Fair Acres Alpaca Farm

History

Fair Acres Alpaca Farm, a 5th generation family farm nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia is home to us and our alpacas.  Sweet, gentle alpacas now bring new life to this almost 200 year old farm.  This old family farm has become a place where memories are made for our children and grandchildren as well as siblings and their families.

In years past, the farm was a traditional farm with dairy cows providing much needed and sought-after milk, cheese and related, necessary dietary products.  Beef cattle and sheep filled the hillsides. Fresh ham and bacon from the many hogs in their pens were delightful staples around the farm.  Tobacco represented a vital profit crop.  Corn stalks towered over our heads and were weighted down with scrumptious ears that were more than suitable for man and beast. Golden fields of wheat that swayed gently in the summer breeze could have inspired Van Gogh!  Harvest time was a favorite for all the family. 

Today, beef cattle casually graze on about 200 sumptuous acres of pastureland, and 4 acres of ideally suited land are used to raise 20-25 prize-winning alpacas.

Caring for the Alpacas

Our alpacas are sheared once a year in May.  From each alpaca, we get 7-10 pounds of soft, luxurious fiber.  (Alpacas have 22 natural colors of fiber - more than any other animal.)  Once we have "skirted" or partially cleaned the fiber, the best is sent to mills to be made into yarn or to our alpaca farmer's co-op to be made into wonderful gloves, socks, scarves and toboggans which we market to sustain the farm.

Sharing with the Community

Family Farm Day takes place once a year when we open our farm to the public.  Traditional farming activities featured during this amazing fun time include

• apple butter making in a copper kettle,
• hayrides,
• spinning and dyeing of alpaca fiber,
• gospel music and, of course,
• visits with the alpacas.

Folks from far regions schedule visits to our farm several times each year.  The happy looks on faces of excited youngsters and controlled anticipation evidenced by responsible adult leaders always brighten our day when these visitors anxiously arrive to explore all the wonders our farm has to offer.  These eager crowds encompass

• school groups,
• scouts,
• 4-H,
• civic clubs, and
• ·others

who frequent the farm looking forward to being educated and entertained. 

We are happy to accommodate groups or individuals with advance notice. 

Our Passion

Continuing to operate and sustain a historic family farm is our goal and desire as well as honoring the legacy of hard-working parents and grandparents that have gone before us.

Get in Touch with Us

We have a presence on Facebook; so, that's a good place to communicate with us as well as at [email protected].