From Bozeman, MT to Your Door.
Where the Trail Begins
Alpacas of Montana was born from curiosity, grit, and a little serendipity. Twenty years ago, shortly after getting married, James and Sarah Budd were searching for a meaningful business that blended their passion for innovation, nature, and sustainability.
After careers in medicine, psychology, and manufacturing, they stumbled upon a magazine article about alpacas—and the seed was planted. What started as a passing curiosity quickly turned into something more. The charm of alpacas, the potential for sustainable fiber production, and a series of uncanny signs led them to dig deeper.
They dove headfirst into research—visiting farms, speaking with breeders, and learning the ins and outs of alpaca care and textile science. That deep dive sparked a bigger vision: to create natural fiber gear that performs in the wild, works hard, and feels amazing without sacrificing the planet.
Patented Yarn
Sustainable Values
Animal-First Approach
Family-Owned & Operated
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of our brand lies a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. We believe luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the amazing people & animals behind our success
James Budd
Owner, Co-Founder, & Product Designer
With a Master’s in Medical Science from the University of Colorado, James went from assisting in orthopedic surgeries to building a performance apparel brand from the ground up. As the mastermind behind our yarn, fabric, and product development, he's equal parts science geek and design wizard. James treats every alpaca like family and loves animals so much he wouldn’t hurt a fly, literally. He’s passionate about creating gear that outperforms the big brands so customers get the comfort and quality they deserve. When he’s not innovating, you’ll find him fly fishing or hiking with his llamas and dogs. If he were a Disney character? Definitely Baloo from The Jungle Book.
Sarah Budd
Co-Founder & Operations Manager
Sarah has been with Alpacas of Montana since day one, wearing just about every hat imaginable along the way. With a background in psychology from Carroll College and ACU in Melbourne, she brings heart, strategy, and a whole lot of grit to the operation. From branding and sales to wrangling alpacas, Sarah thrives on the variety each day brings. She’s known for putting out fires (and occasionally starting them), and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Despite traveling to 17 countries, Montana still has her heart. Outside of work, you’ll find her hiking, camping, painting, or hanging with animals. If she were a Disney character, she’d be Edna Mode. No doubt about it.
Annie Buchwald
Animal Caretaker & Tour Guide
Annie joined Alpacas of Montana in 2021 and quickly became our go-to woman of all trades. With a degree in Ecology and Genetics from UC San Diego, she brings both science and heart to her work, training alpacas, leading farm tours, and helping with everything from breeding to barn cleanup. She’s known for her deep connection with the herd and her ability to make every visitor fall in love with alpacas. When she’s not on the farm, Annie volunteers with injured raptors, hikes year-round, kayaks in the summer, and snowshoes in the winter. All while helping her 103-year-old mom live life to the fullest. If Annie were a Disney character, she’d be Boo from Monsters Inc. Tiny but fearless. Her favorite part of the job? “I love their compassion for animals. Every creature here is safe for life, and that’s rare and beautiful.”
Jaya Knuth
Marketing Director & Brand Strategist
Jaya leads marketing at Alpacas of Montana with a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and a deep love for storytelling. She holds a degree in Business Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and brings a strong background in graphic design, digital strategy, and brand development. Before joining Alpacas of Montana, she honed her skills at a local marketing agency, building campaigns that combined performance and purpose. Today, she oversees everything from ad strategy and creative direction to website experience and product launches, crafting a brand that stands out in the outdoor and performance space. Outside of work, you’ll find her skiing at Bridger Bowl, hiking mountain trails, soaking in hot springs, or experimenting in the kitchen. If Jaya were a Disney character, she’d be Jane from Tarzan.
Jenna Copeland
Shipping, Returns, & Inventory Manager
Jenna Copeland is our Shipping, Returns, and Inventory Manager. Born and raised in Bozeman, Jenna has lived here her whole life besides a few years attending Northwest College to earn her Associates of Applied Science degree in Photographic Communications. Since then, she has gained a variety of experience in different industries. Shipping our amazing products and petting alpacas are just a few of her diverse array of skills! When she's not at work, you can find Jenna volunteering at the Gallatin History Museum, hiking with her husband and German Shepherd, photographing pets and wildflowers, and visiting the ghost towns of Montana. If Jenna were a Disney character, she would be Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon because she is able to adapt to situations around her and retains a healthy sense of humor.
Jenna Patrick
Tour Guide & Customer Experience Coordinator
Jenna Patrick, our year-round tour guide, has dreamt about working with the alpacas on our farm for years. She met Lovie and Pete in downtown Bozeman in 2018 and has since added owning a hobby farm graced with camelids to her bucket list. An aspiring entrepreneur, Jenna has honed a diverse range of creative skills since graduating from Montana State University in 2020 with a degree in graphic design. Most recently, she was a journalist and editor for a national landscape business magazine. Reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals (including two adorable rescue mutts) make Jenna's home somewhat of a zoo. Although she does not yet own a raccoon (that is a joke), Meeko is the Disney character Jenna feels represents her personality best.
