by Bea Peterson
Jen Stellar has had llamas in her life since she was four. “They’re wonderful pack animals,” she said. “They’re fun to be around, and they will do anything for you.” Jen began showing her llamas in 4-H. In a couple of years she started showing them as an independent for the family’s Misty Maples Farm.
[private]Just recently she showed at the International Llama Registry (ILR) Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa. The Gathering is held once a year. Jen and her llama, Katdoll, took third place in the medium wool adult female class in this National competition.
This time of year, the Steller llamas, now housed at Picasso’s on Route 22 in Hoosick, sport a saddle cut. Their soft hollow-fiber fleece is cut away from their middle section to help them stay cool in the summer. Then every two years, she said, the entire fleece is cut. This fleece can be spun and turned into thread that can be turned into garments and blankets. It is warmer than sheep’s wool but is a courser fiber.
The llama is a South American relative of the camel, without a hump. Llamas graze on grass and hay. Jen said in the winter grain is added to their diet.
Right now the Stellers have a half dozen llamas. Prize winning Katdoll is off property visiting a boyfriend. Another one of their llamas has a boyfriend visiting her! Katdoll’s brother has similar markings to his sister, and the latest addition is a cute little orange colored llama that was shy of having a photo taken by a stranger.
Seria, a stately old gal, is 22 years old. She was used for breeding for many years. Penelope is a white llama. “My dad (Howard Steller) chose her,” Jen said.
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