Susan Swope & Meescha- Pigeon Mtn., Georgia 50 Miler
Experience counts...
With
a dual-major bachelor's degree, with honors, in equine science and business
administration from Stephens College, Susan brings a lifetime of experience and success in the horse
industry to provide top-notch care and management of the alpacas. Susan
regularly attends seminars to learn and improve upon her knowledge of
the alpaca industry, and received neonatal training and certification
at Ohio State in 2004.
At 18-years-old, Travis Winkler, son of Susan, has been keenly involved in the business from the start. He works the day to day operation of the farm year-round. Travis trained at Ohio State, Summer 2005, receiving his Herd Management and Alpaca Neonatal certification. He is very estute with his knowledge of alpaca bloodlines, is directly involved in all breeding and purchasing decisions, and is an excellent show ring handler.
Travis Winkler & Valentino
Sharon Darby - Herd Manager
Sharon Darby is the full-time herd manager for the farm. She holds a bachelors degree in equine science and business administration from Midway College and received her camelid neonatal training in September of 2007. Sharon is responsible for the day to day management of our breeding program and herd health. An expert horse person quickly becomes an astute alpaca person and Sharon is a definite asset to our program. She possesses not only practical knowledge, but a keen intuition towards the well-being of our herd. Anyone who raises livestock, regardless of the species, will attest that this intution is a definitive asset. She is also an excellent show ring handler.
Alpacas of the Bluegrass, llc welcomes visitors. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Every Breeder Has a Story -
For us, thirty-five acres, multiple decades of hands-on raising and training of horses, along with a strong desire to create a profitable, working farm on a relatively small acreage, were the seeds that planted the idea of alpaca farming. Our program began in early 2002, at which time we attended the Alpaca Owners and Breeders National Conference, and soon after purchased our first breeding stock. We work our farm personally, full-time and day to day to assure the finest care for our animals.
Our focus, from the beginning, has been centered around the very best quality we can produce in both fleece and conformation. We have been highly selective with our foundation stock. Like many North Americans, we enjoy and appreciate color, but high quality always comes first. Clients will find a diversity of fleece colors in our alpacas, but will always be assured of quality animals and superior bloodlines.
A very important aspect of many alpaca breeding programs is the show ring. Here, breeders compete against one another as a basis of comparison of their breeding and purchasing choices and decisions. We have received affirmation of the success of our program and choices, evidenced by a good number of top placements at some of the most prestigious competitions in the nation.
We proudly support the Alpaca Breeders Fiber School (ABFS), dedicated to promoting excellence in the alpaca industry by offering courses and accreditation to the alpaca breeder in the areas of breeding, reproduction, herd management, nutrition and fiber.
Members of the Following Organizations
Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assoc.
Kentucky Alpaca Assoc.
Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America
The Suri Network
The Alpaca Registry, Inc.
CONTACT US: Alpacas@AlpacasoftheBluegrass.com Alpacas of the Bluegrass, LLC Susan E. Swope Travis J. Winkler La Grange, Kentucky Phone: 502-222-9100 FX: 502-222-6111
