Hope Springs Farm Alpacas

Hello, Friends,

We are William and Candace Frey of Hope Springs Farm Alpacas. We found refuge in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia after living in Charlotte and other big cities for much of our lives. In 1999, with a love for animals and a desire for a simpler way of life, we embarked on a journey that has brought us tremendous satisfaction and joy, living a lifestyle where rush hour is from the front door to the barn.

In 2002, we purchased our first animals from two well respected farms, Heart’s Desire in WV and Timberland Alpacas in Oregon. From 8 full Peruvian breeding females of aristocratic bloodlines of Victor and Hemingway, bred to renown herd sires Leon, Felix, El Moustachio, Miracle Whip, Guellermo, and Avenger’s Invasion we grew our herd to 40+ animals. During this time of herd growth, we focused on developing a strong, healthy herd breeding for size and physiological vigor as well as fineness of fiber. Females are not bred until 2 years of age and males around 3 years to assure full physiological development and increase the chances for successful pregnancies and birth.

Through the years, we have experienced much and learned a great deal about these wonderful animals and thoroughly believe in the gift these animals bring to the world. Alpaca fiber is the fiber of the future and that future is now. Our only concern is being careful not to narrow the gene pool too severely by breeding to the same 100 “best” champion herd sires. EPD’s will help breeders find quality herd sires that are not necessarily champions but have traits they are seeking to bring out in their crias. Keeping some variability in the gene will help to keep this industry strong and robust.

Another thing we have learned is that in an industry that is always seeking and promoting superlative animals, not every farm that makes the claim is accurate. We strive for honesty. We have good, above average, well bred animals from strong heritage bloodlines. We stopped the show circuit and instead, focused on breeding for high quality and raising healthy animals whose fiber is lustrous, and strong with good handle. If you’re looking for good healthy stock and beautiful fiber, consider us.

Time has a way of marching on and age of slowing us down. We have reached that point in our lives when it’s time for us to retire. Recently, two wonderful farms have purchased the bulk of our herd, Gary and Judi Ward of Memory Hill Alpacas, and Bob and Tia James of Ocatilla Mountainside Alpacas. We are extremely grateful to them for recognizing quality animals at a fair price and giving our animals great new homes. We have 8 remaining alpacas. One female is due in May. Two are open and ready to breed which we may do when the weather warms. We have 2 fine herd sires and 3 exceptional junior herd sires. Interested parties may call for an appointment to see these.