Local Farm Celebrates National Alpaca Farm Day

DEEPSTEP, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Most people think of cows, pigs and chickens when they think of a farm, but for Theresa and Tony Pitts, alpaca farming is a way of life.

“I usually call myself a rancher. I tell people I have an alpaca ranch and that usually starts a whole conversation from there,” Theresa Pitts said.

After their son died in a car accident, the Pitts started researching alpacas.

“We dedicated the farm to him, we miss him quite a bit,” Theresa said.

So tucked away on the quiet back roads of Washington County, Pitts and her husband found a little salvation and a couple of dollars in these unique animals. The Deepstep Creek Alpaca Farm raises the animals for money. The Pitts display their stock at shows, use their fur for fiber, and sell manure for fertilizer.

“We shear them and turn their fiber into products,” Theresa said.

Pitts spends about three hours a day taking care of the 82 alpacas and two llamas. Every animal has a name and she describes them as timid and loving. While, the farm is “no kill”, Pitts said it’s still strictly business.

“We know every single animal, we put our hands on every single animal, but by no means are they pets,” Theresa said.

Most people get alpacas and llamas confused, but Pitts says there are differences. Alpacas are smaller than llamas and breed for fur. The animals typically live about 15-20 years. While, the farm isn’t enough to support the family now, Theresa said she looks forward to growing old and watching her alpacas roam.

The Pitts and their alpacas will be on display September 29th for National Alpaca Farm Day. Catch up with the Deepstep Creek Alpaca Farm at the Tractor Supply Company in Sandersville at 1246 South Harris Street.

For more information on the Pitts’ farm, head to http://www.deepstepcreekalpacas.com/.