So, you ask. Can I make a living doing this? The short answer is yes, but be realistic in your expectations, and then enjoy the tax and financial benefits of raising and breeding alpacas. That's what we have done. 

Why are alpacas often called "the world's finest livestock investment"? Consider the following:

High Demand -- The demand for alpacas has increased as more people have become alpaca breeders and more consumers appreciate the excellent qualities of alpaca fiber.

Limited Supply -- Supply of alpacas in the U.S. is limited because South American importation is closed and because it takes a while to increase the size of a herd through reproduction. (The gestation period for alpacas is 11-1/2 months, and alpacas typically give birth to only one offspring at a time.)

High Return -- Supply-and-demand also contributes to relatively high market value for alpacas, contributing to a high ROI.

Significant Tax Advantages --See our page on the tax advantages

Insurable -- Alpacas are fully insurable.

Marketable Fleece – Our Alpacas are sheared annually, and proceeds from the sale of their fiber offset the cost of feed and maintenance.

High-Value Animals -- Many alpaca breeders see a significant profit from the stock sale. As in other livestock businesses, show-quality breeding stock sells significantly higher than fiber-quality stock. Prices are higher for high-end seed stock because those animals are much more likely to produce offspring with predictable and desirable traits.

Stud Fees -- Not every male alpaca should be a herdsire, but breeding fees are another vital source of breeders with herdsire quality males.

Easy and Economical to Raise -- Alpacas are easy to handle, easy to care for, and much less expensive to maintain than most other livestock

Low Acreage Requirements -- Generally, an acre of land will support 5-10 alpacas, depending on the quality of available pasture.

Enjoyable Lifestyle -- Alpaca ranching offers hands-on breeders a pleasant rural lifestyle, attracting many young families and recent retirees to its ranks.

Environmentally Friendly -- Alpacas are earth-friendly and easy on the land.

Likeable -- Everybody loves alpacas, and they are great ambassadors for your farm.

Kid-Friendly -- Alpacas provide a fantastic opportunity for children to participate in hands-on farm activities.

Easy and Economical to Raise--Alpacas are easy to handle, easy to care for, and much less expensive to maintain than most other livestock.

Low Acreage Requirements--Generally, an acre of land will support 5-10 adult alpacas.