Husky alpaca ranch offers Haldimand a unique blend of services

By Mike Renzella

The Haldimand Press

Nestled amongst the vast and layered agricultural landscape of Haldimand, Husky Alpaca Ranch is home to some beautiful animals and passionate farmers.

Located at 2536 Haldimand Road 9 in York, the farm is known for farming alpacas and breeding Siberian Huskies. It is run by Taryn Poot and Rob McArthur.

“We raise the alpacas primarily for their fibre. The fibre is one of a kind. Softer and lighter than sheep’s wool,” mentions Poot. She explains that alpaca fur is hypo-allergenic, has very little to no smell, and is thermo-regulative as each individual fibre is hollow. “Anything that you can think of that can be made from wool can be made from alpaca.”

Visitors to Husky Alpaca Ranch are free to roam the grounds, and get an up close look at the alpacas and huskies on display, before visiting their store to browse through a selection of products ranging from socks to mittens to insoles, all made from sheared alpaca fur.

Alpacas originate from the South American mountains, the Andes. They are primarily from Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia. Appearance wise, they are often confused with llamas, but can be differentiated by size as alpacas are generally much smaller. Also, while llamas are considered a working animal, alpacas are bred primarily for their fibre.

Alpacas are also known for spitting regularly when agitated, or as a show of dominance. Male alpacas tend to be more aggressive and will display aggressive behaviour in an attempt to establish dominance over a herd.