Triple T Alpaca’s owners strive to make learning fun at their alpaca breeding farm near Foreston. Brent and Beth Turner, who own the farm with his parents – John and Darlene Turner – regularly host farm tours as well as a farm market held from June to October. They also host overnight recreational-vehicle campers on their 40-acre farm. That affords guests ample time to learn about all things alpaca.
The Turners, who began raising Huacaya alpacas in 2018, enjoy sharing what they’ve learned with others, Beth Turner said. They currently have 37 alpacas, with six babies – called crias – on the way. They’re members of the Alpaca Owners Association and have participated in its Mentor Farms for Youth, providing one-on-one mentorship for young people. Adults as well as young people also can participate in private farm tours where the Turners provide hands-on learning experiences. Participants are encouraged to walk alpacas in a paddock or on a set path on the Turner farm.
Triple T Alpaca also serves as a Harvest Hosts location. Harvest Hosts is a recreational-vehicle-camping network in which members can visit and stay overnight at farms, wineries, breweries and other attractions throughout the United States. Triple T Alpaca provides guided farm tours where visitors can learn about and interact with the alpacas as well as purchase alpaca products.
The Turners talk to their “students” about alpaca care, genetics and other general facts about the animals. For example, as herd animals, alpacas need the companionship of other alpacas. That’s important for potential buyers to know, Beth Turner said.
The Alpaca Owners Association notes that alpacas should be kept with their own sex with a few exceptions. One exception is that male crias need to be kept with their mothers until weaning. Gelded males shouldn’t be housed with females because they can repeatedly attempt to breed the females. That can lead to serious health consequences for the females.
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