Battle River Alpacas - Galahad

A decision to diversify and utilize our acreage better led us to alpacas and in 1994 we purchased our first alpacas. In 1995, we sheared our Alpacas; people asked who sheared them, and thus began a 24 year career in shearing Alpacas. We sheared extensively in those first 20 years, bringing our shearing service to many farms across BC, Alberta, and SK. The owner kept their fibre, we just sheared it off for them. We have sheared over 12,000 Alpacas to date and have just retired the service and sold our equipment.

After shearing all the fibre has to be sorted and cleaned. There are 6 different grades of fibre, from baby alpaca to coarser fibre, grade 1 being the finest, and 6 being the coarsest.  As well, alpacas also comes in 22 different recognized natural colours, as well as combination colours. Each grade is used for a different use, e.g. grade 1-3 are used in fine yarns to be made into garment, anything close to the skin. It is extremely soft and silky. Grades 4-5 are used for socks, as grade 1-3 are too soft, for use in socks. Grade 6 is used in horse blankets, batting etc.

Through the years, we have utilized our fibre, by first shearing, sorting and cleaning, then sending grades 1-3 to a mill to be processed into yarns. There are 3 mills that we have used here in Alberta. Of course, we sell the yarn, as well as knit and produce many handcrafted articles, such as mitts, toques, hats, scarves, shawls etc. I also hand dye a lot of yarn for selling and knitting. Grades 4-5 is sent away for socks, and grade 6 for duvets etc.

Alpacas produce one of the softest and most luxurious natural fibres in the world - so soft and rare it was once reserved for royalty. Battle River Alpaca's products are even more unique because there are very few breeders that sell products made from Alpaca fibre, and even fewer are ones that also hand-make their products and use Alberta alpaca fibre.  When we look back look to our greatest struggle and success to be in regard to our alpaca education. Since we create such unique products we have had to educate ourselves in regard to the benefits and value of alpaca fibre, how to raise alpacas, etc.

Our socks, come from a mill that processes the alpaca fibre for the breeders. The socks are highly sought after. So warm, soft and durable. We carry several different weights of the socks to fill different needs, e.g. heavy warm socks for working outside in the cold, medium weights for part time cold and indoor wear, lighter dress socks. Give your feet the Royal Treatment. Check out our socks, in many styles, colours and sizes. The hand knit articles vary in colour, style and most often one of a kind. Prices are very reasonable, and we love offering them to you for your enjoyment.

We have met many people, and must say it’s been such a rewarding experience. We continue to do markets selling the beautiful and warm alpaca products. We are so pleased to be working with the County on premiering our products as one of the many small businesses within our county borders and beyond through the Flagstaff Crafted Program. 

We truly have a passion for what we do. We love everything about alpacas--the animals, their fibre, and we love that people recognize us both as raisers of alpacas and producers of alpaca products. We feel as though our products' only limits are imagination and time.

Battle River Alpacas offer very reasonable prices to allow for the most economical way for everyone to enjoy the wonderful soft silky properties of alpaca fibre. What inspires us are you - our clients. We'd love to hear your comments about our products-how warm they are yet natural and breathable, whether you love the hand-knit stories, the uniqueness of each knitted product, and the ability to buy and support locally.

We hope to be able to serve you in the near future. And follow us on Facebook at Battle River Alpacas to keep abreast of what events we may be attending or the latest products available.