Alpacas in the News

For Immediate Release - October 5, 2008

Alpacas were on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, Friday October 3, 2008 with a catch title that is sure to spark interest.  There was also an alpaca photo.

“When Stocks Tank, Some Investors Stampede to Alpacas and Turn to Drink”

by JENNIFER LEVITZ

Associated Press

Quoting the article:

“Peggy Parks, a 49-year-old auditor in Johnstown, Pa., turned to an unusual farm animal. "I've lost a fortune in stocks, and my 401(k) is falling through the floor. I feel comfortable in alpacas," she says. She invested $56,000 in a small herd that she believes has a better outlook than most mutual funds because of the animals' breeding potential.

The national Alpaca Registry Inc., in Lincoln, Neb., says registrations are on pace to rise 7% this year and currently stand at 140,297. Ms. Parks says a female of "medium quality" can fetch $10,000 and that prices have been rising, supporting her hopes that she'll see a profit on her alpaca portfolio in five years.”

Gordon A. Anderson CEBS
Executive Director