Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days, Sept. 27-28, with Frost Farm Alpacas

What is the biggest question Jeannie Frost gets from visitors at Frost Farms Alpacas? “What is the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama?” She made a sign on site that explains the differences, as both are related to the camel genus. With 1,497 visitors last year, it helped educate the public with visuals.
Alpacas are those long-necked, soft-eyed, charming creatures from mainly Peru in South America. Known for their hygiene (yes, they tend to poop in one favorite spot) and distinct personalities, they stand out in the animal kingdom for more than just their soft fur.
Alpacas are the smallest domesticated members of the Camel family, typically weighing between 100 and 200 pounds and measuring 3 feet in height at the shoulder, extending 4-7 feet in length. Their body length ranges from 47 to 85 inches, with a tail length of 6 to 10 inches. Closely related to the Vicuña, alpacas are adorable cousins of the llama.
In the United States, well-cared-for alpacas have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, longer than their Andean counterparts. Their native cousins in Peru often live shorter lives due to the meat market use once their fiber quality declines around 8-10 years of age.
Some fun facts about alpacas: they have a patriarchal society (led by a dominant male). The females will generally give birth together in a wild herd between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pronking is a playful social behavior, which is along the lines of “tagging” each other for a game of chase.

Jeannie and her sisters run this small farm treasure in Waushara County, educating visitors plus selling alpaca and local products. Recently, they have added classes on knitting, with one more felting class session set for Saturday, Oct. 4.
As a member of the national Alpaca Owners’ Association and the Great Lakes Alpaca Association, this former diesel mechanic and retired Marine Corps veteran has a soft heart for her herd of 14. Jeannie also works closely with the Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce and the Coloma Business Association to spread the word on this unique farm animal.
The main drawback to alpaca farming has been the shortage of veterinarians, especially one trained to work with alpacas. “My closest vet is Doctor Barb Kaspowicz of County Vet in Almond. We need more young people going into farm veterinarian education. In this farming type, you have to learn ways to sometimes help your herd on your own through extensive research,” commented Jeannie.
Waushara County has approximately six alpaca farmers, with even more families that have alpacas as pets. Jeannie cautioned anyone who wants them as a pet to have only alpacas. Alpacas are inherently social and herd-oriented animals that can suffer severely from loneliness, potentially leading to illness and even death. They thrive on companionship, requiring the presence of at least two or ideally three fellow Alpacas for optimal well-being. Keeping them in same-sex groups enhances their happiness, as isolation can result in low mood, poor eating habits, and health issues due to their strong herd instincts.
Alpacas come in two breeds: the Huacaya and Suri. Huacayas, the more common type, have soft, fluffy, crimped fleece and are known for their friendly nature, weighing between 120 and 200 pounds. Suris, with long, silky, less crimped locks, are rarer and more reserved, weighing 150 to 250 pounds. Each breed’s unique fiber suits different textile purposes, from knitting to spinning.
Alpaca fleece is the second strongest animal fiber. Every year, Frost Farms holds a shearing day that is open for the public to watch. The farm collects, on average, 100 pounds of fleece. Much of the yarn is spun off-site and returned to the store with the name of the alpaca. Many knitters secure yarn from their favorite animal every year. Some of the fleece will end up in a fiber pool in Massachusetts to be knit into various USA-made products like hats, shawls, scarves, and gloves. Alpaca fiber is non-flammable and water-resistant.
The store has new wool product arrivals coming in weekly for Christmas shopping. Two new items are compression and therapeutic socks. They have a variety of socks for hikers on the Ice Age Trail, too. There are fashionable hats and gloves for all ages, and soon sweaters for both men and women.
Frost Farms Alpacas welcome visitors for the 19th annual free National Alpaca Farm Days on Sept. 27 and 28th. Jeannie’s Frost’s Farm is located at N650 County Road JJ, Coloma, and is open every weekend until Christmas. There is never a charge to come and learn about alpacas, and children have a chance to feed the herd as well. Any additional information can be found on the farm’s Facebook page or by calling 920-382-7424.