Demand for alpacas has increased dramatically every year since their introduction outside of South America. The American and Australian breed associations each have over twelve hundred members, while only a few short years ago there were none. The demand for alpacas is part of a larger appetite for investment in rare breeds. Whole industries have sprung up around ostriches, miniature donkeys and even Tibetan yaks. Investment in rare livestock coincides with people's desire to live in the country, raise their children on a farm, and retire to a rural lifestyle.
Alpacas offer an outstanding choice as a livestock investment.
They have long been known as the aristocrat of all farm animals. But most of all, alpacas are easy keepers, they have a charismatic manner, do very well on small acreage's and produce a luxury products which is in high demand. Consumers are drawn to alpaca sweaters with just one touch. Alpaca is several times stronger and much warmer than any sheep's wool. The fiber itself is semi-hollow and makes it very light, thermal garments.