Able Oaks Ranch Announces April 5 Alpaca Shearing Day in Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 5 SHEARING OF RARE ALPACAS AND MINIATURE LLAMAS

RUSK, TX - MARCH 15, 2004 - Able Oaks Ranch announced today that April 5 will
be the shearing date its rare alpacas and miniature llamas. Alpacas produce the softest, most luxurious fiber in the world. It is greatly sought by the fashion houses of New York, Paris, and Milan. Able Oaks Ranch is the only farm in Cherokee County TX, and one of only three ranches in East Texas, raising alpacas and miniature llamas. There are less than 1500 registered alpacas in Texas, and less than 500 registered miniature llamas in the United States. The public is invited to observe the shearing process. This is a family-friendly event.

Alpaca and miniature llama owners from as far as Arkansas will converge at
Able Oaks Ranch in Rusk, TX for the annual shearing. Shearers from New Zealand will shear fiber from over 50 alpacas and miniature llamas. The alpaca fiber will be weighed, sorted by color, and specially bagged to separate the precious soft blanket fleece from the coarser leg and neck fleece. A typical raw, unwashed alpaca fleece of 8 lbs. sells for about $175. When processed into yarn, that same fiber sells for about $700.

Able Oaks Ranch sells alpaca and miniature llama yarn and fiber at craft shows and from its Web site at http://www.ableoaks.com. Virginia Lyons, owner of Able Oaks Ranch, weaves shawls, scarves, ponchos, and other items from her animals'
fiber.

Alpacas and llamas are native to South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, and
Chile. The United States first commercially imported alpacas in 1984. Current figures note over 60,000 registered alpacas raised throughout North America and registered with the Alpaca Registry, Inc. (ARI). There are less than 500 miniature llamas in
the United States and they are registered with the International Llama Registry (ILR).

Alpacas stand at approximately 36 inches at the withers and weigh between 150 and
200 lbs. Miniature llamas must be 38 inches or less at the withers and weigh between 200 and 250 lbs. Alpacas and llamas have single births that are usually unassisted. They need plenty of fresh water, consume minimal grass and hay daily. 8 to 10 alpacas and miniature llamas can be pastured on one acre. Their expected lifespan is twenty years. Many alpaca enthusiasts enjoy knitting, spinning, and weaving alpaca fiber, which is stronger, warmer and lighter than wool and is as soft as cashmere. It is hypo-allergenic and comes in 22 natural colors and numerous shades.

Able Oaks Ranch was established 2002 by Virginia Lyons. A former technical publications professional for over 30 years in the California computer industry, Virginia fell in love with alpacas and retired back to her native Texas. She is a graduate of the University of Texas. Today, Able Oaks Ranch raises about 30 alpacas and miniature llamas and is pioneering the alpaca fiber industry and new markets for East Texas ranchers.

Please contact: Virginia Lyons at 903-530-1009 or contact@ableoaks.com to schedule an interview.

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