Alpaca workshop set for March 23 in Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE -- Those interested may learn alpaca care by participating in a hands-on workshop Saturday, March 23, with White Violet Farm Alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

Alpaca 201: Herd Health Practicum will allow participants to spend the day in the alpaca barn and pastures learning to administer injections and oral medications, trim toenails, weighing animals and more.

Opportunities to practice herding, separating and techniques for handling and restraining will also be taught.

Participants will assist with shearing an alpaca and learn the procedure for fecal testing by centrifugal flotation.

The workshop will run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $75, which includes lunch and snacks.

Instructor Tracy Wilson, alpaca herd manager for White Violet Farm Alpaca, said the new workshop is geared for beginning alpaca farmers and those considering alpaca ownership.

No previous classes are required to attend.

"I hope participants take away a better understanding of the reality of alpaca care and the work it does take to keep your animals healthy," Wilson said.

White Violet Farm Alpacas is a non-profit ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Inc., and helps support programs of ecological justice education, organic agriculture and fiber education.

To register, contact Robyn Morton at rmorton@spsmw.org or call 812-535-2932.

Registration by March 15 is preferred.

Log on to www.WhiteVioletAlpacas.com for more information.