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About Ad Astra Alpacas
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 Welcome to Ad Astra Alpacas! When we were deciding on a farm name, we drew from the fact that we are native Kansans. Our farm name, Ad Astra Alpacas, comes from the Kansas state motto..."Ad Astra Per Aspera." Ad Astra means "To the Stars", so we are naming all the alpacas born here after stars, constellations, or planets.
We live just outside the city limits of a small town in northeast Kansas, on the farm where Claudia grew up. This used to be a dairy farm, and we have been slowly but surely converting fences and outbuildings to be suitable for alpaca ranching.
We have learned so much about these gentle animals in the three years we've been privileged to own them. We've attended seminars and shows, and read lots of books and articles which have all really helped us. Day to day interaction with the alpacas has provided us with some valuable hands-on experience, too. Alpacas are fascinating animals, and there is much to learn about them, but that's all part of the joy of owing them.
Our alpacas have taught us some things, too. We have learned to be calmer and more patient, and we can actually feel ourselves relaxing and letting tensions go when we are around them. We find a quiet peacefulness in just sitting out in the pasture or barn with them. Having a curious cria come up and give us a kiss is one of the most satisfying feelings there is! |
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| Additional Farm Photos: (click to enlarge) |
| Pasture sign | Water fun | | | | | 
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Of course, just like everyone else in the alpaca business, one of our goals is to constantly improve the quality of our herd and the fiber of each successive generation. Another important goal for us is to raise calm, friendly alpacas. By using Camelidynamic techniques, we are achieving that goal, too.
Our alpacas have traveled to the summer reading program in town, to visit several 4-H groups in a neighboring town, and have even visited the local assisted-living center. Most recently we went to the Baldwin City Care Center. Some of the residents couldn't come outside to see the alpacas, so we took one in to them. He went down all the corridors and into rooms to greet the folks, just like he was used to doing this sort of thing all the time. The entire second grade from the school came to visit, since they were studying a unit on South America. Old and young alike have enjoyed stroking these gentle animals, and the alpacas have enjoyed the treats they received from everyone!
We get great satisfaction talking about and showing our alpacas to farm visitors. We invite you to come see why we love our animals and the "alpaca lifestyle" so much. Stop by any time...we'll be glad to see you! |
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| | Breeder Biography
Ad Astra Alpacas is owned and operated by Bob and Claudia Hey and located in Baldwin City, KS. The Kansas state motto is "Ad Astra Per Aspera", so we decided to use that for our farm name. It means "to the stars", so we are naming alpacas born here after stars, constellations or planets.
Thirty-five colorful critters call Ad Astra Alpacas home. Drop by and see why we love the alpaca lifestyle so much...we'll be glad to see you!
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