Uinta Alpacas is first and foremost a teaching farm. We love introducing people to these wonderful and unique animals.
Our second love is to provide a sanctuary for our older farm residence, a place that they can live out their lives in comfort and safety. In the farming industry, so many older animals are sold or processed into meat. That breaks our hearts and that is why we are doing things a little differently. If you are interested in supporting our vision follow the link below. Thank You!
Link: Support Our Vision! You can also show your support by shopping in our online store.
We live in beautiful Willard, UT at the base of the Wasatch Mountains that are part of the Uinta Mountain range.
People ask us all the time what does Uinta mean?
Pronounced U IN TA
According to Karren Burton, the author of "A History of Uinta County", It refers to land at the edge of pines, streams and water and also living high up where the timber grows. Well that describes us perfectly. 1/2 mile to the east rise amazing mountains and 1/2 mile to the west is Willard Bay a fresh water lake at the edge of the Great Salt Lake. We are literally surrounded by mountains, trees and water.
Our story begins in the mid 1980's while attending OSU. Robert was pursuing his doctorate when I discovered alpacas while working at the Vet School as a large animal technician. I fell in love with these amazing animals immediately and wanted to make them part of our lives. It took 25 years to make it a reality, and for the last 16 years we have been living and loving the alpaca life style which started for us in 2005. We truly love these curious and wonderful animals.
Let me introduce us. My name is Suzie and my specialty is Animal Husbandry and education. I have experience in veterinary medicine that spans more than 30 years. My passion is humane farming practices and helping people learn how to take wonderful care of their alpacas. I have served for many years in various Board of Director roles for IMpaca, the Intermountain West Alpaca Association, an Affiliate of AOA. Robert, also known as Farmer Robert, is an Environmental Scientist that currently works for the Bureau of Reclamation as a Hydrologist. He loves the alpacas as much as I do and is involved in everything that goes on here at the ranch. His background has proven invaluable in our effort to have a, natural fiber farm, that uses sustainable agricultural practices.
Our farm started very very small and on a shoestring budget. Our friends will tell you that we do not do anything fast, in fact some say we move at a glaciers pace. This farm has grown slowly, and steadily, and is a living testament to the fact that you can start an alpaca ranch modestly and small and let your business grow slowly along with your knowledge and involvement in the industry. You don't have to be rich or go deep into debt, but you have to be focused and work smart. We have remained steady and strong in our business plan. We feel there are many avenues to 'getting into' the alpaca industry and doing well, there is not just one model.
We love Natural fiber production where we follow a sustainable farming model. Alpacas are extremely environmentally kind, there is no waste, they are completely sustainable throughout their life. That is what makes alpaca farming really exciting from an eco-friendly stand point. Especially at this time when environmental concerns are on everyone’s minds.
We are committed to being good mentors for our clients and strive to help and support them every step of the way as they enter alpaca farming. We are their greatest cheer leaders and celebrate their growth.
Alpacas are a pretty easy livestock to raise, but they are just different enough that it can feel like a pretty big learning curve when you are just starting out, especially if you are doing it on your own. LUCKILY you don’t have too! We would love to share our knowledge with you. At Uinta Alpaca Ranch, you will enjoy an honest and down-to-earth approach at the raising alpacas for business or pleasure.