The average American is at least three generations removed from the farm. There is a real need to educate youth about agriculture and provide them with on-farm experiences so that they will appreciate where their food and fiber comes from.

Seven years ago, the Warren County 4-H Program piloted the 4-H Alpaca Project by partnering with Alive N’ Fuzzy Alpaca Farm in Rockfield, KY. This project was unique from other 4-H projects in that it provided on-farm experiences for non-farm/urban youth. 4-H volunteer leaders matched children with an alpaca during monthly club meetings. The children learned about alpacas, learned how to work with alpacas and learned about their care. The children also participated in shearing days where they learned that alpaca's main source of income was their fiber.

These Alpaca 4-H Project members practiced skills learned on the farm by: exhibiting their alpacas at local fairs and the North American International Livestock Exposition showing off their skills in showmanship and obstacle classes; educating the community about alpacas by appearing on local television stations or community events with their alpacas; and converted alpaca fiber to alpaca products such as dryer balls and clothing items.

This past year, two 4-H Alpaca Project members conducted community service projects to get the community involved in on-farm alpaca experiences. One 4-H member conducted a 2K Fun Walk where participants donated canned food items in exchange for walking an alpaca around the farm. She collected 84 pounds of food and $250 which was donated to Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland. The other 4-H member created an Adopt an Alpaca project. Adopters would receive pictures and email/text messages about the alpaca they adopted.

Over the last 7 years, fifty youth have benefitted from the 4-H Alpaca Project. Layna Taylor, a 4-H member who has been in the project for several years and has participated in national alpaca shows, created clothing out of alpaca fiber, and conducted leadership experiences at the farm said, “I love the 4-H alpaca club because it gives me an opportunity to learn as well as teach new members about alpaca farm life and agriculture. It is a lot of fun, and I’ve met a lot of amazing friends as well”.

The 4-H Alpaca Project has expanded into 2 different clubs. One club focuses on 5–8-year olds and the other club focuses on 9-18 year olds. Both clubs are conducted by 4-H volunteer leaders who offer their farms as a place to experience hands-on farming and learning. Janet Turley, local county extension agent for 4-H Youth Development works with the 4-H Alpaca Project in Warren County.