By Abigail Barrett

KDA Intern

Kentucky Ag News

NICHOLASVILLE - To celebrate one of the state’s most unique and growing agricultural sectors, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell signed a proclamation designating July as Kentucky Alpaca Month. The recognition shines a spotlight on farmers, fiber producers, and educators who are building a sustainable future for agriculture and youth education. 

To celebrate the month, the Alpaca & Llama Fun Show at the Jessamine County Fair brought together families, 4-H youth, breeders, and community members for an evening filled with showmanship, obstacle courses, and hands-on learning.

The Fun Show was more than ribbons and competition; it was a glimpse into the deep bond between young handlers and their animals. Youth participants showcased their animals in both obstacle and showmanship competitions. Among them was Dawson, a 4-H member who presented her alpaca, Stanley.

“He's making noise the entire time,” Dawson said. “He's like, ‘I'm not happy about this, but I'll do it.’”

That partnership, built on weeks of training, highlights the way 4-H programs ground today’s youth, giving them meaningful responsibilities and real-world connections far from screens and social media.

Fun Show coordinator Gerria Berryman said the event, along with showcasing animals, was about community, education, and honoring Kentucky’s deep-rooted fiber tradition.

While alpacas are beloved for their quirky charm, it’s their fleece that fuels industry growth. Alpaca fiber is a naturally soft, durable, hypoallergenic, and flame-retardant premium product gaining national recognition. In one notable initiative, 10 Kentucky alpaca farms are pooling their fiber with six farms in Indiana and Ohio to produce high-quality socks.

“Alpacas used to be all about breeding for show animals,” said Steve Ross, treasurer of the Kentucky Alpaca Association, who said the demand for fleece is changing that.

Two major alpaca fleece events are taking place in Kentucky during Alpaca Month. The Boone County Extension Office in Burlington hosted the Alpaca Owners Association’s National Fleece Show July 12-16, followed by the All Suri Fleece Show July 22-23. Suri is an alpaca breed known for its luxurious fleece. Both events highlight the demand for high-quality alpaca products and provide producers with a platform to promote their craft.

“This (fleece shows) has helped shift Kentucky’s alpaca economy toward more maintainable, fleece-focused goals,” Ross said.

Alpaca farming in Kentucky has its challenges. A lack of regional fiber mills, falling alpaca prices since 2008, and limited veterinary expertise all pose hurdles. However, opportunities in the fiber farming industry are expanding, particularly through initiatives like fiber workshops, mentorship programs, and agribusiness events that bridge the gap between farms and the public. These efforts are facilitating meaningful connections between alpaca farms and their communities, encouraging a new generation of fiber farmers to emerge.

Gerria Berryman and her family raise Suri and Huacaya alpacas at Berryman Farm in Jessamine County. The 10½-acre farm has evolved from a traditional dairy cow operation into a farm where alpacas are raised for their fiber and shared as part of a broader educational mission. 

The Berrymans compete in shows, while also contributing to workshops and initiatives that promote awareness of Kentucky-grown fiber. The farm is home to the Jessamine County 4-H Alpaca & Llama Club, where youth gain hands-on experience with these gentle animals. From daily care to competitive training, the program teaches values of responsibility, patience, and agricultural stewardship.

“We’re not just raising alpacas,” Gerria said, “We’re raising awareness and connection.”

At the heart of it all is the joy of showing alpacas, the pride in hard work, and the friendships built along the way. That spirit of outreach is essential to the Berrymans’ philosophy. 

“Parents can’t always go out and buy three alpacas,” Gerria said. “So, we share.” 

The farm regularly welcomes students, families, and visitors during events such as National Alpaca Farm Days, offering tours and demonstrations of fiber arts. As both hosts and mentors, the Berrymans have made their farm a hub for education, connection, and lifelong learning.

Kentucky Alpaca Month serves as a reminder of what makes this industry so impactful: education, innovation, and rural connection. Whether you’re buying a pair of alpaca socks, attending a fleece show, or simply petting an alpaca for the first time, there’s a place for everyone in this growing sector of Kentucky’s agriculture economy. 

“They’re calming, intelligent animals,” Gerria added, “and when you meet one, it’s hard not to fall in love.”

For more photos from the Alpaca and Llama Fun Show at the Jessamine County Fair, click here.