ALPACA breeding is becoming a serious business among small landholders in WA - and they are celebrating National Alpaca Week this week from May 12-20.
Bridgetown's Dennis and Evol Angelatos, proprietors of alpaca farm Levanda Grove, hosted an open day on Saturday.
Mrs Angelatos said alpacas were easy to manage and a joy to be around. She welcomed members of the public on the open day to get up close and personal with an alpaca.
The Angelatos' business includes selling handmade products from alpaca fleece and olive oil made exclusively from produce grown on the farm.
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) development officer Jodie Bowling, who was promoting a DAFWA-produced alpaca fact sheet, said small landholders were attracted to alpacas because of their versatility and the low impact they had on the environment.
"It has been estimated alpacas are 30 per cent more efficient grazers than sheep and income can be generated from selling animals or fleece," she said.
"Many breeders also value-add by selling finished products.
"Alpacas are also sold as herd protectors or pets."
