Llamas are very versatile animals, classified as livestock in most states. They are wonderful companions, great for kids, and fun and profitable to show.
Llamas are useful as guard animals for other livestock such as sheep and cows.
Their fiber can be extremely fine and lustrous, and we breed for llamas with usable wool. We became interested in llamas for backpacking purposes when we purchased our first in 1992. Llamas were originally bred for packing, and were important for transportation of goods in South America. Their tough, padded feet do not tear up fragile terrain like other pack animals such as horses or mules. Llamas make gentle, quiet hiking companions while carrying the supplies one might need in the backcountry.