Shearing day!
Saturday, June 11, 2022 The big day is finally here and we’re ready! As my sister pointed out to me, the reason the day goes as smoothly as it does is that we put in a lot of effort into … Continued
Shearing Video!
Friday June 10, 2022 Almost ready! Barn was clean, and all beans were removed from the areas around the barn. Labels are ready for bags and brownies have been baked. The girls got a bonus beach day at the creek … Continued
Keepin’ it cool
Thursday, June 9, 2022 I don’t feel quite as out of control as I usually do the week before shearing. And I figured out why. Farmer Ed is is here helping! Oh he’s been here as along as I have … Continued
Countdown continues
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Countdown to shearing 4 days. This year, we are sandwiched between two other farms so I need to make sure the shearers have food they can just grab and go. These crews do thousands of alpacas … Continued
Shearing preparations and busy weavers
Monday, June 6, 2022 Countdown to shearing, 5 days. Some check marks are done, more yet to do. We like to get the fencing set up a few days early so that the alpacas have time to get used to … Continued
Fresh snow and more mud 🐾
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 Well, that 4 day weekend definitely brought moisture. The mountains have fresh new snow and we got a good soaking with rain and even snow here too. No worries about overheating alpacas with temps below freezing … Continued
Scheduling
Thursday, March 24, 2022 We have a very tentative date for shearing 2022 on June 18. Much later than I’d like, but we’ll focus on keeping them all cool until that date if we have to. And things can often … Continued
We did it!
Sunday, June 20, 2020 The best feeling ever is when shearing day is over! The day went off without a hitch, weather was cloudy and cool enough that everyone was comfortable. We finished 44 alpacas at 12:08 thanks to an … Continued
One more day
Friday, June 18, 2021 The fleece bags are ready, the name cards have been filled out and the barn is as clean as it can be. We’re ready for shearing day. Today I’ll make a run to the grocery store … Continued
2 more days
Thursday, June 17, 2021 I am so tired of this heat. And so glad that on Saturday we will at least be able to help the alpacas feel more comfortable. I know there are people who call shearing cruel and … Continued
4 more days
Tuesday, June 15, 2021 We now have “beach access” open at the creek from morning til dusk. The animals have learned to self regulate their time in the water and in the shade. It looks like the heat wave will … Continued
We can do it
Monday, June 14, 2021 The heat continues and we’ve all agreed no one moves between 1 PM and 3 PM. There are two things that I am grateful for, number one our nighttime temps will get down into the 40sor … Continued
Go with the flow
Friday, June 11, 2021 A very chilly morning (27 degrees) is a problem for tender plants but not for fully fleeced alpacas. And I hope they enjoy every bit of it because the heat is coming back next week. We … Continued