What do you know about Alpacas? We now know more thanks to John the farmer from Alpacas from 8th and Mud

We braved the rain and doom and gloom of the predicted forecast and heading to Alpacas on 8th and Mud Street. as part of our September Rural Routes.

We had a blast. Farmer John lead us around his beautiful farm, sharing his knowledge, telling stories and entertaining us with interesting facts about his life raising Alpacas.

At this farm, they raise Alpacas for the fibre and process the fibre, from washing, drying, turning it into yarn - they do it all plus process for other similar farmers in the area.

At the farm, they have Muscovy ducks, the ducks eat the slugs that carry parasites. If the Alpacas ingest the parasites, it can make its way to the Alpaca's brain and kill them. So the ducks are there to protect the Alpacas from tiny but deadly foes.

Another threat are coyotes. This is one of their guard dogs that protect the Alpacas from the coyotes that will kill for fun and not food.

Photo credit: Silva and Marilyn F.

HUGE thanks to John for spending his birthday with us and touring us around his lovely farm.

Thanks to:

- Silva and Penny, from the farm for all their help and knowledge.

- Smart Commute Hamilton for their support.

- First Student Canada - for their patience!

And of course, to our Rural Routes participants who were brave enough to attend despite the nasty forecast!