Shows and shearing next for Barnstorm Farm Alpacas
We head into spring looking forward to shows and shearing. No babies for 2012. Barnstorm Farm's females are taking the year off to get back on schedule for spring births in 2013. We had a bumper crop of female crias in 2011 — Libby Storm, Phoebe Snowstorm and little Zoey Storm.
Cozvi's fleece takes second at Fiber Fusion
Fleece from our Cozvi took second place at the inaugural Fiber Fusion Northwest fleece event, which was such a huge success that all manner of fiber — even bamboo — will be part of the fun next year. Plan to attend Oct. 20-21, 2012 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Building #400, the Commercial Building. For more information, visit Fiber Fusion Northwest or North Sound Alpaca Association, the sponsoring group.
Shearing takes place in May. Last year, we had the added treat of a visit by photographer Jennifer Nerad, who is working on a book about fiber art. See our Tales of the Farm page for additional photos and more details.
Off to Alpaca Showcase in Pasco in April
Looks like our only show this spring will be the Pacific Northwest Alpaca Association's 2012 Northwest Alpaca Showcase in Pasco, WA, April 28-29, 2012. There will be a full fleece halter show, spin-off and fiber arts fair. Oh, and lovely Washington wineries along the way.
Jasper Storm picked up a ribbon there last year and also a blue ribbon at Alpacapalooza.
Jasper was purchased last summer. Check out our sales and service page for information on other alpacas for sale. Besides their obvious benefits as breeding stock, alpacas have value in keeping pastures down, as fleece animals for knitters who have enough pasture to "grow their own," and as companion animals for other herd animals. The soothing delight they add to your life is pure bonus.
Barnstorm Farm's century-old barn gets historical recognition and dance
Barnstorm Farm's gambrel-roofed barn, circa 1906, was named to the Washington Heritage Barn Register. Some 150 friends (coming from Australia, Oregon, Montana and across the road) joined us for a good old-fashioned barn dance that featured 87-year-old fiddler Lee Stripling