While not everyone on the Island enjoyed last winter’s persistent snow, the four-legged residents of the Island Alpaca Co. farm felt right at home. As evidence, a wonderful photo of members of the herd happily tracking through the snow during a winter storm is now featured on the annual Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar.
The photo was snapped by Island Alpaca barn manager Ashleigh Plante of West Tisbury. She entered the picture in an annual contest held by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and it was selected as the January calendar photo.
Each month features a photograph from a photo contest winner depicting the diversity of agriculture in Massachusetts, along with fun facts and teaching tips.
Ms. Plante was born and raised on the Island. Although she’s only 20 years old, she has been working at Island Alpaca for 4½ years.
“It was my first job,” Ms. Plante said. “I’ve always had a passion for animals. It’s a lot of fun working with these animals. They’re very unique, with lots of personality.”
Photography is another passion of Ms. Plante’s. She has won a number of blue ribbons for her photos at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, and some of her pictures have been featured in specialty magazines (one of her shots recently made the cover of an alpaca magazine).
Island Alpaca Co. is a breeding farm that is currently home to 56 Huacaya alpacas in a variety of colors. They sell the alpacas to other farms and individuals, and feature a variety of alpaca fleece products in their gift shop. The farm offers regular visiting hours and educational and interactive programs.
Ms. Plante says that she loves working on the farm, although last winter’s weather made her job a little more challenging. However, watching the alpacas, who were clearly in their element, was a bonus.
“They were very excited,” she says. “They had never seen so much snow. They were running through it, rolling in it, eating the snow. They had a lot of fun with it. They get snow mustaches. It’s very comical watching them, especially the babies.”
So during the next winter storm, keep in mind that while the rest of us might be holed up inside, a happy herd is having the time of their lives. And, if you’re so inclined, stop by the farm for a quick natural heating experience. “Their fleece is unique,” says Ms. Plante. “If you scrunch your fingers up in it, they’ll warm up.”
Of course, a cozy alpaca sweater or hat might be an easier way to stay warm than keeping an alpaca on hand at all times.
Island Alpaca Co. is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. You can purchase the Massachusetts Agricultural Calendar featuring Ms. Plante’s photo at the gift shop, or online at islandalpaca.com.
Purchase of the calendar will help support the many educational efforts of Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, the designated recipient of the proceeds.
For more information on Island Alpaca, call 508-693-5554 or visit islandalpaca.com.