About Alpacas of Montana
Alpacas of Montana - An Alpaca Textile Company
Creating and Utilizing Its Own Alpaca Fleece
We are a Bozeman, Montana alpaca farm offering alpacas as well as alpaca products for sale including alpaca compost, alpaca socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, alpaca blankets and alpaca mittens.
Alpaca fleece is as soft as cashmere, warmer than wool, hypoallergenic and almost completely waterproof. Plus, alpacas are the most diversified fiber animals with 22 natural colors, so many of our products are dye and chemical free.
We are a family owned business offering a variety of locally made products from Bozeman. We work with Montana knitters to create custom hats, scarves, mittens, vests and other products- not just as a luxury item, but also as a high quality, soft garment to be used for years to come. We process over a thousand pounds of our own dye-and-chemical-free fleece every year, as well as sell our alpacas throughout the country.
How'd a doctor and a psychologist become business owners?
With James’ medical background, Sarah’s manufacturing background and having raised a couple of dogs and horses over the years, how did we end up with a full time business and 120 mouths to feed? Years ago, we realized that we were ready to work for ourselves put our energy into our own company. We researched restaurants, retail, ice cream shops and service industries, but nothing fit us.
One day James was flipping through a Costco Connection Magazine and came across a couple who had retired, began raising alpacas and after 10 years still loved it.
James enthusiastically came to me with the article and I had four words for him. “What’s an alpaca? No!”
He went back to his office and on the MSN home page was an article from the Wall Street Journal about the financial benefits of raising alpacas. This piqued his interest, but I still was not impressed. I stated, "You did not go to school for 10 years to become a farmer." On the way home from work, we had decided to move on to other ideas.
Upon opening the mailbox, his sister had sent James a flyer with a note, "Wouldn't this be fun?" The flyer was about how to start your own alpaca business. They had never discussed this topic before with each other.
Well, after having never heard the word alpaca before, and then being inundated with the idea throughout the day, I decided we had better at least check into it. We started making phone calls, visiting farms and researching how it would work for us. The more we researched, the more excited we became.
Six months later, we had purchased 8 alpacas.
Now, we care for over 120 alpacas, offer a variety of alpaca products and look forward to many more years of our alpaca lifestyle.
Meet Our Turkish Anatolian Guard Dogs
Our Turkish Anatolian livestock guard dogs are made to sleep, eat and live with the alpacas. Currently we have Finn, Hazel and Chile looking after our herd. We have loved the Turkish Anatolians over the years, as they are affectionate, low-key and tolerant. But, when there is any sign of an unwanted intruder, they are ready and able to keep the alpacas safe from harm.
Anatolians are one of the few guard dogs that can take on a mountain lion in a fight and win. One of our past dogs, Cookie, took on 4 different mountain lions over the years and won every fight.
Because of COVID-19 Alpacas of Montana farm visits are currently not being offered
Normally, we proudly present our ARI registered alpacas to any and all who want to know more. However, with several immune-compromised people on our team, we cannot currently safely offer farm tours. However, you can still see some of our herd with our partners, Montana Llama Guides. Here you can schedule farm tours, packing tours and guided hikes. We look forward to welcoming our community back to the farm as soon as possible!
