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Alpaca breeders host open barn day in Morrison

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Contributed by: Karen Groves/YourHub.com on 9/18/2008

Alpacas are a long way from their native ground in South America, but area breeders haven't told them that.

To celebrate National Alpaca Farm Day, Kim and Mike Kastner, who own Columbine Ranch where they raise alpacas, plan to host a free Open Barn Day Sept. 27 at their ranch in Morrison to educate people about what it takes to raise Alpacas for fiber.

Other local breeders and owners of Rivendale Farms Sally and Jim Ball, who have a 40-acre Alpaca ranch in Conifer and Barbara and Dustin Lindsey, of Evergreen, will be on hand to talk to people and show off some of the products made from Alpaca fleece.

Sally Ball, who started a herd with two females purchased from the Kastners, said she was looking forward to the Open Barn day.

"Last year we must have had 200 to 300 people and it was so much fun," said Ball.

Ball said she took up knitting a year ago and has made hats and scarves and recently began making knitted felted handbags.

Part of the celebration will real life experience tales from the breeders.

According to Kastner, the income made from breeding comes from selling the males, or studs, and the babies or crias, to other breeders.

Kastner said some top studs in the country may sell for as much as $500,000 to $600,000.

Their herd of 30 is insured.

Kastner said they started with five females and over the last six years have sold 40 to 60. She said she spends two to three hours a day working with the herd and volunteers at her sons' school. She said she is learning to knit.

Kastner said the fleece harvest happens only once a year.

According to Kastner, who is director of education for Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies, alpacas have padded feet with two toes, which makes them gentle on pastures. They don't challenge fence lines. Kastner said Colorado is fifth in the U.S. for the number of registered alpacas, which is more than 9,000.

Nationally, she said there are more than 130,000 registered animals. The local affiliate, Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies has more than 270 farm members with 12 along the 285 Corridor.

"It's a growing industry and we will have an exhibition show at the National Western Stock Show for the first time this year," Kastner said.

Ball agreed with Kastner when she said, "The best part is raising livestock that doesn't end up in the freezer."

Ball said, "They are pretty darn easy, because they are so low-maintenance. The hardest part is selling one, because I get so attached to them."

More info
National Alpaca Farm Day at Columbine Ranch Alpacas. People are invited to bring their children and their cameras, but not the family dog. The event is free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 27, 8857 Jennings Road, Morrison. Visitors will be able to watch alpacas romp in their natural environment and there will be Alpaca products for sale such as hats, scarbes, socks, gloves and mittens. The ranch is off South Turkey Creek Road. For more information, call 303-697-3642 or e-mail kim@columbineranch.com

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