Alpacas The Stars Of Howell Farm

HOWELL, NJ — If you've ever been curious about alpacas, you have a chance to be introduced to some stars of an alpaca herd right here in Howell.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, Diann Mellott of Cedar Lane Farm will open the farm for a small fee (free for children under five) for visitors to get a greater understanding of the value and history of the alpaca.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $6. The farm is at 67 Victory Road, Howell.

The tour includes a presentation about alpacas and a question and answer period - all with some help from alpacas Charlotte and Sophie.

Mellott said alpacas are camelid members of the biological family Camelidae. She said they originated in Canada and proliferated in South America in the Western Hemisphere.

"They are a prehistoric animal and migrated in the Ice Age to South America," Mellott said.

Mellott began raising alpacas in 2010. Before that she had horses.

The alpacas are much lighter - 145 to 200 pounds, and they are pretty calm and quiet, she said.

"They have paws like a dog, with two toenails. They're not noisy - but they do hum," Mellott said.

They also have a pretty relaxed personality.

"They sort of mosey around - unless the food bucket is out. They run to that," she said.

Plus they're not happy in the rain - that makes then head for the barn too.

Mellott's farm also has a shop, the Alpaca Shop, and she said alpaca fleece is most prized as fiber that is not only soft like cashmere, but stronger and warmer.

She sells yarn from her own alpaca herd and she also stocks such items as socks and scarves and hats from other manufacturers. The alpaca content in these wares in these products is much higher than in most, she said. The socks, too, are made in the U.S.

For more information about the farm and other open farm dates and events, go to the farm's webpage at www.CedarLaneAlpacas.com or call 732-938-4185.