Alpacas are America's newest entry into the livestock industry. The initial animals were imported from 1984 until 1997 when the government closed the quarantine facility in Key West, FL. Since that time the industry has flourished and now approximates 160,000 in the US.

There are two alpaca breed types: the suri and the huacaya. The main difference between the two is their fleece production. The huacaya fleece has waviness or "crimp," which gives huacayas their fluffy, teddy-bear like appearance. Suri fleece has little or no crimp, so the individual fiber strands cling to themselves and hang down from the body in beautiful pencil locks.

Alpaca breeders come from many walks of life. Increasingly, alpacas are becoming an important source of income for many people. Entire families are often full time breeders.

Virtually every alpaca is registered through DNA blood tests providing the lineage and their country of origin. Alpacas offer an outstanding choice for livestock ownership. They have long been known as the aristocrat of all ranch animals. Most of all, alpacas have a charismatic manner, they do very well on small acreage, and they produce a luxury product which is in high demand.

Shouldn't you consider alpacas as part of your livestock future?

The Alpaca show starts Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 4:00pm, followed by "An Evening with the Llama & Alpacas" at 6:30 pm. The Alpaca show will resume Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 4:00pm.

(Exhibitors may visit the Exhibitor Premium Book page for entry information)