Yarn colours are generally the natural colour of the animal, complete with a photo. Uhh, Mr. DeMille? I’m ready for my closeup.
Growers & Producers
Best Baa
Elora Farmers' Market
Flowers to Fragrance
Guelph Farmers' Market
Harmony Meadows Alpaca
Ignatius Farm
Mapleton's Organic Dairy
White Rock Ostrich Farm
taste•real from the ground up
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They are living their dream: in 2009, Kristi and Robert Mercier bought a 10-acre farm just south of Belwood to raise alpacas.
They started with four. Now they have 10, each with a distinctive name, like Grande Latte, or Silver Lining. They hope to have another four babies to name this year. And they’re loving it.
“It’s been our ongoing plan for eight years,” says Kristi, who is also a realtor. Robert is an IT consultant. “We researched the market. We boarded our alpacas until we could fence and make repairs. We still work, but now we can unwind with our gentle animals.”
That’s because alpacas are low maintenance, requiring feed only twice a day. But one of the big reasons they went into raising them is because their fibre is the warmest around, superior to wool. It’s stronger and more resilient. It’s also hypoallergenic, containing no lanolin, and comes in 22 natural colours that range from pure white to pure black. That makes it perfect for a variety of products, from socks to yarn, fine clothing to duvets and other felted goods. They’re adamant about supporting local farming, and have as much fibre processed here as possible.
A big addition to the farm this year is the opening of a farm store in the spring. It will showcase all the wonderful alpaca products that they carry, along with goodies from other local producers. Delicious, fresh free-range eggs and free run chicken raised on the farm are available too.
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Shearing Open House on Sunday, May 12
(Mother’s Day).
Farmers’ Markets in Guelph & Elora every Saturday year-round. Farm Visits are welcome, please call or email for appointment. For Events & Newsletter visit www.harmonymeadowsalpaca.ca
6185 Sixth Line, Belwood 519-841-5055
Harmony Meadows Alpaca
6185 Sixth Line
Belwood ON
519.841.5055
Visit website
Recipes of the Week
Roasted Balsamic Potatoes & Onions
Curried Squash Soup
Fruit Cobbler
Rhubarb Squares
Warm Spinach & Strawberry Salad
Twice Marinated Mushrooms
Radish Cucumber & Parsley Salad
Fresh Strawberry Bavarian
Fresh Pea Soup
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