Julien's Journal December 2016 (Volume 41, Number 12) | Page 25

DECEMBER 2016 The second floor of Julie’s Irish Meadows Yarn Barn and Boutique. Photos by John Moran I Julie Delaney, co-owner of Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm with Chase. Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm n 2004, Mike and Julie Delaney realized their unique historic farmstead was perfect to showcase champion livestock. The rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and grassy meadows were a natural fit for eye-catching alpacas. By year’s end, Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm was born. Over the years, Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm has evolved. Clients from all over the United States have done business with this Eastern Iowa farm, nestled not far from the picturesque Mississippi River Valley. It is home to 120 huacaya alpacas. Over the years the farm has sold over 200 alpacas, all as foundation animals for other breeders. Breedings performed for clients number well over that, as well. The recipe for their success is simple. Start with an outstanding foundation herd, and add excellent customer service. Mix in superior breeding services, and the result is a nationally competitive alpaca farm. Mike and Julie’s advice to new farms is this, “Buy the best females you can afford, and breed to the best males you can afford. Champion stock comes from a great dam and a great sire.” The Delaneys travel great distances to show their alpacas, and it is not uncommon to attend 10 to 12 shows per year. Since 2011, Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm has earned the Breeder of the Year award at the prestigious Futurity Show in Kansas City. In 2008, Julie started Irish Meadows Yarn Barn & Boutique, a retail store offering many items made from alpaca fleece including items made from the fleece of animals living on their farm. Just like sheep, the alpacas are sheared every spring. The Delaney’s have a herd of about 120 alpacas with each animal producing approximately five pounds of fleece. The fleece is turned into yarn and roving. The yarn is sold, but is also used to produce a vast array of finished products that can be purchased at the store on the Delaney’s farm. If you are looking for unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season, take the short ride to this alpaca farm. Hats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, coats, comforters, pillows, rugs, socks, and much more are all produced from the alpaca fiber. The store is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Sundays in December from noon to 5:00. Julie will also open the store by appointment. The store is located in a restored granary that dates from 1940. In 2012, it was renovated and now has three levels to house the many alpaca products for sale. The farm is located at 23477 BellevueCascade Rd., LaMotte, IA, and is 20 minutes south of Dubuque. For more information, visit their website at www.IrishMeadowsAlpacaFarm.com or give Julie a call at [phone]. You can also email them at [email protected] or find the store on Facebook under Irish Meadows Yarn Barn & Boutique. v Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Julie Delaney of Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm. Julien’s Journal  ❖ 23