Alpaca Trading Post - Suri Alpaca Breeding Company
· AWARD WINNING ALPACAS · · · · · FIBER FIT FOR KINGS · · · · · REWARDING INVESTMENT POTENTIAL · Just one touch ...our alpacas will have you spinning!™
We welcome you to Alpaca Trading Post! (Welcoming Committee - From Left to Right: Bling, Pandora [front], Boodielicious [rear], Norma Jean [right front], Belle [right rear]
Our alpaca farm...
Nestled in the foothills of South Carolina's Piedmont ("upstate", SC), just outside the rural town of Woodruff, the Alpaca Trading Post sets atop the highest hill of approximately 250 acres -- mostly pasture land which overlooks a picturesque landscape of moderately wooded surroundings. Our livestock enjoys the peaceful sounds and smells of nature, as they graze and pronk friskily on pastures adjacent to the Enoree River.
The Alpaca Trading Post is a suri alpaca breeding company, a division of Montjoy Farms, LLC. With efforts to continue in the tradition of quality established by Barreda's Accoyo farm in Peru, we produce award winning suri alpacas, for purposes of supplying the North American market with quality breeding stock. We harvest the alpaca fiber by shearing annually in the spring. Some of the fiber may be sold raw to hand spinners, and some may be processed and sold as roving, yarn, fabric, and garments. As the ~20 year old USA alpaca industry evolves and gradually approaches its goal of reaching a national herd size large enough to establish a viable alpaca fiber market in the US, we at the Alpaca Trading Post strive to become a leader among producers of top quality suri alpaca fiber focusing not on the number of alpacas produced, but on on quality and quantity of fiber produced by each alpaca. Our definition of "fiber quality" includes attributes of extreme luster, density, fineness, uniformity of micron (probably in that order) -- all which contribute to the overall comfort factor or handle of the fiber, as well as yield and profit.
At the inception of our alpaca venture (2002) our plan was to build our herd and diversify our genetic base by acquiring outside breedings from superior suri bloodlines, particularly those from the Accoyo farm of Peru and the rural Alianza co-op (from where some importers/breeders believe many of the Accoyos came). We also appreciate the superior luster, slippery handle and color provided by the full Bolivian lines. Within 4 years, we accomplished our initial goal, increasing our original herd of 9 alpacas to the present day quantity of approximately 30 alpacas with substantially diverse genetics. (A few additions were acquired by purchase and most were produced from our foundation stock.) Thus, we began selling alpacas in 2006, and we have continued to purchase top quality alpacas to improve our herd.
Exquisite fiber produced by our friends of Serenity Haven Farm.
While we are continuing to utilize outside breedings, our focus has shifted from genetic diversity to selection for specific suri phenotypical traits. (A phenotype is the outward expression of a particular trait based on genetic influences, such as stature or style of fleece.) Presently, we are concentrating our efforts in increasing density to our herd's highly lustrous and luxuriously fine fleeces. It is our continued goal to produce champion quality suris with phenomenal fiber, correct conformation, and outstanding overall package appeal ...and with secondary consideration for adding color. From the onset of our operation, our mission has been the pursuit of perfection, and this emphasis remains our priority at the Alpaca Trading Post. "Perfection" means to us not only the ideal suri alpaca produced at our farm, but also the very positive customer experiences created & maintained by us.
Currently (2009), we enjoy the public relations aspects of participating in alpaca shows and introducing the alpacas to the public. As we transition our focus towards the fiber market, we are attending various fiber-related educational seminars and are exploring the world of fiber arts ...having recently learned to knit, felt, "paint with fiber", and to spin the raw alpaca fiber into yarn. Soon, neighbors & family may all be wearing self made socks, scarves, hats, & sweaters ....how green!
We are thankful for the numerous opportunities the alpaca industry has brought us. We've not only met many interesting Americans who share our passion for these beautiful and intriguing camelids, we've actually HAD FUN while profiting in the business of raising alpacas! Additionally, the joy we inherit in spending our daily lives watching and caring for the alpacas, is truly a treasure.
Our investment in alpacas was probably the most positive and pivotal decision we've made in our lives. We have not regretted a minute of it!
