Alpacas produce one of the world's finest natural fibers in more colors than occurs with any other animal. The alpaca fleece is as soft as cashmere and warmer than wool. For thousands of years, alpacas played a central role for people living in the Andean plateaus and mountains of South America and now alpacas are being recognized internationally. Alpacas are quiet, gentle, intelligent, easy to handle and disease resistant. The average height of alpacas at the withers is 36' with an average weight of 150 pounds. More information about alpacas is included on the alpaca information page.
Alpaca Owners and Breeders in the Northwest. As of January 2004, 999 people in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon own 11,888 registered alpacas. The average northwest alpaca owner has 12 or fewer alpacas on a small, part time farm. Information about individual alpaca owners and farms in the northwest is included on the PNAA members page.
The Pacific Northwest Alpaca Association (PNAA), is a non-profit association of alpaca owners and breeders in central and eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana and northeastern Oregon. Through PNAA, members share their husbandry experience, provide information about alpacas to the public and work together to improve the breeding, raising and marketing of alpacas and its luxurious fleece. Information about PNAA and membership in PNAA is on the PNAA information page.
The Northwest Alpaca Showcase is changing. The Showcase will be held April beginning 26-27, 2008 at the TRAC facility in the tri-cities area in central Washington. The Showcase will continue to include a halter show, fleece show, spin off competition, and seminars. The public will be invited to learn about alpacas. Detail information will soon be posted on the showcase web site at www.alpacashowcase.org..
Consider owning alpacas. Alpacas are hardy animals that graze on grass and are easy on the land. Alpacas are being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and the financial returns from owning and breeding alpacas on a few acres can be exemplary. More information about alpacas and alpaca products for sale by PNAA members is included on the for sale page.
