WAVERLY - Several area alpaca farms will have open houses this weekend in honor of the second National Alpaca Farm Days.
Alpacas
have been in the United States for about 25 years, said Ben Morgan,
co-owner of Morgan's Fortunato Farm at 122 Fortunato Lane, Waverly,
about 14 miles east of Parkersburg,
off of U.S. 50. The animals, in the
same family as camels and illamas, have been becoming popular in the
country because their gentle nature and fiber coat used to make
sweaters, blankets, gloves and other items.
"It's a pretty knew
industry (in the United States) so people are just starting to learn
about them," said Beth Andexler, co-owner of Cerro Rodante. Her farm
had an open house Saturday.
She said Ohio has more alpaca farms than any other state.
Morgan said the region has about 30 alpaca farms.
"It's
a wonderful business. We plan on keeping them forever," Morgan said. He
started the alpaca farm with his wife, Gena, about five years ago. They
had five or six alpacas when they started.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
today, the farm will welcome visitors to see the alpacas, including
six-day old Findley, drink cider and view the farm store, Ben Morgan
said. The store includes alpaca yarn made from the fiber of his
alpacas, honey, and clothing items made from alpaca fiber.
"We did it last year and we had a good turn out," he said. "People love to bring their kids."
Gena Morgan said she enjoys taking care of the alpacas.
"They're very entertaining" and easy to care for, she said.
Andexler said her husband and her have stressful jobs and find the alpacas relax them.
"They're very gentle... They hum," Andexler said. "I love coming home to the animals."
Shepherds
Cove Alpacas will participate in National Alpaca Farm Days today from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will be welcome to visit the farm at 3701 Duck
Creek Road in Lower Salem, off exit 6, about 6 miles north of Marietta.
The farm's alpacas will also be at this weekend's Barlow Fair in the sheep barn.
Gena Morgan and Andexler said the farms are available for tours during the year.
