Day 3 began with a short, but challenging (apparently pedestrians are just dodged, NEVER given right of way) walk to Mundo Alpaca, a very beautifully kept ecocenter promoting the value of South American camelids to visitors and around the world. Vicuna, the smallest of the SA camelids provides the finest fibre in the world, and one of the most rare and valuable fibres. Vicunas are the wild ancestors of the alpaca. Alpacas are domesticated (never wild) come in 2 species, suri and the more common huacaya. They are slightly larger than the vicuna and provide the most abundant fibre harvest in the largest range of colors of all SA Camelids. The wild Guanaco, provides the 2nd most rare (valuable) fibre of the SA camelid. They are the genetic ancestors of the domesticated llama and are substantially larger than the alpacas. Llamas the largest of the SA Camelids and have evolved into two distinct breeds- the Quara the more muscled beast of burdan and the Charu, the more heavily fibred llama.

There are two main alpaca processing mills in Peru. We were treated to tours of both.

Mitchells employs ___ people and runs two shifts per day for 6 to 7 days per week depending on the season. Here fibre is processed from the raw state were women sort it into 6 grades, length, and color. It is then put through a picking machine to open it up before washing. The washing process takes 40 minutes until the fibre is dried and then the whole process is repeated. We witnessed MOUNTAINS of alpaca fibre being processed. We were extremely impressed by the cleanliness of the mill. Giant automated machines card and comb the fibre into rovings and tops for sale around the world. Some is dyed, some left in it's natural color. In the color room I noted they had at least 14 lots of white for buyers to choose from-all natural!!

Well these opportunities don't present themselves everyday!! A phone call from good friends Clayton and Linda Schultz, SunKeya Farm, Oliver B.C. had Don and I scrambling to make a quick decision. Could we get away the end of February (Don's busy season at the office) to take a trip to Peru with a group of alpaca breeders??? So much to get in place.....so little time!!

A little less than two month later we were on a flight to Huston to meet the Schultz's and make a connecting flight to Lima Peru!! In Lima we met Wade Gease, Kevin our very capable tour guides from Londenderry Alpaca Farm Wisconsin USA. The rest of our group were Ontario alpaca breeders- Susan Schumacher (SanGrall), Margie MacDonald (Blood Moon Alpacas), Dee and Adria Graham (DL Farms Alpaca) Carolyn and George, Elaine and Helen. Clayton and Linda from British Columbia and Don and I from Saskatchewan expanded Wade's 10th Tour to Peru to a total of fourteen people who met as strangers, travelled as companions and parted as friends.

In a nutshell, we landed in Lima late Feb. 27, met most of our tour group at the airport and bused to our hotel. Excited and exhausted we checked out our very unique hotel, then crashed!!

We had a walking tour of MiraFlora the next morning and caught a van to the airport for our short flight to Ariquippa. There we wasted no time before starting to explore (shop) in the many quaint and wonderful little alpaca shops that lined every street for blocks around our hotel. Wade's amigos were treated royally with "discounts just for you" at many of these shops.

A great little Pizza place for supper, a cerveso (beer) a walk around the square and into some more shops, then we called the day a wrap!! Our hotel was quaint and so ....Peru! Here ends day 2.

There are two main alpaca processing mills in Peru. We were treated to tours of both. Mitchells employs ___ people and runs two shifts per day for 6 to 7 days per week depending on the season. Here fibre is processed from the raw state were women sort it into 6 grades, length, and color. It is then put through a picking machine to open it up before washing. The washing process takes 40 minutes until the fibre is dried and then the whole process is repeated.

2012 has been a fun year to date as we have watched excited new alpaca owners drive out of our yard with their new herd of alpacas.

Congratulations to Shaunarae Dupperron on her purchase of DLH Pegasis. We share her enthusiasm for the future to see what Pegasis will add to her herd. With his extreme density, staple length, and fibre character, we are anticipating some good things to come.

Congratulations to Rachel and Hans Peter Vos on their purchase of Oliver, Iroc, Kayne, and Yonguyo. We look forward to seeing them in the showring during the upcoming show season with these boys.

A warm Welcome to the Alpaca industry is extended to Tim and Glenda Shotter and family. Congratulation on their purchase of Tonya, Tia, Yolandi, Cassidy and Jaqui. These girls make a great package to start a successful alpaca operation with.

We at Country Vista are very happy to share our alpacas and experience with new and existing alpaca owners and we look forward to a long and successful relationship with each of the above alpaca owners.

Happy New Year to our alpaca friends around the world. We may not have met yet, but I am excited to get to know you. If you love alpacas, we have something in common and lots to share. 

