Shearing Day is a necessary part of every alpaca owners year. Alpacas are sheared once a year usually before the end of July, depending on location. They are normally sheared lying on their side as opposed to sitting on their rump like sheep. Two people lift the alpaca off its feet and lie the alpaca on its side. This can be done on the floor or on a table.

The cost of shearing is about $30-50/alpaca plus a $100 set up fee. Budget for this, because it is a non-negotiable item in any farm business plan. You'll also need to have cash on hand to tip the shearing team. The tip would scale in size along with your herd size and the amount of time they spent on your farm.

Alpacas only really need to be shorn once a year because their fleece provides more than enough material to last throughout the year for products. Unlike cashmere or other types of wool that need the animals to be shorn regularly to the point that it may be harmful for the animals.