Treasurer

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the GALA. Maple Hill Farms began a little more than 10 years ago with the purchase of a small farm nestled in between the Berkshire Hills and the Taconic Mountain Range on the New York, Mass border. We were attracted to the farm’s gently rolling fields, a manageable 40-acre site, two ponds and a stocked trout stream that meanders along side the property. The 200 plus year old farmhouse and one barn had been recently updated, which allowed us to concentrate on building the fencing, pastures, and additional barns to house the horses I had dreamed of one day breeding.

It was the loss of one of our lambs that led us to the wonderful world of llamas. You see, we had been introduced to llamas at Lars Garrisons’ Memorial Day event the previous year, and now found ourselves exploring the benefits of a sheep guard. Well, I suppose the loss of the lamb was the excuse I was waiting for to purchase our first pair of llamas. It’s been 7 years now, and the original pair of sheep guards are still guarding sheep, and our llama herd has grown to about 29 animals.

My involvement in the llama community lead to the formation of the Northeast Llama Showcase, a corporation whose primary function is to showcase Llamas and the rewards of Llama ownership to those interested. With each new event we hope to attract even larger llama and alpaca audiences, as well as educated spectators wishing to learn more about the wonderful world of llamas.