Llamas,
along with alpacas, guanacos and vicunas, are members of the camel family
and originated on the central plains of North America about 10 million
years ago. They were domesticated in the Andean highlands of Peru more
than 5,000 years ago.
Contemporary North American llamas are bred and raised for packing, wool
production, cart pulling, animal-facilitated therapy, companion animals,
exhibitions, guardians of other livestock, such as sheep and, increasingly,
as FFA and 4-H projects.
Grease-free
and lightweight, llama wool is warm and luxurious. A valuable commodity
sought by fiber artists, such as weavers and spinners, the wool is a marketable
product for llama owners.
The llama show at the National Western is one of the oldest and largest in North America. Don't miss it Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. and on Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. in the Stadium Arena.
(Exhibitors may visit the Exhibitor Premium Book page for entry information)