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LLAMA LINGO

Llamas are traditionally from South America where they are used as pack animals and referred to as the "Ships of the Andes". They became domesticated in the Peru highlands about 5,000 years ago, ranking them among the oldest domestic animal in the world. They are a relative of the camels of Asia and the Middle East.

Mature llamas weigh an average of 280 - 350 pounds. Full body size is reached by the age of four and the average lifespan is about 20 years. They are a fine trail companion because of their wonderful disposition and load carrying ability. They can generally carry about 1/4 to 1/3 their body weight. That means that a 350 pound llama could pack from 85 - 115 pounds.

Llama wool is appealing to spinners and weavers because the texture is soft and fine. They can be shorn every other year and come in approximately 22 colors ranging from pure white to black with shades of gray, browns, silvers and reds.

Llamas are very intelligent and gentle animals. They spit as a way of communicating between each other and generally spit over food or as a way of expressing dominance in the herd. Linda Woods, of Saratoga Llama says that if you get hit by llama spit it generally means that you were "in the line of fire". A herd raised Llama that has been treated with respect should do little spitting at humans.

Llamas are no longer considered exotic animals as there are an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 in the United States. They are used as pets, pack animals, sheep guards, entertainers and fiber producers. When you meet a llama owner you’ll find that they love their animals dearly and cannot say enough great things about owning them!

 

Animal Enterprise/Fiber

Ballston Spa

18 - Wendy and Robert G. Smith-  farm enterprise (oxen, reindeer, poultry) picture of a barn.

154 Hop City Rd.

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

pollosmith@aol.com

We have been raising and training oxen for many years and have participated in parades and other events including the county fair. We now offer reindeer for demonstrations, and oxen for exhibit or pulling. We do specialty tanning of hides, raise chickens and sell eggs. We offer tours and demonstrations by appointment.

Galway

19 - Lledge Rock Llamas & Woodside Weavers- (llamas, alpacas, wool) picture of a barn.

Jay and Kendra Curtis

4946 Consaul Rd.

Amsterdam, NY 12010

(518) 882-6928 www.lrllamas.com

Email: jay@lledgerock.com or kbcurtis@lledgerock.com

We started in 1993 as a hobby. We have grown to 80 llamas and 8 alpacas and 1 camel. We raise the llamas and alpacas for wool and breeding. We also feature fine fiber products. We offer packing trips, are available for tours and are open year round weekends. We serve as a resource for information on husbandry and shearing. Please call ahead.

Greenfield

20 - General Bailey Homestead Farm- (sheep, wool) picture of a barn.

Kathy Bourgeois & Family

340 Spier Falls Rd.

Greenfield Center, NY 12833

(518) 893-2015 www.generalbaileyfarm.com

Our historic farm c. 1798 is located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains on 116 acres. Twenty acres of our farm is home to a large flock of natural colored sheep being raised for wool. We operate a retail farmstand and a mail order business offering wool products, knitting & spinning supplies, lessons, and hand knit items. Our business is dedicated to bringing you top quality products at reasonable prices. We are open year round, Tues.-Sat. by appointment, please call ahead.

21 - Timber Springs Llamas- llamas, goats, sheep, fiber) picture of a barn.

Katie Camarro & Jeff Shinaman

315 Wilton Rd.

Greenfield, NY 12833

(518) 893-0277 email: skanlake2@aol.com

We are a small farm established in 1998, with a mission of producing high-quality, well-trained llamas for fiber, for sale, and for fun. We have 6 acres out of 150 in production. We also have sheep and goats. We currently have 6 llamas who are registered with the International Llama Registry. They have great fiber, breeding potential, and personalities. Our farm is available for tours for those interested in getting started llama farming. We are members of the NY Llama & Alpaca Association.

Malta

22 - Dakota Ridge Farm- (llamas, horses, tours) picture of a barn.

Katrina & Gary Capasso

189 East High St.

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

(518) 885-0765   www.dakotaridgefarm.com

Email: llamawhisp@aol.com

On our 42 acre farm we board, breed, train, lease and hike with llamas. Dakota Ridge Farm has traveled as far as Nebraska showing llamas at the ALSA Nationals and tries to attend the Regionals each year also.  We started with Dakota, a wedding gift from Gary to Katrina, in 1990 and have been loving it ever since! The farm was named after Dakota, "the kissing llama". We also board horses. We are available as an educational resource for schools and events. Please call for an appointment.

Milton

23 - Lladybug Llamas- (llamas) picture of a barn.

Kim Scheuerman

1115 Goode St.

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

(518) 884-0265

A newly established farm offering quality registered llamas for sale. We also offer boarding, breeding, and llama walks. We currently have 7 llamas, and about 7 acres in hay production. We also offer a room for rent during the track season or by the weekend throughout the year. Our llama walks cost $8.50 per animal for a 20-30 minute walk. Our hours are year round by appointment.

24 - Spa Alpacas- (alpacas, wool products, tours) picture of a barn.

Kelly and Paul Zanella

7 Paisley Rd.

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

(518) 885-0585 www.spaalpacas.com

Spa Alpacas is home to a herd of over 35 colorful, fleecy alpacas. We began raising alpacas over 4 years ago after discovering the ease of care and investment potential of these animals. We sell alpacas for breeding and show, and offer alpaca breeding and owner seminars. In addition, we offer handmade products made from their gorgeous fiber including blankets, sweaters, mittens, scarves, and socks. Visitors are welcome to call and set-up a farm visit.

Moreau

25 - Forest's Edge, LLC- (llamas, angora rabbits, fiber processing & products)

Paige & Jay Brower

121 Potter Rd.

Gansevoort, NY 12831

(518) 792-7348 browers@capital.net

Our farm is nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, near Moreau State Park. We raise llamas and angora rabbits on a small family farmstead. We sell llamas, llama and angora fiber, and products. Our specialty is fiber processing. Please call ahead.

Saratoga

26 - Saratoga Llamas- (llama, fiber products, tours) picture of a barn.

Tony & Linda Woods

County Rt.

71 Stillwater

584-2854 or 584-5140

Located on 32 scenic acres near the Saratoga National Historical Park, Saratoga Llamas began in 1993 with the Christmas Eve arrival of "Mistletoe" & ; "Yuletide". Since then, our herd has grown to over 15 of these majestic creatures! Llamas have been a true joy in our lives and we love sharing that joy with others. We take pride in the breeding, temperament, and training of our llamas in a first class facility. In addition to breeding and selling these outstanding animals, we also offer a line of exquisite llama fiber products. We offer farm tours by appointment.

 

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For more information contact:

Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension

50 West High St.

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Phone:(518)885-8995 Fax:(518)885-9078 Email: saratoga@cornell.edu