Three New Headlines: USDA Grants, Directions and Our First 2012 Baby!!
Sugarloaf Alpaca Company is the recipient of USDA and State of Maryland grants to prepare a feasibility study to determine if we can integrate an alpaca fiber spinning mill and fiber shop and studio into our existing alpaca breeding operation and in so doing create a vibrant agri-tourism destination.Soon many yarn shops, spinning, weaving and knitting guilds as well as alpaca owners will be receiving a survey to assist us in the feasibility study.For more information check out our new “Beginnings and Vision” in the “About Us” section on our webpage or email us for more information.And, as always, keep up with our progress and happenings on our Blog! Thanks, Nancy and Kevin
Sugarloaf Alpaca Company lays nestled amidst lush rolling pastures beneath Maryland’s Sugarloaf Mountain. We are committed to our alpacas health and welfare and our clients success by breeding show-quality huacaya and suri alpacas and providing personalized customer service. Our breeding selections are aimed at producing the highest quality fiber on conformationally correct alpacas regardless of color with a special emphasis on elite black and mahogany colored animals.
We began in 2003 with West Coast genetics from Mike Safely’s Northwest Alpacas and Alan Cousill and Jude Anderson’s Pucara International. Genetics such as Hemmingway, Augusto, Bruxo, Kahuna, Aga Khan, and Royal Fawn among many others form our foundation and we have been breeding up ever since. In 2007 we purchased two Snowmass studs: Snowmass Legacy Charmer and Snowmass Taboo. Both of these studs are out of legendary genetics and possess all of the stellar Snowmass traits such as density, fineness, coverage and conformation in abundance. As you would expect from such highly sought-after genetics both herdsires have numerous awards that represent the e industry’s objective evaluation.
We operate on an alpaca-first basis when setting our farm priorities and practices and continually strive to provide a healthful and low stress environment. From premier hay (developed under the recommendations of Dr. Norm Evans) and a select pasture grass mix to quality water and the layout of our barn, fencing and paddocks, we work hard to create and maintain the ideal environment.
Breeding and raising alpacas can be an intimidating undertaking if you’re not prepared. When you purchase a dam or herdsire breeding from us we will provide you the support you need to be successful. If you are new to alpaca breeding our hands-on mentoring program gives you the option to agist your animals with us and work by our side so that you can learn proper alpaca procedures and practices. Whether you are an experienced breeder or someone entirely new to alpacas we look forward to sharing our passion!
As we enter our sixth year in the alpaca industry we continue to focus our attention on breeding the ideal alpaca. Our expanded herdsire offerings, and onsite herd health management utilizing Nancy’s animal science background give us an edge over many breeders. Our business model has been built on a rock-solid foundation of proven genetics, sustainable improvement and growth into a line of fiber products. The later represents our acknowledgement that without an appreciation of and engagement in the fiber industry we are losing out on what business experts call a vertically integrated business.
