We have transitioned from the field of technology to fields of pastures. While agisting (boarding) our alpaca herd for three years, I gained knowledge by working on various ranches, assisting the veterinarians, developing the market for the fleece products, attending seminars, conferences, and shows, and creating websites for sales and education about these eco-friendly livestock. Alpacas are a smaller cousin of the llama, originating in the Andes of South America. They are a no-kill livestock, raised for their luxurious fleece. http://www.AragonAlpacas.comWe acquired farm acreage near Eugene, Oregon, where we spent a year restoring our 1890s-era barn to functionality, set it up with supplies, and moved our alpacas to their new home. We raise and breed them for their soft fleece, often equated with cashmere. Our focus is on increasing the quality and fineness of fleece (harvested annually) in a range of colors.Aragon Alpacas provides education about alpacas through ranch visits and classes, often in collaboration with other local farms. Alpacas respond well to children, and we use select ones as therapy animals, visiting schools, retirement homes, and community events. In order to maintain a small, quality herd, Aragon Alpacas sells several animals each year as breeding stock or as fiber animals. We mentor new owners with information, education and enthusiasm, and hands-on training.A Spinner's Barn Farm Store & Gallery showcases gifts and original artwork, accessories, and clothing made from alpaca, as well as hand-spun and mill-spun yarn from our herd and locally woven afghans. Some of our scarves and sweaters are crafted in the Andes — we support the alpacas' home of origin while striving to create a demand for commercial manufacturing in the USA. http://www.ASpinnersBarn.comSpecialties: Several of our alpacas and their fiber have garnered multiple ribbons at national alpaca shows. Our animals are healthy and halter-trained, and a pleasure own.