Last spring, when my three girls were still in virtual school and I was desperately seeking outdoor family activities, I stumbled upon Mistletoe Farm Alpacas. We were blown away by these loving, calming, beautiful creatures. A private visit with owner Leanne Butchko allowed us to feed, pet, and cuddle them and ask lots of questions about raising them (we currently have chickens). It was a perfect family outing, pandemic or not.
Tennessee native Leanne and her “former city boy” husband Tom raise alpacas on their 15-acre farm about 20 miles south of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee. Both Leanne and Tom work in accounting, but when their daughters left for college, she wanted more. So, in 2004 Leanne began researching alpacas. After discovering that there wasn’t much available in Middle Tennessee at the time (in terms of alpaca farms or mentors), she entered an essay contest explaining why she should “win” an alpaca. It was judged by a U.S. alpaca breeder out west, and as luck would have it, her essay won. Shortly after, their first male alpaca was delivered from Oregon. She quickly learned you can’t have just one alpaca — they are herd animals and need others for comfort and security —so she immediately found a mother and daughter to fill out their brood. Both Leanne and Tom quickly fell in love with breeding and caring for these amazing creatures.
These days, they keep the herd between 20 and 25, selling yearly (always 3 together) to local farms. Tom works as a CPA full-time and Leanne part-time during tax season when the farm is not open. With farm manager, Julie, Leanne manages the day-to-day of the farm and loves every minute of it.
The rise in agritourism has helped them expand. Leanne loves that people are looking for unique outdoor experiences that are educational, joyful, and even spiritual. “Alpacas are observant, respectful and gentle. They can read you and play with you or remain very tender.” We felt that firsthand during our visit last year. Thanks to their temperament, in addition to private family visitors, the farm has hosted special needs groups, school groups and senior citizens.
Leanne adds, “Alpacas are eco-friendly. They are not slaughtered for food, they are easy on the land, and they are wonderful with people of all ages. Their fiber is beautiful, their poop makes great compost, and they have a magical way of sensing your mood and acting appropriately.”