By Cindy Berman Morrow
Many people are drawn to raising alpacas because it is a business the whole family can take part in. Alpacas have soft, padded feet and a generally calm, curious nature. While proper handling remains important, these traits make them manageable livestock for youth working alongside experienced adults.
In many Andean communities, alpaca care is a shared family responsibility rooted in generations of knowledge and tradition. Families monitor herds, manage grazing, and care for animals in environments that can be both rugged and unpredictable. Women and children often play a central role in herding and fiber work, including sorting, spinning, and creating textiles used within the household or for local markets. Skills pass from one generation to the next, connecting families to both the animals and the land.
In North America, that same hands-on involvement continues. Youth help care for alpacas through daily responsibilities such as feeding, cleaning pens, assisting with herd health checks, and learning proper handling techniques. Many also take part in shearing, fiber sorting, and preparing fleece for use or sale. These experiences build practical skills, responsibility, and a strong understanding of animal care.
Some youth also participate in alpaca shows, where they develop handling skills and showcase their work. For many families, however, day-to-day care is where learning begins.
Alpacas were first commercially imported into the United States in 1984. Since then, alpacas have become a long-term investment for many families, with operations often passed from one generation to the next.
The Ball Family
In 2005, Karen Ball’s father saw an advertisement titled “I Love Alpacas” promoting the alpaca industry and suggested she explore raising them for her homeschooled children. With a background in horses, Karen felt it would be a good fit.
That same year, she purchased her first alpacas.
“I started my alpaca business during a difficult divorce,” Karen said. “At the time, it was going to be a project for my kids. Later, I met my now-husband, Russell Ratti, in 2009. After the unexpected passing of his wife, Susan, our shared path began.”
In 2010, the family combined their herds and started raising alpacas full-time with the help of their five children, forming Heart & Soul Alpacas in Whitehall, Montana.
At the time, Sam Swink, 6; Ben Swink, 12; Kae Ratti, 13; Joe Swink, 13; and Josh Swink, 14, were all involved in the business. The children learned all aspects of alpaca care, from husbandry and shearing to birthing and showing.
“The kids learned animal husbandry, how to build fences, operate tractors and fix equipment,” Karen said. “Two of them later worked as professional shearers for a time. Russell also sheared professionally and transported animals. We operated a mill, sold manure and built our herd’s reputation to an international level.”
Today, Josh has three children — Branch, 7; Justus, 6; and Stetson, 4 — who have lived on the family ranch since 2023 and are already helping with daily tasks.
Sam, now 22, is graduating from college this year. He started his own herd in 2024, Legacy Alpacas USA, and plans to continue building his business. He will likely take over Karen and Russell’s herd in the future.
The Milligan Family
Marc and Sharon Milligan first learned about alpacas in 2007 while attending the National Western Stock Show in Denver. At the time, they were preparing to raise buffalo but changed direction after seeing an alpaca show hosted by Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies.
Both retired police officers, the Milligans had purchased 400 acres in northern Colorado with plans to raise livestock and build a profitable operation.
“We were looking at buffalo for meat production,” Sharon said. “But alpacas offered the challenge of strategic breeding for fleece quality, with lower costs for housing, fencing, and care.”
In 2009, they purchased their first alpacas and established Red Granite Ranch Ltd. Their initial herd included 11 alpacas — 10 females, three pregnant, and one male cria — selected after researching bloodlines.
“We knew showing would help establish and promote our breeding program,” Sharon said. “We took our first alpaca to the National Alpaca Show that spring.”
Although their children were grown, their grandchildren quickly became involved.
Today, Marc, Sharon, and their granddaughter Cadence live on the ranch full-time. Cadence attends college in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her siblings, who live about an hour away, visit frequently and help with shows and marketing events.
The ranch now includes about 425 alpacas and four employees. Cadence supports marketing, attends shows, and assists with herd management.
“They are very smart and inquisitive, with strong personalities,” Sharon said. “When I’m feeling down, I walk out to the pasture, take in the views, watch the crias run and spend time with the alpacas that come up to greet me.”
Now in their mid-70s, Marc and Sharon are beginning to plan for the future of the ranch. They expect their family will continue the operation, carrying their work into the next generation.
The Miller Family
Scott Miller's parents, Joe and Diane Nelson, entered the alpaca industry after 35 years in the restaurant business. They transformed their San Juan Island property into Crescent Moon Ranch, beginning with 34 imported bred females.
Scott learned the industry alongside his parents. While living in Florida, he visited the ranch during a difficult time in his personal life.
“This was a time of healing and learning,” Scott said. “I became interested in breeding, finances, travel and showing. I was all in.”
In 2000, he met his future wife, Debbie, who soon became involved in the business. In 2001, she began attending shows and joined Scott on a trip to Peru to attend the International Judging School.
Scott and Debbie later established their own business, Greener Pastures Alpacas, while continuing to support Crescent Moon Ranch. In 2014, as Scott’s parents approached their 80s, the family made the decision to transition operations. Scott and Debbie assumed full responsibility for Crescent Moon Ranch and relocated it to a new site outside Terrebonne, Oregon.
Today, the ranch extends beyond two generations. Debbie’s daughter, Rachel, plays a central role in daily operations.
“Nothing happens without Rachel,” Scott said.
Rachel and her husband, Josh, along with their three children, live nearby. They manage their own operation while also supporting the ranch. Rachel works at Crescent Moon Ranch five days a week, overseeing office operations, managing systems and running the farm store, The Alpaca Boutique.
Scott and Debbie’s grandchildren — Clara, 12; Emil, 11; and Maisie, 10 — are actively involved and enjoy helping with the alpacas.
Scott and Debbie, much like Joe and Diane before them, take comfort in knowing the ranch is positioned for the future. When they are ready to step back, their family is prepared to carry the operation forward.
The Shelhart Family
At 14, Abby Shelhart introduced her family to alpacas after learning about them through a 4-H alpaca club in north-central Indiana. After attending a practice, she was immediately drawn to the animals and encouraged her parents to get involved.
The Shelharts purchased their first alpacas in 2020 — two Huacaya males. Today, Shelhart Acre Farms in Claypool, Indiana, is home to 37 Suri alpacas. Their program focuses on producing high-quality animals and has earned national recognition as a Top Ten New Suri Breeder in 2024 and 2025.
Abby has since launched her own business, Renegade Alpacas.
“Our daughter, Abby, has started her own alpaca business,” said her father, Scott. “She currently owns two Huacaya females and one Suri female and is focused on building her own program.”
A senior at Warsaw Community High School, Abby plans to attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in veterinary technology.
“I make every purchase decision, decide each breeding and create all contracts and business materials for our clients,” Abby said. “I just turned 18, and many breeders are surprised by how involved I am.”
Abby credits her parents for supporting her goals and giving her the opportunity to grow within the alpaca industry.
“It has definitely brought us closer, especially my dad,” she said. “I plan to take over their business, but right now, I’m focused on building my own.”
Across generations and regions, alpaca care is rooted in shared responsibility. Through daily care, fiber work and show participation, youth gain hands-on experience that supports their families today and helps preserve a lasting legacy for the future.