We retired from the "work a day" world  and bought our five acre "ranch" in Penn Valley, California in 1997.  After putting in perimeter fences,  upgrading the house and property we decided  to raise a few alpacas  for fun and profit.  In 1980 we bought our first animals and have enjoyed the new lifestyle since then.

We had learned about alpacas from an article and photo in a local news publication and upon visiting the ranch of the author, we "fell in love" and purchased three female alpacas. Two were pregnant, due to deliver in a few short weeks, and the third was a seven-month-old female cria. As soon as we got the necessary cross fencing in, we moved our five alpacas home.  It wasn’t long before we purchased another pregnant female with a female cria at side to add to our herd.

 Since then, our herd has multiplied and we have sold  some and purchased a few more .   We are no longer "retired" but are having a great time caring for these wonderfully unique animals. They afford us an enjoyable lifestyle and additional income.

Our ranch has also become home to several agisted (in alpacaese, that means boarded) alpacas. These animals receive the same love and care as our own. As a matter of fact, after a while, they seem to be as much ours as the ones we do own.  Each alpaca has a name, registration number, a unique face and color. And just like people, have distinct personalities and traits.

This business is a never-ending learning experience from animal husbandry to spinning fiber. We can attest to the fact that "one is never too old to learn something new".  

The best way to get started and learn about the joy of owning alpacas is to visit the ranches already in the business. Please come and visit us and see these wonderful animals,.

We raise and sell only ARI registerable alpacas to protect you, the buyer, and the integrity of the breed.

To arrange a visit, e-mail: gca@goldcountryalpacas.com or call (530) 273-1866

We look forward to seeing you.