
ONTARIOInc
Established in 2001 by a handful of Alpaca enthusiasts to
create a stronger co-operative relationship between Alpaca
Farms in this dynamic new industry.
Mission Statement
Alpaca Ontario represents the collective interests of Alpaca Owners and Breeders in
Ontario to actively promote the awareness of the Alpaca and related fibre industry
encourage through education the highest quality Alpaca husbandry and breeding
practices and foster interaction among its members.
www.alpacaontario.org
alpaca
ONTARIO
In its first year of operation, run totally by volunteers, it
has enjoyed an impressive launch and supportive role for its
members.
 The first Alpaca Show in Eastern Canada held in Carp
(Ottawa), with 52 Alpacas entered from 12 different farms,
emphasized the quality of good breeding and the
professionalism of show participation.
 Alpaca Ontario website, www.alpacaontario.org where all member
farms are identified and links to educational sites are
based.
 Participation in the Royal Winter Fair as an organization
to co-operatively promote the Alpaca industry in Ontario.
 A promotional flyer for individual farms and support for
the organization.
 A bi-annual newsletter sent to members and prospective
members and posted on the website for all visitors.
 Committee action to include alpacas in the research
pertaining to government legislation affecting the farming
community in Ontario.
 Plans for upcoming educational seminars for the
membership.
www.alpacaontario.org
BACKGROUNDER
Alpacas
Alpacas…luxurious fibre bearing animals, as valuable
as pedigreed horses. The luxurious fibre bearing alpaca has
found its foothold in Ontario. Alpacas are new to Ontario and
were only introduced to North America within the past 15
years. The industry is growing with approximately 50 farms in
Ontario, home to about 900 alpacas.
An earth friendly and endearing animal native to South
America, the alpaca’s arrival on the Canadian agricultural
scene has meant an enjoyable lifestyle with sizable profit
potential for breeders.
These intelligent, fluffy, shy animals can cost between
$ 5000 - 25,000 or more. Alpacas are a sizable investment,
but returns on alpaca farming can be rewarding with the sale
of offspring as well as products from their luxurious fleece.
Alpacas produce one of the worlds finest and most sought
after specialty fibres; cashmere like, and long prized in
European fashion circles. International demand for alpaca
fibre exceeds its supply, and Canadian alpaca farmers hope to
capitalize on a growing market for this luxury fibre known
for its fineness, light weight, lustre, strength, and huge
range of natural colours.
Raising alpacas is a viable diversification for existing
farmers. However, most new participants to this alternative
farming opportunity come from a variety of professional
backgrounds-business people, medical doctors, teachers and
lawyers. They are looking to enjoy the rural lifestyle,
raise animals that are fun to look after, are raised purely
for their silky fleece and not for meat, and that have the
potential for a good profit. Alpaca farming is ideal for a
stay-at-home parent, or for active retired people. Many
people combine alpaca farming with work off the farm.
Alpaca Ontario has enjoyed the participation of this broad
spectrum of members working together to promote the alpaca
industry in Ontario.
www.alpacaontario.org
History
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Native to the Andes region of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile in South America &
domesticated for over 5,000 years
Member of the Camel family (includes camels, llamas, guanacos and vicunas)
First allowed into North America in the early 1980’s
North American population of approx. 53, 000 animals, with about 13,500 in
Canada, and approx. 900 in Ontario
Temperament & Care
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Endearing, intelligent, curious, gentle and sociable
Can be easily halter trained
Weigh 100 to 180 lbs.
High aesthetic appeal, ideal show animal
Easy to care for and safe with children
Hardy, and healthy: life span of approximately 20 yrs.
Husbandry
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Alpacas are ruminants requiring hay and pasture
1 acre suitable pasture can sustain 5-8 animals
Their padded toes are easy on the pasture
Alpacas produce one offspring (cria) per year
Need winter protection (barn)
Need predator proof fencing
Need annual shearing in spring
Additional Information
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Females sell for $5,000 to $25,000; top quality studs can sell for more
Males not suitable for studs are sold as farm pets for approximately $ 1000
Alpacas are ideal for small acreages
Alpacas are insurable
There are income tax advantages to raising alpacas
www.alpacaontario.org
Alpaca Fiber
Advantages Over Wool
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Several times the thermal properties of wool
Much stronger than wool – after mohair, alpaca is the strongest natural fibre
Garments are warmer, lighter, softer, silkier & more lustrous than wool
Many people who find wool prickly, can comfortably wear alpaca
Naturally coloured in twenty-two shades – no dyeing required!
Considered a luxury fiber worldwide and an excellent natural material for the
Canadian climate
Fiber Production
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Fiber quality is heritable and selective breeding practices enhance the desired
qualities
Alpacas produce five to eight pounds of fleece annually
Raw alpaca fleece ranges in price, up to $50 per pound and can be sold to hand
spinners after carding for up to $60 per pound.
Finished yarn sells for up to $160 per pound
Germany and Italy’s high fashion industry are large consumers of alpaca fleece
Canadian demand is primarily through a cottage industry of spinners, weavers
and knitters who produce woven or knitted products
Consumer demand is expected to remain strong due to a trend towards high
quality natural fibers
The Canadian alpaca industry is not yet able to support large-scale commercial
fiber processing due to the limited number of animals
A newly formed Canadian Camelid Co-operative facilitates processing of fleece
into finished products such as yarn, fabric, duvets, felt, socks and blankets.
www.alpacaontario.org