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Jersey Breeders

by Editorial Staff--Suburban Family magazine
One Jersey Farm: Grown, shorn and worn in New Jersey

The magnificently soft feel of genuine alpaca fiber adds luxury to any outfit – but it feels even better knowing the product comes from right here in New Jersey.

Jersey Breeders, an established alpaca farm in Tabernacle, sells stunningly soft and beautiful yarns, roving products and handmade items made exclusively from their own animals. The yarns come in a variety of natural colors however, they also hand dye them to create even more variety for your knitting and crocheting needs.

Since 2004 owners Jerry and Lynne Braatz have welcomed the community to their pastures with a quality range of fleece products, a friendly herd of approximately 60 alpacas, plus family-oriented attractions.

Products made from alpaca fibers range in many natural hues of black, brown and white, but can also be dyed in a wide range of colors. From light-weight summery scarves to thick winter sweaters, alpaca clothing adapts to changing seasons and styles. But it doesn't stop there. The distinctively soft alpaca can be found in blankets, gloves, hats, socks – even children's stuffed animals!

Open House
Visitors with appointments are welcome to the farm year-round, but several dates this fall are set aside for special open houses welcoming the public. Jersey Breeders will participate in National Alpaca Farm Days this fall, in an initiative sponsored by the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) to enlighten and educate people across the country about their local alpaca farms and owners. These open houses are scheduled for Sept. 24 and 25 and open to all ages! They will also have a holiday Open Farm days on Dec. 3 and 4, where the whole family can browse the farm’s impressive acreage, buy one-of-a-kind alpaca gifts, enjoy photo opportunities and learn a thing or two about this unique lifestyle. This is a popular attraction where families can tour the farm.

Due to township regulations Jersey Breeders is unable to sell their non farm alpaca products at their farm. In order to advance the beautiful product you can also find them at Johnson’s Corners in Medford on the weekends during November and December. Come and see the wide variety of alpaca products which include such items as classic sweaters, hats for adults and children, socks, scarves, mittens and gloves. Much of their product is made right here in the USA or Peru.

The farm will have their yarns and handmade items, all made solely from the alpacas raised on the farm, available at several public venues throughout the fall. Stop by the Marlton Whole Foods Market's “Local Crafters’ and Farmers’ Market” events on Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 25 and Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Their products will also appear at WineFest 2011 at Valenzano Winery in Shamong on Sept. 17 and 18. From noon to 5 p.m. sample local wines, browse artisan crafts and head to the Jersey Breeders’ vendor table at the winery’s Vintner's Pavilion and Courtyard.

A Choice Lifestyle
New Jersey is home to nearly 90 alpaca breeding farms in New Jersey. The lifestyle, which is filled with responsibility and joy, is popular to people from all walks of life. Jersey Breeders has expertise in raising alpacas for businesses, but also for pleasure.

There is a national movement of people with small acreage to become involved in agriculture activities. For those interested in the rewarding lifestyle of alpaca raising, the farm offers a full-day class to educate you on that endeavor. “The Alpaca Toolbox,” will go over everything needed to know to get into professionally raising alpacas for a business, taught by the farms knowledgeable staff. This seminar is scheduled for October 22, 2011 and will be presented at the farm.

“Alpacas are a great way to help your kids understand a safe and responsible lifestyle. These animals are gentle and easy to care for,” says Chris Gray, operations and marketing manager at Jersey Breeders. “They can be are a peaceful addition to families of any size with children at any age.” Another class, “Alpacas for Pets,” will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, for those interested in exploring unique new members of the family.

They also encourage you to check out their Facebook page where they post daily news about alpaca farm life. You can also view hundreds of pictures of the alpacas, including a video of a live birth, at Facebook.com/JerseyAlpacaBreeders.

For more information on classes, events and where to find Jersey Breeders’ products, call (609) 268-8656 or visit JerseyAlpacas.com.

Jersey Breeders
364 Tuckerton Rd.
Tabernacle, NJ 08088
(609) 268-8656
JerseyBreeders.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 7 (September, 2011).
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