A bizarre llama craze has erupted in New England as the animals have become popular for emotional support, companionship and to star in adorable pictures.
The Big E, a regional fair in New England, hosts annual llama events at their exposition that have attracted large crowds over the years.
Llama participation at the state fair’s competitions has risen 10 percent since last year and the llama market is on an upswing, according to experts.
The llama event lineup includes costume contests, fleece judging and many llama shows. One event challenges llamas to remain calm during a test which involves the opening of an umbrella, sudden noises and unexpected movements.
The fair is also where llama sales are negotiated, with the average male going for around $500 while a breeding female can cost from $7,000 to $15,000. To many, this is a small price to pay for all that a llama can offer.
The Big E, a regional fair in New England, hosts annual llama events at their exposition that have attracted large crowds over the years
A bizarre llama craze has erupted in New England as the animals have become popular for emotional support, companionship and to star in adorable pictures
Llama participation at the state fair’s competitions has risen 10 per cent every year and the llama market is on an upswing, according to experts
According to experts, North American llamas are better pets than their South American relatives. They can be quiet, docile and affectionate, they are easy to train and their fiber is highly regarded by knitters.
Compared to llamas from South America, New England llamas are more commonly domesticated. They can be hiking-partners, therapy animals, models for photoshoots, friendly guards for other livestock and even golf caddies.
Although the animal is native to the Andes they’re also suited to the rocky terrain and cool climate of New England, where they can live in small farms and be fussed over by their owners.
Carol Millard, the llama show superintendent at The Big E, told The New York Times that people who moved to the countryside during the pandemic found llamas to be charismatic and helpful additions to their small farms.
The pandemic pulled the llama market out of the prolonged lull that it fell into after the Great Recession of 2008 and now the animal’s popularity is sky-rocketing, which is reflected by The Big E’s llama turnout.
The Big E includes each of the six New England states and offers attendees plenty of activities, food stalls, rides and of course llama events. The fair began as a dairy show in 1916 and has since transformed into a 17-day-long extravaganza.
Because of the popularity of the event, which featured viral DJ Zedd as one of their mainstage performer’s, the prize money on offer for llama show success is considered big.
Compared to llamas from South America, New England llamas are more domesticated. They can be hiking-partners, therapy animals, models for photoshoots, friendly guards for other livestock and even golf caddies
Although the animal is native to the Andes they’re also suited to the rocky terrain and cool climate of New England, where they can live in small farms and be fussed over by their owners
The average male going for around $500 while a breeding female can cost from $7,000 to $15,000. To many, this is a small price to pay for all that a llama can offer
Top winners at llama competitions can take home up to $101, which barely covers the cost of raising llamas and making them stage-ready, but the shows are great for demonstrating how good a farm’s breeding program is
Top winners can take home up to $101, which barely covers the cost of raising llamas and making them stage-ready, but the shows are great for demonstrating how good a farm’s breeding program is.
The llama, not to be confused with the camel or the alpaca, can grow as tall as 6ft and usually weigh between 180 and 450 lbs.
The well-behaved animals don’t bite – but they do spit when angered.
Llamas are vegetarians and they have very efficient digestive systems – a factor that contributes to their long lifespan, which can be up to 30 years old.
Llama fiber is highly regarded because it’s soft and lightweight, but still warm, while the coarse outer coat is great for rugs and ropes.
Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com
