2025/2026 Alpaca Owners Guide

 A Healthy Long-Term Outlook

Like any livestock-based industry, alpaca farming

depends on market balance between supply and

demand. For alpaca owners, that balance remains

healthy. With about 290,000 registered alpacas in

North America—roughly 45% male and 55% female—

these animals are still considered rare compared with

other livestock. Importation of live animals ended

when both the Canadian and AOA registries closed,

so herd growth now relies entirely on domestic

breeding. Because alpacas have an 11- to 12-month

gestation and typically produce one cria per year,

North American herd expansion will remain steady

but gradual.

Alpaca sales and breeding programs remain stable,

supported by strong demand for high-quality animals,

education and fiber-focused enterprises. Meanwhile,

consumer awareness of alpaca products continues

to rise, especially among buyers seeking ethically

produced, environmentally friendly textiles. As that

awareness grows, so does the need for quality alpaca

fiber and finished goods.

In short, the future of alpacas—as livestock and as a

source of premium natural fiber—remains promising.

The industry continues to attract people who value

sustainable agriculture, innovation and the enduring

appeal of this remarkable animal. 

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