The Alpaca Association of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation that was formed to advance the alpaca industry in the State of Michigan. It was approved as a 501(c)(5) by the IRS in May of 2023.
The association is a collective of alpaca owners, breeders, fiber processors, commercial producers, educational and research institutions within the state of Michigan. The association’s purpose is to support and advance Michigan’s alpaca industry.
The association is an affiliate of the Alpaca Owners Association, which is the national alpaca association in the United States of America.
We Welcome You!
The Alpaca Association of Michigan welcomes you to the wonderful world of alpaca farming in Michigan! We exist to support and enhance the alpaca industry and promote alpaca farming in Michigan.
Rasing alpacas in Michigan is very popular because alpacas are well suited to the cold winters. Their incredibly warm coats of fiber match up well to harsh Michigan winters, while the shorn coats do equally well during hot summer days.
With an abundance of experienced alpaca breeders, veterinarians, and the support of the association, farming in Michigan is rewarding, fun, and a great business!
Locate an alpaca farm near you and set up a visit today and experience these incredible creatures for yourself! Our farms welcome visitors and will be more than happy to educate you on alpaca farming.
The Association’s History
Alpacas were first imported to the United States from South America by private individuals beginning in 1984 – imports came mostly from Peru, Chile, and Bolivia and were conducted according to a screening method developed by US importers to ensure the finest foundation stock were selected to form the US National herd.
On June 17 of 1988, 38 alpaca owners gathered at Shanty Creek Lodge in Bellaire, Michigam to begin the formation of the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA), which was recognized as the national association for the US alpaca industry.
From this meeting, the Alpaca Registry was also formed. This registry requires DNA verification for alpaca registry, which was a first for camelids. The registry was closed to new imports in 1998.
In 2010, the Michigan Alpaca Livestock Products And Commerce Association (MI-ALPACA) was formed to advance the alpaca industry in the State of Michigan through the joint efforts of alpaca breeders, fiber processors, and commercial producers/sellers of alpaca finished products, Michigan educational institutions and alpaca research organizations. This nonprofit association dissolved in later years.
In the fall of 20121, a new association was formed and formally registered as the Alpaca Association of Michigan. This nonprofit group is registered within the state of Michigan.