|
|
|
|
Cynthia Fronk |
|
|
970-635-2322
ARI Registered Alpacas are Bred at Stargazer Ranch
|
About Stargazer Ranch |
Colorado Alpacas |
||||||
|
Stargazer Ranch began operations in 1998 with the purchase of 20 irrigated acres, on a ridge overlooking the scenic Big Thompson River Valley and the city lights of Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado. Initially, we were content with our our plans to breed and refine Appaloosa horses. That was... until we were introduced to alpacas. Since alpacas came into our lives, we have been charmed by these unique creatures and the industry that has developed around this prized livestock imported from South America. Stargazer Ranch started as Cindy's wish to get out of the city and pursue her third career goal of becoming a cowgirl (now paca pal). Preferring to hang out with her appaloosas instead of traveling around the country for her own consulting and training business. Raising alpacas has contributed a great deal to enable us to work at home on the Ranch. Husband John still stays busy helping on the ranch, building, remodeling, and real estate. |
 |
||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
|
Many consider Colorado the birthplace of of the US alpaca industry. When alpacas first started being imported to the US in the 1980's, many ended up in Colorado. This was largely due to the large llama population that enjoyed the trekking and packing in the Rocky Mountains. Since caring for alpacas is so similar to llamas, alpacas were very accepted in Colorado. Since Colorado had one of the largest alpaca populations through the 1980's and 1990's, much of the industry development was due to the foresight of those Colorado llama breeders. The National US alpaca association, Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, (AOBA), was formed in Colorado and the association headquarters had been located in Estes Park. The first two national alpaca shows were held in Colorado, until it out grew the facilities at the Estes Park Fairgound. The Alpaca Registry (ARI), was also formed in Colorado. One of the issues that plagued the llama industry was the lack of verifiable parentage. ARI was designed to take advantage of the recent advancements in DNA testing to assure parentage and acceptance into the registry. This was due in part to the perspective that the Colorado llama owners brought to the organizing process. Consequently, ARI is one of the most unique and successful livestock registries in the world. The Colorado alpaca industry remains in the forefront of the US and international alpaca industry. Since we've seen the industry grow from ground zero, Colorado alpaca breeders are very cognizant of the tremendous advancements attained in the industry and have continued to be among the the most notable breeding programs in the US. Colorado's long and extensive alpaca background has also produced many of the certified AOBA Judges. The large Colorado alpaca community and the association with Colorado State University has played a very large role in the care, breeding and genetic development. Largely, through the commitment and dedication of Dr. La Rue Johnson who had taken up the camelid cause in the 1970's. References to his work can be found in every research bibliography pertaining to N. American Camelids. When Dr. Johnson retired in the late 1990's, a big hole in was left in the Colorado and US alpaca community. That hole has since been filled by the veterinary research and dedication of Dr. David Anderson, KSU; Dr. Ahmed Tibary, WSU; and Dr. Norman Evans, who through his private practice in KY has undoubtedly set the standard for alpaca health and husbandry in the US. We are also very appreciative and thankful for the help and support that we receive from our Northern Colorado veterinary team. Most notably, Dr. Richard Wheeler, Fort Collins, who is one of the few board certified theriogenologists (Reproductive Specialists) working in the US camelid arena. He keeps our mommas reproductively sound and our bottom line in the black. Dr. Barbara Roberts, Loveland, CO a small ruminant specialist, who keeps our herd and crias healthy and growing. Dr. Shawn Bott, Greeley, CO who is the go-to guy when all else fails for his extensive knowledge and willingness to think outside the box. We've increasingly come to appreciate Dr. Tim Thompson, Platteville, CO, due to his extensive experience and knowledge of ruminant metabolism and on-farm surgical experience. Do you think we've covered all the areas of alpaca care? Not without special recognition to Dr. Tim Holt and Dr. Kerri Belsito, who both have pitched in to help with some difficult and unusual trauma and illness problems. We are very lucky to have the local resources, largely produced by Colorado State University VTH. As we meet breeders around the country we see that this level of support is becoming more commonplace. It just seems to follow the pattern of starting in Colorado first. Whether you are looking to get started raising alpacas or to add proven quality genetics you need to consider going to the source, Colorado. Stargazer Ranch and our customers has always been among the premier breeders in Colorado. |
|||||||
|
|||||||
