Nestled in the breathtaking rolling hills of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Nimbus Farm Alpacas is a family-owned sanctuary dedicated to the unique world of alpacas.Established in 2018, this charming farm combines a love for animals with a commitment to sustainability. At Nimbus Farm Alpacas, alpacas thrive in a nurturing environment, producing luxurious, hypoallergenic fiber while captivating visitors with their quirky personalities.
Why Alpacas?
Alpacas are unique in every way, from the tips of their flame-resistant fiber right down to their elliptical red blood cells. They are a one-of-a-kind livestock with distinctive characteristics and personalities. , with attitudes that can be tranquil and chaotic or goofy and regal. Alpacas come in an unimaginable range of color combinations all on top of hypoallergenic, super fine fibers. We chose alpacas because they are a desirable and unique fiber livestock with many benefits—alpaca manure is the best you can get, their fiber is hypoallergenic and doesn't produce lanolin, they are easy on the land with their soft padded feet, and efficient grazers that don't tear out plants by the roots. Their care needs are relatively easy, and as far as fiber animals go, they are the superior choice.
How did you get into the world of alpacas?
Like spinning yarn from roving, our tale is a series of pushes and pulls in the right direction, a blend of events that seemingly wove itself together in a kind of serendipitous way.
One of us was gifted at crochet, she just picked it up one day and it fit perfectly into her life. Another was moving to Virginia and searching for a new place to plant her roots. One has always been an animal person, the kind who can take care of anything and read animals like they were books. The idea was planted in our collective minds, "what if that place we were searching for in Virginia could be a farm," some place to raise fiber animals, some place that could bring us all together and our various talents—to knit it into a family business—something that could be fostered and cherished and grow, a place of self reliance and sustainability.
From that seed we planted our hopes and dreams of becoming alpaca farmers. We researched different fiber producing livestock that we could raise and the benefits and drawbacks of each. It was clear that alpacas were at the top in every aspect. We explored local farms, mentored under them until we were ready, and bought our first five alpacas in 2018. Now we raise, breed, show, and sell alpacas.
Tell us about your farm.
Nimbus Farm Alpacas is a family owned and operated alpaca farm nestled in the historic rolling hills of northern Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. Established in 2018, our mission is to raise healthy animals with gentle dispositions, superior fleece qualities, and diverse genetics. Together, as a family, we lovingly raise our award-winning Huacaya alpacas with respect and care. Utilizing the CAMELIDynamics method—a kind, efficient, safe, and science based approach to training and managing llamas and alpacas—we build a trusting and confidence-based relationships.
Our farm store offers homegrown yarns and luxurious fiber provided by our own herd. We strive for quality craftsmanship and sustainability for the manufacture of handmade fiber products and artisan crafts. We clean, pick, card, spin, felt, crochet, knit, and weave by hand and partner with local mills using the utmost attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. There is something for everyone, from luxury clothing to felted fiber arts!
We also offer tours and classes.
What do you do with your animals fiber?
What don't we do with the fiber? Every bit of it gets used in some fashion. We hand process some of it, and some of it we take to local mills or coops for processing. We sell the roving and yarn we make then much of it gets transformed by talented hands into a variety of finished products including: crocheted clothing, accessories, home-goods, and toys. Seconds and thirds find new life stuffed into bird nesting boxes, dog beds, dryer balls, felted sheets, rug yarn, insoles...and more! All of the fiber our animals produce is cherished and finds purpose.
What is one of your most memorable moments with your alpacas?
We can’t pick just one special moment from farm life, as it is brimming with unforgettable experiences. From the excitement of our first cria birth to each one that followed, we’ve watched them pronk and chew their cud contentedly in the dawn light. We’ve marveled at the steam rising from their backs as sunlight hits the frost on their fibers, felt the sorrow of loss, and been amazed as we shear their coats, revealing vibrant colors beneath. The relief they express afterward as they roll and prance in the pasture is a joy to witness. We’ve heard alarm calls only to discover they were concerned about a turtle wandering through their field, celebrated championship wins, and experienced the thrill of clicker training when they finally understand a command. Imagining their contentment as they sunbathe, recalling the time one escaped and got covered in thistles and burs, listening to their distinct hums, and seeing their lips stained red from watermelon juice are just a few of the countless moments we cherish.
Every day on the farm brings new memories, each one special in its own way.
Why is being a member of AOA and an affiliate important?
Being an AOA member is important because of the community that comes with it. The wealth of knowledge and resources it provides. Additionally, having access to the registry and database means that you are keeping track of your animals, their lineage, and you are breeding thoughtfully and responsibly.
Do you have any advice for new alpaca owners?
Learn absolutely everything you can first. Start by learning everything you can. Shadow other farmers, seek out mentors, and establish a relationship with a good camelid veterinarian in your area. Leave no stone unturned in your research. Check for local mills or co-ops, and connect with shearers to ensure you can get on their schedules. Consider what you’ll do with the fiber once it’s sheared off the animals. Think of the questions, "Who provides hay, and where can you purchase feed?" Reflect on your goals with alpacas: are you interested in fiber pets, breeding, showing, therapy, or tourism? If you’re involved in 4-H, what aspects of alpaca care excite you the most?
Consider all of this and even more, when first venturing into alpaca ownership.
How can people find you?
Nimbus Farm Alpacas can be found on Facebook, Instagram and our website. We also attend AOA shows and vend at local markets and fiber festivals.
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