Alpacas are sometimes referred to as “The Green Livestock” because they are so easy on the environment. Rather than hooves, alpacas have two padded toes on each foot; this allows them to create less soil compaction. Efficient grazers, alpacas consume less food compared to most livestock; this efficiency allows alpacas to be grazed five to six animals per acre. The alpaca’s quiet nature, lack of strong farm odors, and respect for fencing make them good neighbors. Alpaca’s bean-like manure is easy to manage.  Simply rake, shovel, wheelbarrow, and done!  Well-balanced and low in nitrogen, alpaca waste will not “burn” plants, making it an excellent garden conditioner.

Alpaca fleece is a renewable resource; they are shorn once a year and it causes no harm or pain to the animals. Because there is no lanolin in alpaca fleece, it requires less detergent to clean and is more hypoallergenic than wool.  It doesn’t itch!  With availability in twenty-two natural fleece colors, the need for toxic dyes is also reduced. In addition to environmental considerations, alpaca fleece is warmer than wool, as well as many petroleum-based synthetics.

Raising alpacas can provide green business opportunities through sales of breed stock, offspring, fleece and alpaca merchandise. Many of the farms you will visit have on-site farm stores that offer a variety of alpaca products for sale. There are a number of excellent tax deductions available to support your farming enterprise. (For a good reference, see IRS Farm tax code 179).

Alpacas can provide an opportunity to start a business on your property, enjoy substantial tax benefits and raise wonderful animals that are friendly to both people and the environment. There is a certain pleasure in looking out your window and watching your investment grazing in your back yard!

Visit a MOPACA farm and experience the opportunities.