Carl and Ann Bradbury of Ridge Valley Alpaca Ranch and Friend

Ann and Carl Bradbury, owners of Ridge Valley Alpaca Ranch in Loveland, welcomed their newest baby alpaca (aka cria), to their farm family on May 13th at 10 a.m.  John Giroux, founder of Loveland 365, asked us to call him when the first baby came.  We did and he was here, camera in hand, within 10 minutes of the birth.  Right away he wondered if he could name the new cria and he did.

He thought about it for a moment and said “13 is my lucky number” and because crias are born coming out like Superman, he named him Lucky Clark.

Newborn cria "Lucky Clark" stands on shaky legs

We are grateful that John has taken an interest in our alpacas and especially in our newest cria.

Our ranch was established in 2006 and the first herd of alpacas were purchased and arrived in June of 2007.  Since there was a large barn on the ranch, we knew we had to fill it up and bought 2 horses right away.  We started the alpacas business with a herd of 10 and currently (including the 14 crias born on the ranch, have 26 total)…..we purchased an amazing herd sire (Jubilant) who is the sire to 9 of the 14 crias.  We have a 2nd herd sire named Midnight who has sired a couple of the crias and several of ours have sires from other alpaca ranches in N. Colorado.  We pride ourselves in having all 8 colors and all with beautiful fiber (what this business is all about).  In addition to affording and healthy and less stressful lifestyle, alpacas offer you a unique way to diversify your financial portfolio.  Alpaca livestock are tax deductable and fully insurable.

Newborn cria "Lucky Clark" has his mother's full attention

We love all our alpacas and their fiber.  We have a small farm store where we sell yarn and products made from our alpacas.  Last year we had many visitors to the ranch who loved the experience of meeting the alpacas and then buying products made from them.

Prior to raising alpacas, we published the Colorado Business and Lifestyle Magazine for almost 9 years.  Retiring from publishing and moving to the ranch west of Loveland, we decided to enhance our life by getting into the alpaca business.  The horses are a huge blessing to us as well.  Ann rides (her dream since she was a teenager).

Carl and Ann both encourage everyone to follow their dreams because dreams can come true!

For more information or to schedule a free ranch visit, call 970-669-0043 or visit Ridge Valley Alpaca Ranch online.

Written by Ann Bradbury
Photos by John Giroux