Enchanted Acres New Cria

Benton City, WA: Pictured here are Jeff and Brenda Trammell with a new-born alpaca cria who was born at their ranch.

Around the Pacific Northwest there are some outstanding small alpaca ranches whose owners have a keen understanding of the industry, the animals and who are wonderful in dealing with other people. Jeff and Brenda Trammell's ranch, Enchanted Acres Ranch, is such a place.

I first met Brenda at the Alpaca Showcase Northwest alpaca show. I had no idea how to show an alpaca in the ring because I had never done this before. Even though we were in the same class, Brenda took me aside and demonstrated what I needed to know so that I wouldn't make a total fool of myself. She was patient, friendly and obviously quite experienced. Her alpaca, Star Lily, with Brenda's lead, did extremely well in the show ring. Our girl, Lilly, placed fourth and I don't think I did too badly, either -- thanks to Brenda's coaching.

Since then, Lisa and I have visited Enchanted Acres Ranch, which is a very impressive alpaca operation. We have communicated often with the Trammells and we have heard many people speaking highly of them. So, our congratulations go out to Jeff and Brenda and we highly recommend that anyone who is interested in alpacas get in touch with Enchanted Acres Ranch. You will find some high-quality animals there, as well as some very positive, friendly and knowledgeable people. You can't go wrong working with this ranch.

Enchanted Acres Ranch also brokers the sale of alpacas for other owners, provides herdsire services, boarding and agisting alpacas and sales of their own beautiful stock.

All our best to Jeff and Brenda

Feed Back from Clients

Periodically, we ask our clients for comments on "how we can make things work better for them." Here is a letter we just got from a client (and friends) in Alaska for whom we care for their alpacas. It feels good to hear that our hard work is making a difference. And, remember to visit us and other quality ranches who support this blog--Enchanted Acres Ranch --Yakima River Alpacas --Pedro's Pride Ranch --Pedro's Pride Fashions --Alpaca Products (Wholesale to Ranch Stores).

"We really do not have anything more to suggest—you have a very tidy operation. It is obvious by how you have done your barn and your pastures and your fan system, that you are meeting the needs of the animals, whether it has to do with their comfort, ie heat issues in the summer, or their proper separation, in terms of separating males from females, aggressive animals from those who are less aggressive, etc. You have done a nice job of expanding your pastures to meet those needs.

The animals themselves are well cared for—you can just tell by looking at them, their demeanor, etc. One way that I could always tell how much alpaca owners cared for their animals was the nail situation. It was amazing to me how many did not pay attention to this detail!! You folks are now to the point where you can walk out into the pasture and pick up on stuff that just does not look right, and that means that you can really read the animals.

We are very appreciative of how you take care of the animals—we often say, Ken and Lisa take care of them as we would take care of them—we are very pleased that our animals are in such good hands. "

Keep in touch and start thinking about next year's breedings. There are some great herdsires out there whom you have never heard about. More on that topic later.

All my best, Ken