This group of llamas was at Mystic waters farm in Vernon County. Apparently, the photographer interfered with the hay dinner. That’s “Spitz” staring you down off to the right. He likes to spit but usually only does it when he is aggravated. His buddy, Joansey, is off to the right, lying down, letting Spitz handle the photographer.
Left to right are Boots, Inkie, Frederico, and Consuela. Don’t be misled. There are two llamas in the center, Inkie pointing her butt to the left and Frederico pointing his butt to the right.
One other fellow is coming to the rescue. Note he is on the move upper center in the photo. His name is Hank the Guard Dog. He runs fast and makes a lot of noise. The llamas pay little attention to Hank. Llamas are often used to guard the flocks of other farm animals, such as sheep and other small livestock. Llamas tend to be daring and bold, which helps explain why Spitz spits when aggravated.
Also, note the black pig off to the far left. What’s he doing there? He said his name was “Sousa” and then huffed, puffed, and walked away.
But don’t get the wrong idea. Llamas are usually very social and quite curious. They typically love people, which is why so many Wisconsinites have them on their farms, and often as pets.
Meet Dusty (left) and Rusty (right). They are posing here while at Justin Trails Resort in Monroe County. They love it when visitors hand-feed them with treats. All you have to do is put some treats in your hand, hold your hand out, and they will walk over and eat off your hand.
In 2001, Susan Kovacs raised llamas in the Mt. Horeb area. She said she thought llamas were a woman’s animal, personable, an animal to which one can become attached. Some people like them as pets because they are friendly, calm, and social! Some even believe the llama is a “stress reducer.”
Bobby Tanzilo interviewed Nancy Fox of Stone Fox Fibre Works in Grafton in 2003. Nancy said:
“My life is focused around llamas. What do you do with a llama? The very best thing you can do with a llama is love them.”
Tanzilo reported Nancy, at the time, was to harvest their wool and fiber to produce garments. They are frequently used as petting zoos and pack animals to support you as you trek through the woods.
“Llamas raised commercially in the United States today are raised for companion animals, shows, wool, and fertilizer. They also can serve as livestock guardians, protecting sheep, goats, and other animals from predators.”
Wisconsinites are also raising llamas for breeding, sale, and show. Some even call raising llamas in Wisconsin an industry; others refer to “our llama families.” There is a Badgerland Llama Show every year. Some llama organizations offer scholarships; some train their llamas; some people offer shearing services and sell llama products such as halters and driving harnesses, grooming supplies, and the whole nine yards! Others compete with fleece they’ve taken from their llama. It is a fantastic industry, to be sure.
This group of lazy llamas resides in luxury at Mystic Waters Llamas and fiber Mill near Mondovi. Note that this crew could care less about the photographer! They did not even want to introduce themselves!
Three of them are watching this crowd pigging out on food. And then spewing it up to chew some more. They are slow eaters!
On a second trip to visit the llamas at Mystic Waters, I shot these pix of the boys and girls.
Archibald
The Jacobsen Clan, alerting someone else despite my instructions to look at me!
At long last, the jacobsens looked at me after I informed them I was an Air Force officer!
While riding around Trempealeau County, I ran across Harvest Home Farm at W16303 Simonson Rd, Whitehall. This is a terrific place, owned and operated by Mike Poulos. We spotted some llamas out in the fields. Several looked like youngsters.
Cutie and Cupcake
Gerard and prissy!
Again while riding around Trempealeau County, we saw some llamas hanging out at the barn with a couple of horses.
Let’s get a closer look. I did not catch their names as they seemed startled.