New Year Resolution #1
Be more intentional and organized.  January has been busy with reviewing, revamping, organizing, updating office procedures, manuals and accounting /inventory programs (or should I say office inefficiencies) It has been fun to prepare for the coming year with enthusiasm and excitement.  Renewal....Our 2012 Business plan is to get this website working, so we can play on it and share our joy of alpacas with people around the world!!

Resolution #2
Be more invested in people and community,  and not so focused on daily tasks at hand (work!) Being a task oriented person, I find it difficult to not have all tasks completed every evening therefore, I am often up till midnight finishing my work. At my age I have finally realized that this is CRAZY. These tasks are just not more important than health, family and friends. So.....more time playing and less time working. Bring on 2012!!

Our Goal remains the same at Country Vista - to help strengthen the alpaca industry by

1. breeding  hardy, healthy, registered show quality alpacas that are quiet and a joy to own and

2. finding dedicated up beat people that love animals and can appreciate the fine things in life and want to get involved, have fun and help grow our exciting alpaca industry.  If any of this sounds exciting to you call or email us. We LOVE to talk alpacas.

Our grandkids will be here any minute....better go,so I can meet them at the door with my undivided attention.  Have a great week everyone.

Join the fun during National Alpaca Days- September 25 and 26, 2010- when alpaca farms across Canada are opening their farm gates and inviting visitors from all walks of life to share their alpaca experiences. Don't miss out, find an alpaca farm near you!

Country Vista Alpacas is hosting our 2nd Annual Open House and " Hurry Before Winter Production Sale" on Saturday only, September 25 from 1pm to 5pm.  Our farm is located 9 miles West of Duval, Sk (Highway 20) then 1 mile North (watch for signs).

Learn why alpacas are a great diversification. If you have ever considered diversifying or have been curious or intrigued by alpacas NOW is the time and HERE is the place to learn while having fun with your family. Bring your friends too for a fun, educational country get away.

Experience hands on alpaca fun with our furry friends, fibre and fashion. Lead an alpaca, try your hand at a variety of fibre arts. It may change your life as we have some very motivated bargain prices on our double registered, quality livestock.  We even have a silent auction pen sale.

Enter draws for an adorable Alpaca Teddy Bear, and one Extreme Buyer Support Package (value over $2000.). Don't worry no high pressure sales pitches allowed. This is just our way to give customers additional great value with our animals. Draw at 3pm.

Bid at the silent auction product table 1- 3:30pm, so you could go home with some exciting bargains!! If you didn't manage to get an auction bargain you could always shop at our Little Farm Store to find some great one of a kind Christmas gifts. Alpaca ware was once considered to be only for the gods, it is now an affordable luxury here in Canada.

Enjoy snacks & tea or coffee and an afternoon in the country soaking in our serene,

panoramic country vista.

Bring your family and your camera. Many people have told us how happy they felt while visiting our alpacas. It is rumoured that alpacas are theraputic......come see for yourself, you just may find your pot of gold!!

Hello and Welcome to Country Vista Alpacas, home of Don and Lynn Hilderman and our endearing herd of double registered alpacas. We have owned alpacas since December 1996, when we purchased our first two girls, MMR Alexandria and MMR  Edelweiss from Mountain Meadows Ranch in Pincher Creek. It was such an exciting time, that it sure doesn't seem like 15 years ago!

We had moved back to Don's family farm to help run the grain operation with Don's family. There were NO livestock left on the farm and that is the way the brothers wanted it. But once we (Don & I) DISCOVERED ALPACAS, there was simply no turning away from them. We, meaning I, was hooked!! We, meaning Don,  put up fence, built a modest barn  and we were ready......so we thought.

We both grew up on mixed farms and showed cattle in the 4H program, so we thought it would be an easy transition to alpacas. For the most part it was, but alpacas are a wonderful and unique livestock. There was a learning curve that we managed to climb and have not looked back. We have birthed out over 125 cria on our farm. All but one within daylight hours!! Our herd is currently at 50 plus a few alpacas...We have decided that our ideal herd number is getting smaller as we get older. Our facilities are ideal for up to 40 alpacas so....

Our intention and focus in 2011 is to sell 30-40 alpacas. We need your help. If you have ever considered alpacas NOW is the time to come shopping. Our alpacas are priced to sell, but we will also consider all reasonable offers. Talk to your friends, spread the word. Check out our all new website, better yet come for a visit. We invite you to take advantage of our commitment to excellence and our motivation to downsize our wonderful herd.  Call or visit Country Vista to DISCOVER ALPACAS.