Rebekah Kamps
Fiber Artist & Collaborator
Rebekah Kamps is one of the women behind Alpacas of Montana’s handmade products. She is the hands behind the crocheted scarves, hats, gloves, mittens and headbands that we sell. We supply her with yarn spun from alpaca fiber and let her magic take over! She originally started her business in 2008 as a way to put food on the table for her kids when the market collapsed and her husband found himself out of work. She met James and Sarah at the local Bozeman Farmers Market and approached them about a collaboration. Over the last decade Rebekah has added new designs and more variations of her beautiful products. She loves working with Alpacas of Montana because of our hard work and dedication to have the best products on the market. Working with Alpacas of Montana also allowed her to stay home and homeschool her daughters who are now graduated and out of the house. What was once a hobby became a career and we are so lucky to be a part of her journey. Outside of work you can find Rebekah spending time with her family, escaping into the mountains, fishing and playing on her atv. If she could be any Disney character she would be Perdita from 101 Dalmatians.
Fiona Beatty
Tour Guide & Retail Associate
Fiona Beatty grew up with a deep rooted passion for animals and the outdoors. With almost two decades of hands on horse and animal experience, she brings a unique blend of knowledge, heart, and grit to everything she does. Her background is as diverse as it is grounded ranging from running retail stores to backcountry guiding. Before joining Alpacas of Montana, her passion led her to spend two unforgettable seasons as a horseback tour guide in the Grand Tetons, where she guided guests through rugged alpine trails, shared the magic of backcountry riding, and cared for a hardworking herd of trail horses. From sunrise saddlings to late night campfires, her time in the Tetons sharpened her skills, strengthened her leadership, and solidified her belief that life is best lived outside! When she’s not in the saddle, you’ll find Fiona hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, cooking or baking something from scratch, or lost in a good book. If she were a Disney character, she’d be Pocahontas, deeply connected to the natural world, courageous, and always seeking to share the beauty she sees around her.
Julie Webb
Bookkeeper
Julie Webb is our bookkeeper at Alpacas of Montana. She has been with the team for nearly a decade and has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of all the exciting growth at Alpacas of Montana. Her favorite part of being at the farm is spending time with the big, lovable guard dogs, Chili, Hazel, and Finn. Julie holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Southern Utah University. Throughout her career, she has worked in a number of diverse industries, including aviation, gold mining, and film. Working at Alpacas of Montana has provided Julie with a great opportunity to learn the nuances of e-commerce accounting. When she isn't working, Julie enjoys spending time with her grumpy mini-horse named Miss Piggy. She also loves hiking in Bozeman's beautiful mountains, spending time with friends, and pursuing her newest hobby, screenwriting. Moana is the Disney character Julie feels represents her personality the best!
Jill
Chief Morale Officer
Jill is the beating heart of Alpacas of Montana. As our official Chief Morale Officer, she brings comfort, affection, and just the right amount of sass to everyone she meets. Whether she’s gracefully draped around our shipping manager’s shoulders or winding between visitors’ legs with a soft purr, Jill makes sure the farm always feels like home. Her duties go far beyond cuddles, though—Jill is a natural-born hunter with a passion for chasing gophers and keeping the grounds in check. She takes her job seriously, balancing farm security with generous breaks for naps in sunny windows. Loved by staff, customers, and animals alike, Jill is a vital part of the team and a constant reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life (like chin scratches).
Chili
Head of Security
Chili is the head of our Executive Security Team. He is our chief boss man in charge of defending the farm. He has successfully led the team in fending off three mountain lions and numerous bear encounters. Chilli is a great leader and loves his job. Chilli only takes a few days off a year and they are during intense Montana thunder and lightning storms. During these rare times you can find him laying upside down on the stairs inside of James’ and Sarah’s house.
Hazel
Executive Security Team
Hazel is a part of our Executive Security Team. Hazel holds her own as the only female guard dog and makes sure the two boys stay in their lane. She is the perfect low maintenance guard dog who always takes her job seriously, shows up on time and is equal parts expert guardian and expert James’ tamer -- she always manages to get a good pet from him whenever she desires. Hazel is less “in your face” than Finn, but always has a way of getting what she wants. The team would be incomplete without her.
Finn
Executive Security Team
Finn is a proud member of our Executive Security Team here at Alpacas of Montana. While his fluffy coat and soulful eyes might lead you to believe he’s just here for cuddles, don’t be fooled, Finn takes his job seriously and is always on alert, ready to protect the farm and everyone on it. He’s fiercely loyal to Sarah and rarely leaves her side, acting as both guardian and shadow. Once James and Sarah give the all-clear that a visitor is safe, Finn shifts into his second role: affection enthusiast. At that point, belly rubs and generous butt scratches are non-negotiable.
Marley
Executive Security Team
Marley is the newest member of our Executive Security Team, and he’s already earned the respect of the herd. Protective yet kind, Marley is a natural with the baby alpacas. You’ll often catch him sleeping right next to them, keeping watch with quiet confidence and a big, loyal heart. Off duty, Marley lives for deep naps on movie night with mom, raising a little ranch chaos when the mood strikes, and making sure every alpaca feels safe.
Homeboy
Head Llama
Homeboy is our head Llama on the Executive Security Team. He works with the other llamas on the farm to ensure everyone is safe and where they should be. When the alpacas put out a warning call and the dogs give their signal of a potential intruder, Homeboy rounds up the other llamas and makes sure they’re between the dogs and the alpacas as the second line of defense. When he’s not at work, Homeboy loves to go out for hikes with Lucy, a fellow llama friend, James and Sarah. He loves packing and camping, but makes sure to take his daily duties very seriously.