RIO -- Kathy Albert of Rio grew up saving creatures small and large. She went to college for pre-vet and walked out as a teacher.
But her love of animals never changed. Since 2000, she has been surrounded by alpacas, specifically Suri alpacas, on her farm Heartland "Criations" Alpacas LLC. A baby alpaca is called a cria, and the high school English teacher wants people to know she misspelled creations on purpose.
Albert spent 18 years in education, most of that as a high school principal. She went full time in the alpaca business in 2012.
She said most farmers have Huacaya alpacas, which are fuzzy, but hers look like they have dreadlocks when they are in full fleece, and they have silk ear fiber. She has between 40 to 50 animals at a time.
Her interest in alpaca farming was sparked by an article that advertised an alpaca farm for sale. Albert said she bought the property and her first alpaca when it was less than 24 hours old. She knew it would be three years before that animal would produce a baby.
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When she first got into it, she focused on breed stock, but then in 2008, she started diversifying into fibers. She uses fiber to create items to sell in her farm store -- socks, scarves, hats, gloves, "glittens," mittens, yarn, teddy bears, alpaca ornaments, fiber art and art kits, dryer balls, throws, rugs, novelty items and more.
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"Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, four times warmer than wool and wicks away moisture from the body," Albert said.
She said they process all the fiber off the alpacas they raise, and then they work with co-ops.
Albert also has an interest in agritourism. She said the animals are approachable and have attractive personalities. On Sept. 28-29, she held a National Alpaca Farm Days Open House. The event allowed visitors to shop, get photos and visit with the alpacas and play farm-themed carnival games.
After Thanksgiving, she holds a Farm Store Open House. Albert said she also sets up at vendor events in the warm months.
Heartland Criations Alpacas LLC is also a Harvest Hosts site, a subscription service for self-contained RV-ers where they can make reservations. As long as those coming to stay agree to patronize the farm store, there is no reservation fee to stay at the farm, Albert said.
Albert sells real estate and helps small businesses with start-up plans in addition to having the alpaca farm.
"I enjoy helping people, but wish I had more time on the farm," she said.
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