Mini Acres of alpacas L
BY KRISTINA HACKER
arry and Maureen Macedo are the definition of modern farmers. Along with producing high-quality fiber from their herd of alpacas and llamas, their Golf Link Road farm is also a popular agritourism destination and they are a source of manure used to enrich crops and pasture around the area. Additionally, the Macedos partner with local entrepreneurs to offer painting and yoga classes and host birthday celebrations. What started out as a way for the Turlock locals to help their daughter get high-quality alpaca yarn for knitting at a cheaper price turned into second careers for the former accountant and teacher. The Macedos spent two years researching alpacas before starting their own herd. “Almost 15 years ago, we started out on a little half acre and then moved to a place in Stevinson that had 10 acres. And this place became available little bit over seven years ago, and it’s been a godsend here,” said Larry. The two are now experts in raising alpacas and llamas — with Maureen a past president of both
the California Alpacas Owners Association and Llama Association — and host their own industry show at the Merced County Fairgrounds each spring. “We harvest the fiber and we both have gone through certification for sorting and skirting and determining the grade of fiber, because the grade determines the softness and ability to feel next to your skin,” said Maureen. Their farm, Macedo’s Mini Acres, sells a number of products from the fiber from alpaca yarn and batts for crafters, along with dryer balls, shawls, hats and needle felt kits that Maureen said is popular with homeschooled kids in the area. The Macedos said there are a lot of benefits to using alpaca fiber. It is antimicrobial, naturally wicks away moisture and is fire resistant. Alpaca fiber is also 15% warmer than wool, according to Maureen. Over the past year and half the Macedos saw a drop in their agritourism business due to the cancellation of school groups and other tours because of COVID-19. As restrictions have lifted, smaller group tours are now back on the farm. Those visiting the farm learn
all about the process of raising alpacas and llamas to shearing and processing the fiber. They get to feed and visit with the alpacas and try their hand at spinning the fiber. They also offer an “adopt an alpaca” program where kids can sponsor a specific alpaca and make regular visits to check in on their animal. The pandemic hasn’t been all bad for the alpaca farmers, as there has been a higher demand for locally-sourced fiber. “There’s been a resurgence in the last year and a half with people who want to go back to doing things like knowing where your clothes come from,” said Maureen. The Macedos take advantage of all parts of their farm. Along with the agritourism and fiber production, the they have a grant to basically farm carbon by covering acres of their land with top cover and they produce high-quality manure. The Macedos recently donated 160 bags of manure to cover the entirety of the Turlock Community Garden. To learn more about Macedo’s Mini Acre or to schedule a visit, go to: https://macedosminiacres.com/
KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal
TOP: Larry Macedo feeds some of the alpacas on his farm that is a popular agritourism destination; LEFT: Maureen Macedo of Macedo’s Mini Acres displays some of the dyed alpaca fiber they produce on their Turlock area farm; ABOVE: Macedo’s Mini Acres, located on Golf Link Road just outside of Turlock city limits, is home to 90 alpacas and a few llamas; FAR LEFT: The Macedos show their alpacas and llamas in a variety of shows around the region and the California State Fair.
OCTOBER 2021
12
AG HARVEST
