19th century barn at the Arrow Acres Farm in Wall Twp. There is an old Chevy pick up truck around the corner. Photograph by Paul Goldfinger © July, 2014. Click to enlarge images. Re-post from 2014. Blogfinger.net.
Which way? It’s left. It’s open. Blogfinger photo.
Dee Sherman, chief alpaca farmer at Arrow Acres. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©
For forty years, the Sherman family raised horses at their Arrow Acres Farm in Wall Township. But 4 years ago, Dee Sherman decided to have an alpaca farm instead. There are 90 alpaca farms in New Jersey producing wool for use in making soft, luxurious items such as clothing and blankets.
Alpaca are curious, affectionate and social animals originally from Peru. Arrow Acres Farm. Paul Goldfinger photo ©
Alpaca come from the mountains of Peru, so they prefer cold weather. Dee learned how to breed and raise these gentle curious animals, and now she has over 20 adults and babies. The breeding happens around now, and Dee has 3 daughters who live nearby who help with the chores. The farm sells some of the alpaca they raise. They sell for thousands of dollars, depending on the quality of the wool. Arrow Acres Farm staff bring their best specimens to competitions around the country
Dee says that Maggie’s behavior indicates that she is “in the mood” for love.© Paul Goldfinger photograph.
In addition to raising the animals, the Sherman women spin and dye the wool, design patterns, and knit or crochet beautiful finished items which they sell in their shop at the farm as well as online. Shearing of the animals takes place in May. Then the wool is sent to professional processors before it is returned to Wall for further attention.
Arrow Acres Farm shop. ©
Alpaca yarn is in great demand, and they always sell out their supply. During the last weekend in September all the Alpaca farms across the country have festivals where visitors can come to see the farms and buy alpaca yarn. Most of it gets sold that weekend.
The Ocean Grove/Bradley Beach “Knit to Quit” club meets regularly at the Bradley library. Call there for more information. The Club decided to go on a field trip, so off we went to the Sherman farm. The Sherman family dates back to the 1600’s in this area. Dee Sherman cheerfully gave us a tour of the farm. Then everyone sat around her on the porch of their shop to watch her spinning technique. Dee enjoys giving tours, but she prefers not in the summer. You can call to schedule a tour by speaking to Dee at 732 861 1385. Their web site is arrowacresfarm.com.
“So what’s for dinner–pizza or grass?” Blogfinger photo. ©
“Let’s not talk politics.” © Paul Goldfinger photograph.
Dee demonstrates spinning. Photo by Eileen Goldfinger ©
THE CHIMES
By Eileen and Paul Goldfinger, Editors @Blogfinger.net