Alpaca Central was established in 2009 with the prime objectives of breeding to improve alpaca fibre quality and to promote education for the development of a viable, sustainable alpaca industry. Jean and Aldo Marascio and daughter Risa became involved with alpacas in 2007, purchasing their first alpacas after visiting numerous alpaca farms and diligently researching these fascinating and unique a
nimals. Their new mantra became “Go big or go home” which seemed to fit everything they did, from the acquisition of the 100 acre farm complete with the century farmhouse and barns, to the expansion of their herd to over 130 alpacas. While they sometimes missed the comforts of the city, they heartily embraced all that came with life in the country and soon established themselves within the community and would never again find themselves with nothing to do! A key component of Alpaca Central’s business model is to continue to promote learning and facilitate education in all aspects of the alpaca industry. Fellow alpaca breeders and fibre enthusiasts are invited to spend the day participating in interactive sessions on genetics and breeding, fibre sorting, classing and grading, nutrition and pasture management, carding, dyeing and shearing. Networking between the participants is a natural outcome of the sessions and value add that further strengthens the alpaca community.
