Woodford Farm Field Day

We were invited to bring alpacas and educate 4th graders about them as one of 15 "stations" at a farm field day held at Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass. It was a beautiful day and a great venue, just a lot of fun!

It's amazing how far we've come as an industry in exposing the public to our great animals, and I get only infrequent "ignorant" questions and far fewer people ask if they're baby llamas, etc. I like to think that it's partly because of those of use who "get out there" with our animals, to farmer's markets, festivals, libraries, schools, farm events, parades, etc. We have done literally dozens of these sorts of things over the years, and they are still gratifying.

Even though we live in a rural county, there are children growing up in our area who are completely out of touch with farms, their food sources, and exposure to animals. Fourth graders, I believe, are ideally receptive to learning about these things and I was very impressed with some of their great questions and attention.
We talked about the alpaca's use and origins, their habits, and defenses. I demonstrated my spinning wheel and let them all try treadling on it. They got to pet our 4-day-old cria, Ginger Spice. Each child left with a little bit of roving- what a thrill that was for some of them! Hopefully they'll go home and tell their parents about all that they learned and saw today- who knows, some may become alpaca breeders or at least consumers of alpaca products someday!

A Bit of Farm History

We feel fortunate to be living in such a tranquil and beautiful place, Seldom Scene Farm near Frankfort, Lexington, and Versailles, Kentucky. National Geographic Magazine, in an article about the Bluegrass Region in May, 1974, pictured and quoted former resident Bird Watts as he stood in a tobacco patch along the Kentucky River and shared memories of his relatives fighting Indians in the bottoms. Shown above is a horse-drawn hay rake that was pulled from our pond when we had it drained and enlarged last year. I like to think that Bird Watts used it with some strong mules to plow the fields here.

Seldom Scene Farm was transformed from "The Old Watts Farm" when Paul bought it in 1987 and his employees told him he was "seldom seen any more." Paul became the second owner of the farm, since it was originally deeded to the Watts family in the Virginia Land Grant. The land and 1812 cabin had sat empty in a stale estate for about 15 years, having previously been a cattle and tobacco farm. The first time that Paul mowed the field where our house now stands, the thistles were higher than the tractor! The farm has come a long way in 21 years.

We have raised various a variety of livestock on these hills, but nothing has been so successful and satisfying as alpacas. We started with one pet male, then 3 females and have now grown to over 80 animals with several world-class studs. (Although we no longer breed llamas, we keep a few around as guard animals). Paul's background with showing cattle and Lindy's with horses have given us a good basis for selecting and breeding top stock.

I look forward to sharing our alpaca farm happenings, photos, stories and highlights, and especially to hearing your comments and questions about all things related to alpacas! I will also feature tips on husbandry, showing and fiber. Finally, I will highlight places and events in our surrounding area as Woodford County has so much to offer! Some of the world's top thoroughbred horse farms are within a few miles of us (Ashford Stud and Gainesborough Farm to name a few), and we are a stone's throw from Woodford Reserve Distillery as well. Keeneland race track and the Kentucky Horse Park are other nearby destinations that we also frequently enjoy. If you would like to visit and learn more about alpacas or the area, just give us a call!