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year before giving birth.
Once the babies are weaned and nearly a year old, unless they are chosen to stay on the farm to improve the breeding program and participate in shows, they are sold to other farms that are either looking to start a hobby farm or to other competitive farms looking to show the animals.
“ A lot of times we sell three boys in a package to help start a farm,” Turner said.“ This year, we had about four babies that are more on the pet-quality side, which we knew going into the season just based on how their moms’
Chloe Smith / Stories of the Heartland
Triple T Alpaca of Foreston sells fleece from its alpacas to be made into products like clothing and stuffed animals that they then sell on the farm during their Open Farm Days and at local markets.
fleeces are.”
Outside of its breeding and showing programs, Triple T Alpaca also sells the fleece of the animals and products made from the fleece, such as socks, hats, scarves, mittens, blankets and stuffed animals.
“ We sell the yarn to people who knit and crochet or weave, but I also do some knitting and crocheting myself,” Turner said.
The alpacas are not just farm animals to Turner. Some of the babies they birth on the farm end up staying for sentimental reasons, and Turner loves how each animal has its own personality.
“ They hum, and they each have their own voice,” Turner said.“ You can definitely tell the animals apart as far as their voices go. They are live-
Alpacas / See page 26
Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, September 21, 2025 Page 23
Chloe Smith / Stories of the Heartland
Beth Turner of Triple T Alpaca in Foreston hopes to better the breed of the animals through the farm’ s breeding program. In doing so, she has found a unique love for alpacas and their distinct personalities.
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