Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/27/2009 11:19 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 09/27/2009 11:22 PM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
Alpaca Farm Days at RanchoNC Alpaca Farm, Valley Springs~ By Tammy Beilstein
Valley Springs, CA.... Alpaca Farm Days is a nationwide event, held this year on September 26th and 27th. On this weekend, alpaca farms all over the country are open to the public offering free tours to anyone interested in learning more about these gorgeous animals. Our local alpaca farm, RanchoNC Alpacas in Valley Springs, is normally open to the public and was pleased to use this opportunity to increase awareness of alpacas and introduce people to the satisfying and gratifying lifestyle of operating an alpaca farm.....
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When asked about the name RanchoNC Alpacas, owner Brenda Barboza, said, “That literally means ‘Ranch of new beginnings’.”
Brenda and her husband David met in South America at an International Alpaca Judging school in 2001. David, a firefighter, became interested in alpacas in 1997 when his sister asked him to help her during one of her alpaca shows. Brenda, who was born in British Columbia, was raised around horses and other livestock and became an alpaca breeder while still living in Canada. The two met in Peru, became friends, fell in love and married in California where they settled down to make their ‘new beginning’ in Valley Springs.
Together, Brenda and David have over 18 years of experience in all areas of alpacas.
We began our tour of RanchoNC Alpacas inside the Farm Store. There, Brenda introduced us to the Del Oro Spinners Guild, a group of women interested in utilizing the dense, but fine and silky fleece of the alpaca. Alpaca fleece is naturally found in 22 colors, can be blended into an infinite number of natural shades, and can be easily dyed to any hue imaginable. Alpaca fleece is famous for retaining its strength, luster and resiliency.
Inside the Farm Store are many alpaca fleece items for sale including hats, socks, purses, scarves, sweaters and the softest alpaca toys and teddy bears we have ever felt! They are indescribably smooth, silken and fluffy…
Just steps away from the Alpaca Farm Store is the large alpaca barn. This was a hot day, so most all the alpaca were inside the barn, cooled by fans and a misting system. Brenda explained how the misting system works, why it is so important to keep the barn cool but not moist, and said she and her husband designed this farm to be a ‘green’ farm complete with solar power.
An expert on alpaca, Brenda was able to answer every question we had about the animal. She told us alpacas come from the high-plains areas of Peru and Chile, and that the main differences between alpacas and llamas are their size and the quality of their fleece fiber.
Alpacas usually stand about 4-5 feet tall, while llamas stand about 5-6 feet tall. There is also a large disparity in weight, with llamas weighing in about 100 pounds heavier than an alpaca. Neither alpacas nor llamas are meant to be ridden.
Alpacas are herding animals and are most happy when in the company of other alpacas. Because of this, RanchoNC Alpacas prefer to sell their alpacas in sets of two or more. The price of alpaca covers a vast range depending on the alpacas color, fleece quality, age and gender. On average, females sell for more than males, but breeding quality males command the highest individual prices.
The average price of feeding and caring for an alpaca is a very inexpensive $18 per month. Alpaca do not eat much and this is mainly the cost of hay and pellets used to supplement the nutrients and minerals lacking in hay.
RanchoNC Alpacas is big on after-sale support. They are always on hand to offer tips and advice, and they invite their alpaca’s new owners to attend the seminars held twice per year inside the RanchoNC Alpacas large, on-site meeting room. “We are in this for the duration”, said Brenda.
RanchoNC Alpacas is located on 5 acres at 50 Duck Creek Court in Valley Springs. The farm is usually open to visitors 7 days a week, but it is best to call ahead of your arrival.
To contact owners Brenda or David Barboza at RanchoNC Alpacas, please call (209) 772-3918. You may also visit their website at www.ranchonc.com.
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