About Farming Sherlin Alpaca Stud

Farming Alpaca Fibre and Fleece

After selling up our New Zealand-wide photographic business, we realised our long-time dream of farming alpacas. So in 1999 Sherlin (short for Sheryl & Lindsay) Alpaca Stud Farm was started. We are now aiming to develop commercial fibre and fleece throughout New Zealand.

Our first purchase was 5 white Peruvian females, which got us right into farming alpacas, and the love of these animals just grew and grew on us. We then decided to expand into a larger, more colourful herd with blacks, browns, fawns, whites, and greys.

In 2001 we had a fantastic opportunity to travel with a group of alpaca enthusiasts to Peru, the homeland of alpacas. From this trip we learnt a lot about the alpacas and the way they live. We also had the good fortune to go through the Inca mills, which is world famous for its alpaca garments and fabric.

From this trip we bought home 5 black suri females and 1 male, which at the moment gives us the only black suri herd in New Zealand. We also managed to purchase a grey suri male. These guys, and girls, have a very special place on our farm and in our hearts. We hope to be able to build a good size herd of black and grey suri, which are very scarce worldwide.

At Sherlin Alpaca Stud Farm we encourage calls and visits from those wanting to learn about alpacas. Whether you are looking for your first alpaca or searching for the missing piece needed to enhance your existing herd you will find what you are looking for here. We can also help with shed, pastures and yarding design.

We are a full-service alpaca farm dedicated to the success of our customers through the good genetics, education and on-going support. We offer to our customers personalised support, comprehensive hands-on training to new breeders, agistment, stud services, quality alpacas at fair prices, and financing to qualified buyers.

Alpacas in New Zealand

New Zealand has had an alpaca industry since about 1985, and there are currently about 20,000 animals in the country. Except for some wethers, all are registered on a database.

The Sherlin Stud is now among the top five alpaca studs in New Zealand in terms of herd size. The average number of alpacas in most farms here is about 15.

We are working hard to develop a commercial alpaca fibre industry in New Zealand, and are cooperating with other like-minded farmers to bring volumes up to commercial amounts.

For more information on alpaca fibre and fleece or farming alpacas, view the website of the Alpaca Association of New Zealand, at www.alpaca.org.nz.