There’s no denying it’s been a hot summer on the farm.  You may be wondering how our alpaca cope with the heat – Surprisingly they adapt.  Mountainous animals, alpaca thrive in cold weather, in their native lands they would be in mountains and the rough rocky terrain of cliff-sides and outback topography.  In southern Ontario it’s noticeably different, and while Prince Edward County is known for exceptional terroir for grape growing, alpaca too find the limestone fields, surprisingly conducive to day-to-day grazing.  The heat however can slow them down as they move from paddocks to fields. 

First thing in the morning we set-up our sprinklers or cooling ponds in the paddocks and let the alpaca wander in and out of the refreshing water to keep cool.  Alpaca fibre has a wicking property that once wet, actually acts as a coolant against the alpaca body, making it more bearable in extreme heat.  Once they pass through the sprinklers – its off to the fields for grazing and snoozing…..after all – it’s summertime and the living is easy….

That wicking property is one of the most enduring qualities of alpaca along with the warmth and breathable loft of alpaca fibre.  That’s why alpaca is so cherished for items such as socks, mittens, wraps and scarfs. The abundant warmth provided is enhanced by the light and airy feeling, not its heaviness.  The wicking allows moisture to escape, and keeps us warm without sweating.  It really is an amazing fibre.

As we head into the dry-hot days of August we still enjoy lightweight alpaca socks, and for those evenings the luxurious loft of an alpaca wrap can’t be beat!  Anytime of the year - alpaca is a suitable choice!