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Alpaca Month Proclamation

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles signs a proclamation naming July Kentucky Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month. BELOW: Melanie McPartlin, Executive Director of Marketing for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, presented the group with Commissioner Quarles’ proclamation during the Alpaca Owners Association's National Education and Fiber Conference last weekend. Accepting the proclamation on behalf of the group was Steve Ross, Kentucky Alpaca Association treasurer. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo).

18
JULY

KDA celebrates Kentucky’s alpaca industry

Kentucky Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month celebrated in July

FRANKFORT (July 18, 2022) – Kentucky alpaca farmers and the alpaca industry add an enriching diversity to Kentucky’s agricultural economy. This month, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Alpaca Association celebrate Kentucky Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month.

“Kentucky’s 4,000 alpacas produce beautiful, soft, cashmere-like fleece,” Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles said. “I encourage people to visit an alpaca farm to learn about alpacas and their care and to learn about the many and diverse products that can be made from alpaca.”

Alpaca Month Proclamation presentation

Kentucky’s agricultural economy benefits from alpaca producers because of their focus on fiber and fiber products, agritourism, and breeding for livestock sales and seedstock. Kentucky has more than 200 alpaca farmers across the commonwealth with the most alpaca in Shelby County, followed by Warren, Franklin, and Fayette counties.

Last week, the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) hosted a National Education and Fiber Conference at the Boone County Cooperative Extension in Burlington, Kentucky. The AOA National Fleece Show brought together alpaca owners and fiber enthusiasts from across the country to learn, network, and skill-build. The three-day weekend consisted of a variety of educational seminars from industry experts, discussion-based breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and evening excursions.

At the kickoff of this conference, Melanie McPartlin, Executive Director of Marketing for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, presented the group with Commissioner Quarles’ Kentucky Alpaca Fleece and Fiber Month proclamation.

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    In the News

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  • 3/18/25 – Ag Education Week brings the agriculture experience to the classroom
  • 3/17/25 – Russell County Hospital, Dry Branch Stock Farm partner up on Food is Medicine initiative
  • 3/07/25 – Agriculture Commissioner kicks off Ag Tag season visiting with FFA, 4-H members
  • 3/06/25 – 2025 Beef Expo sales reach more than $700,000
  • View All Press Releases...

    Agriculture Links

  • Kentucky Farm Bureau Newsroom
  • Cromwell Ag Network
  • Morning Ag Report - WKDZ 106.5 FM

KDA Video

Agriculture in Kentucky

Agriculture is more than a part of life, it’s a passion and commitment to provide the fiber, feed, and shelter the world needs.

Equine Industry in Kentucky

Agriculture is more than a part of life, it’s a passion and commitment to provide the fiber, feed, and shelter the world needs.

Kentucky Farmers' Markets

Kentucky Farmers' Markets bring fresh, local produce, meats, eggs, and handmade goods directly to communities. These markets support local farmers and offer a vibrant shopping experience with seasonal products, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Sunshine Class

The Sunshine Class is a unique opportunity for special needs individuals to engage in Kentucky agriculture by showing livestock. To learn more about how to get involved visit kyagr.com/sunshine/

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