As I started out exploring the alpaca world, I began by volunteering my time at the local 4-H alpaca farm in 2019. The 4-H club was brought to my attention by a friend of my mother’s. I learned how to feed, take care of the alpacas, and had fun walking them and spending time with them. Once I knew what I wanted to raise alpacas I knew it was time to find our own. I brought up alpacas to my parents and at first, they were a bit unsure about the idea. After visiting farms and learning about the alpacas, we decided to buy our own.
After our first purchase of two alpacas, we knew we wanted more. While searching the internet, we found our great friends, Tim and Beth Sheets at Heritage Farm, where we bought our first Suris. After purchasing from them, the Sheets’ informed us about the upcoming local AOA National Show in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
That was my first alpaca show, I entered into the youth competition and competed that weekend. I also did the youth judging competition and learned even more. Since that first show we have added several more alpacas and attended more shows the next year. After not doing well in the show ring, we knew we had to change our program.
I started learning, watching, and studying what it takes to be competitive and what it took to win in the ring. Listening to the judges’ comments, and visiting other farms’ stalls to see what quality was being produced played a key part in our success. After talking with many veteran alpaca people and becoming great friends with many farms, they all began to help me. I have learned how to use the AOA alpacainfo and Openherd websites to learn about view pedigrees and breeding programs.
Learning different bloodlines is a great way I have figured out how to improve my alpacas, along with many other resources. I have really enjoyed the challenge of making our alpaca program better and hope to continue it in the future. In the future I hope to have a very successful program and maybe pursue an interest in judging.
One of my favorite things about this industry is the people. For me as a young teenager, being able to connect with adults that have the same passion and interests as me has really been amazing.
Still to this day, one of my favorite things about alpacas is cria season. Seeing a new life born on your farm and then going on to do well in the ring is a great feeling. Success, happiness, and gratefulness all rolled into one! Today, we have a very successful herd of quality, champion, seed stock Suri Alpacas. We cannot thank the people enough that have gotten us to where we are today – Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas, Shambalah Alpaca Ranch, Triple H Alpacas, Rogue Alpacas, along with RayNay Alpaca Farm, and many others.
Biography
Abigail Shelhart is a 17-year-old from Claypool, Indiana, and the founder of Shelhart Acre Farms. With the support of her parents, Sue and Scott Shelhart, she has built a thriving farm that is known for top quality Suri Alpacas. Abigail is particularly passionate about the alpaca industry, focusing on raising and breeding top alpacas. She is dedicated to growing her farm and sharing her love for alpacas within the community.