Agriculture is Skagit County's largest industry. Each year, during the first weekend of October, local farms, ranches and wineries open their doors to share what it takes to bring food from field to table during an event called the Festival of Family Farms. This free, educational event that allows the public an inside view of this important industry. This cache is available year round to celebrate the Festival and the farms that participate.
This Skagit farm has been in existence since the 1800’s and in the past has raised cattle and grown crops. The present generation has altered its focus to raising championship huacayan alpacas. Alpacas are members of the camel family. They are much smaller than their llama cousins and are not suited to being pack animals. The five-foot mammal's value lies in its soft, luxurious fleece, used in everything from garments to teddy bears. Alpaca fleece is warmer and lighter than wool. Alpaca is usually blended with other fibers to increase durability.
Placed with permission and available only during daylight hours.