‘Frosty Ridge Alpacas’ Hosts Shearing Day

DULUTH, Minn.– For 18 years, Frosty Ridge Alpacas has kept a large herd of alpacas.

And with owning any animal, there’s special things you need to do to take care of them.

But with alpacas, you need to shear them.

“I am so happy that we can do this for the folks that live in this area. I remember when I first got alpacas, we had no clue we couldn’t shear them well because we weren’t pros. And we were always concerned, how are we going to get them shorn,” said Loni Blumerich, Co-owner of ‘Frosty Ridge Alpacas’.

And despite the alpacas voicing their opinions, this is a necessary procedure they need to go through every year.

“Alpacas don’t want to be handled; they don’t want to be told what to do. So, when we restrain them like this, they’re just plain old not happy,” said Blumerich. “Some of them whine, some of them are really quiet, some of them slobber like crazy. But they are not getting hurt. What would hurt these animals if you don’t take off their coats before summer.”

Over 80 alpacas from around the Twin Ports is getting their annual makeover.

And it’s not just the animals that are mingling with each other.

Whether you are an alpaca owner or here to watch it all happen, there’s something for everyone at this farm.

“There are no better people than alpaca owners. It’s just the way it is they’re all wonderful people. We all think alike, we all have the same problems, and just to get together with everybody. It’s just so nice to be able to talk alpaca,” beamed Blumerich.

After it’s all said and done, the fiber is collected and woven into yarn.

Which is then made into tons of fun items such as socks, hats, and gloves.