South Peace Historical Society

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  • Table of Contents

    • Part 1: First Nations of the Peace River Region
    • Part 2: The Fur Trade Era
    • Part 3: Transportation and Communication
    • Part 4: Old Timers and the Price of Land
    • Part 5: Dawson Creek: The Story of the Community
    • Part 6: Mysteries, Adventures and Indian Legends
    • Part 7: Arts, Crafts and Recreation
    • Part 8: Agriculture
    • Part 9: Church Histories
    • Part 10: Schools
    • Part 11: Health Care
    • Part 12: Industries and Enterprises
    • Part 13: Policing the Peace
    • Part 14: Pouce Coupe, Rolla, and Other South Peace Communities
    • Part 15: Chetwynd and the Fort St. John Area
    • Part 16: The Alberta Peace
    • Part 17: Natural History of the Peace River Region
    • Part 18: Interviews with Old Timers
    • Part 19: Remembering Our Veterans

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BN08-34: There’s Llots to Llike Llamas For

Recent History – 1999

Sept. 9, 1999

By Jim Sinclair, for the Peace River Block News

If llamas ever need an articulate, enthusiastic spokesperson, Nancy Schlauwitz of Farmington would certainly fill the bill. In Nancy’s opinion, llamas are ideal animals to have around. When asked to identify the primary appeal of the South American native, Nancy said, “It’s hard to pick just one characteristic, they’re desirable for so many reasons.”

Nancy and her husband Mike got involved with llamas because they’d heard of how easy llamas are to live with. “They’re so good in family situations,” Nancy said. “my kids can go out with them and I don’t have to worry. Fencing isn’t a problem — basically any fence will keep them in. Plus, they eat and drink so little they’re really easy to care for.” Related to camels, the bred female has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Geldings and sires can live from 20 to 25 years.

Asked if there is good income potential in raising llamas, Nancy said, “Yes there is. The market goes up and down as with other animals. The thing is, there’s a lot less feed, fewer bills. When you look at everything, they’re running a little bit better than what I could sell a horse for.”

Cattle and horses also reside on the Schlauwitz property and get along with the llamas just fine. “The geldings are very good guardians,” Nancy said, “I know people who keep them with their cattle, sheep, and goats. I’ve heard of a tremendous decrease in deaths, almost to zero.” Nancy has yet to hear of a case where a llama has passed a disease on to another kind of animal, although she is aware of the reverse happening.

Llamas produce a good quality wool. Nancy shears her animals every other year.

Nancy said, “Llamas have gotten quite popular in the last six years or so. There are about 15 local sites where they’re raised.”

This article is taken from the Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, with the permission of the publisher. The Daily News retains all rights relating to this material. The information in this article is intended solely for research or general interest purposes.

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BN08-35: Reindeer Producer Hopes for Asia »

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