Olde Oaks Farm

Olde Oaks Farm Store

The llama adorning the mailbox at Olde Oaks Farm welcomes one to a tranquil meadow at the edge of town. The farm has been home to Ouijan Vinson’s prizewinning llamas since 1996. Ouijan was captivated by the llamas she first saw at the Houston Livestock Show in 1989. As fate would have it, when Ouijan and her husband relocated from Houston to East Texas, she had the opportunity to raise the animals. One look in their big brown eyes and she was hooked!

Ouijan and Banditt at the San Angelo Rodeo

Over the years, Ouijan has shown her llamas at state and national halter and performance competitions. Olde Oaks’ Banditt has won Reserve Grand Champion at the State Fair of Texas, and was in the top 15 at the Grand National Llama Show. Gaining an appreciation for soft llama “wool”, however, Ouijan has changed her focus; concentrating on breeding for fine fleeces. A chance encounter led her to the Wildflower Fiber Retreat and the world of spinning, knitting and weaving!

Balancing her time among the 14 llamas and their related activities, her family and her accounting work is always a challenge. “The continuing support of my husband has made all the difference,” says Ouijan. In addition to involvement on the Wildflower Fiber Retreat and knitting camp, she is Secretary for the South Central Llama Association.

Ouijan is enthusiastic about llamas and willingly shares information about this fascinating breed with others. Test your knowledge by taking the quiz below:

1. Llamas are relatives of this Asian/African beast of burden.

2. Llamas have three related “cousins” in South America. What are their names?

3. This ancient group of native americans raised and used llamas as domestic animals.

4. The fiber of this South American llama “cousin” is the finest in the world, selling for more than $300 per ounce.

5. Because they have a low impact on the environment, llamas are good for this activity.

6. Owners of sheep and goats often use llamas for this.

7. When llamas are anxious, they make a noise. What is it called?

8. A baby llama is called a …?

Answers:

1. camel 2. alpaca, vicuna, guanaco 3. Incas 4. vicuna 5. pack animals 6. guard animals 7. humming 8. cria



For questions or more information, please send email to Ouijan at Olde Oaks Farm