Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days

Name: Celebrate National Alpaca Farm Days
Item: Briarwood Acres
Author: Joce Johnson

Sep. 24, 2024

1:27 p.m.

Did you know alpacas are related to camels? Did you know the Suri alpaca’s fiber is extremely soft and durable, or – as Kolette Newman puts it – “stronger than wool and softer than cashmere?”

You are likely to learn these tidbits and many more when you visit Briarwood Acres, an alpaca and llama farm in West Salem owned by Kolette and her husband, Bob. The couple began raising llamas in 1997. They rescued their first Huacaya alpaca in 2016 and two years later they purchased their first Suri alpaca.

“A love for the animal,” Kolette said, is what set them on their journey to Briarwood. Her descriptions of their personalities are proof enough of how well she understands the animals.“Llamas are more like dogs. Alpacas are like cats. Ours are very social. Alpacas are more skittish than llamas. The males tend to have a dominant personality. The moms are just amazing moms – attentive.”

Briarwood Acres

Fortunately, their farm has continued to grow. Just this past summer the farm welcomed multiple crias (baby alpacas).

The Newmans love any opportunity to educate people on alpacas and llamas. They offer family-friendly farm tours and let visitors schedule time to feed the animals and see them up close.

“They come onto our farm and see what it takes and what we put into raising them,” Kolette said. At their farm store, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the fiber and all of its uses.

For the first time, Briarwood Acres will be hosting a public celebration of National Alpaca Farm Days. All are welcome to visit the farm free of charge to meet the alpacas, purchase alpaca snacks, view live spinning demonstrations, and more.