KDA, state association celebrate Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month; Burlington hosts events

Kentucky alpaca farmers and the alpaca industry add an enriching diversity to Kentucky’s agricultural economy. This month, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Alpaca Association celebrate Kentucky Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month.

‘Baby’ Alpacas growing up on a Bowling Green farm (Photo provided)

“Alpacas provide a unique addition to Kentucky’s livestock communities,” Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathon Shell said. “This unique addition provides economic benefits to farms, including providing beautiful, soft, cashmere-like fleece for various products. This month, I encourage you to visit an alpaca farm to learn about their care and the wide array of products that can be made from their fleece.”

Kentucky’s agricultural economy benefits from alpaca producers because of their focus on fiber and fiber products, agritourism, and breeding for livestock sales and seedstock. Kentucky has more than 200 mixed-livestock...