Alpacas are a fleece-bearing animal from the camelid family that originate from South America. Their life expectancy can be as long as 20 to 25 years. Female alpacas are capable of being bred until they are about 20 years of age, having one baby "cria" per year.
These beautiful animals were imported to Canada in 1988, and the industry has been growing since with over 15,000 Alpacas. The province of Ontario now has the third largest population of alpacas in Canada.
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The alpaca is a herd animal of gentle nature. Alpaca fleece is one of the most sought after natural fibers because of it's luxurious nature, durability and warmth, (alpaca fibre is up to 8 times warmer than sheep wool).
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The fiber is non-allergenic and is free of lanolin, so it can be worn next to the skin with very little irritation, and is soft as cashmere. Alpacas are white, brown, black, and everything in between totalling 22 different colours. The animals are sheared once a year, usually in mid May.
Salem Alpacas has been in operation since 2000. It was intended to simply be a hobby farm, for the enjoyment of family and friends. The selection of a farm name was for the purpose of registering future offspring, after all how quickly could only 3 breeding females become a herd? We had not even considered reaching farm status.
As new alpaca breeders we joined the Alpaca Ontario association in its start up stage and as such became a founding member. Over the years we have participated in alpaca shows, educational seminars and events. Kathleen had the privilege of serving 2 years as Advertising Director and then a term as President of Alpaca Ontario.
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The farm is situated on 25 picturesque acres, which was originally set up for horses. Over the years things have evolved, changed, grown and at times taken over with out necessarily planning for it. With 2 additions to the barn, it is now a home to over 30 huacaya alpacas. What was once our hay field has now become fenced pasture. As the alpaca population has grown on the farm so have our products and services. We are a multi faceted operation, with the participation of family from multiple generations, friends, farm helpers, and co-op students.
We have had at times over 70 alpacas on the farm, including our own animals as well as those boarded with us. We have experienced many births, which has led to some exciting moments when more than one baby was born in the same day.
Salem Alpacas has and continues to participate in many of the following: Farm Fresh & Farm Fest with hundreds of visitors in a weekend, the Historical Society Garden tour, this helped promote the benefits of using alpaca manure as fertilizer, it is available by the bag, scoop or truck load. The Lindsay Lilac festival we had a sales tent and alpacas in tow, The Humane Society fund raiser, The Chamber of Commerce Business after hours, The Lindsay Central Exhibition, Communities in Bloom, School fund raisers, and various craft shows.
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We host 5 events a year at the farm, Valentines & Family Day, March Break, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. With guided farm tours it gives the public the opportunity to visit with the alpacas, enjoy children's activities, see the educational displays, and browse the product available for sale.
We recognize the importance of educating the public about alpacas, and because alpacas are an alternative livestock, and differ from cattle and sheep, their handling techniques, husbandry needs, and feed issues must all reflect this difference. Our efforts include hosting seminars on husbandry skills & proper alpaca handling, training Officers from the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on how to properly assess an alpaca, as well as participate as a guest speaker at schools, guilds, churches and clubs.
Salem Alpacas Farm services have expanded as the years have gone by, to now include: the sale of alpacas, both breeding stock and fibre producers, otherwise better known as "pet stock", animal boarding. We also offer support with farm set up and management, which may include; shearing, needling, toe nail trimming, and on occasion assistance with breeding practices.
Our retail store developed from the constant request by visitors for alpaca product. We offer a wide range of alpaca clothing; both imported and locally made.
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In the products we currently carry you will find items of use from head to toe and everything in between including raw fibre, yarn, insoles, socks, slippers, sweaters, vests, ponchos, capes, coats, hats, mitts & gloves, scarves, woven throws & blankets, you name it we have it or will try to make or purchase it.
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Salem Alpacas handmade duvets were created after hearing of the amount of lesser quality fibre that was being stockpiled and even discarded, as it was not suitable for yarn. Add this to Kathleen's desire to be creative and put her 20 years of sewing experience to good work. Salem Alpacas handmade duvets are offered wholesale and retail across Canada.
It is our hope that we will continue to grow, keep the interest of visitors and meet the needs of our clients.
We participate in many shows and have a very impressive collection of ribbons. Please check out our Awards page.
Open Year Round, Visitors
Always Welcome
Wheelchair Accessible
Buses Welcome
