Close-Knit Alpacas

Close-Knit Alpacas is offering a ten-week educational program with hands-on, day to day farm experience on Moon Ivy Hill in Woodhull, New York with the Close-Knit Alpacas, of course! This is absolutely the only program of its kind in the U.S. alpaca industry.  Each week of Close-Knit's Intern-to-Learn Program is comprised of six full days of instruction and actual, daily farm work, culminating in an optional bonus day on Sunday for refreshers and further questions and instruction. Ten total weeks make up the complete program.  For those who don't have ten weeks' time to invest, there are several weeks to choose from, with different areas of focus added to the overall experience of working each day as an alpaca farmer.  Completion of all ten weeks, though, provides you with the most comprehensive, complete education you can get anywhere on alpaca farming. You will come away from our dude ranch experience together feeling confident in your knowledge, as well as abilities, and ready to address the studied areas independently with your own alpacas, or those belonging to others.  Perhaps you want to be an Alpaca Ranch Manager on a farm owned by someone else. This is the perfect intensive, complete course designed to fully train you for such a position...It is definitely not a sit-down-and-listen seminar series.  

NOTE:  Due to both safety and space issues, acceptance to the program cannot be guaranteed.  An Admission Interview is required of each Applicant. Prospective Interns must have a certain basic level of pre-requisite abilities in order to participate.  College and High School students must have at least a C average in school.  Decisions on acceptance are made by the program's Director.  It is vitally important that Interns are serious about learning the realities of what is actually involved in operating a full time alpaca farm, that they are sincere, have realistic goals and have at least an average degree of physical fitness and approval from their doctor for the physical demands of light-duty farming. Participants must agree to adhere to all farm rules, scheduling and protocol. 

Participation is LIMITED to no more than five (5) persons on any given week to ensure one on one attention.  An Application and Director’s Interview are required of all prospective Participants.  Deposit of 33% to 50% of the Program Fee is required upon acceptance to the Complete Intern-to-Learn Program with the balance paid in full one week prior to the first day of the Program. 

You will not be subjected to any sales pitches. Just show up ready to ask questions, listen, take notes if you like, learn (no matter what) and do!

Meals and refreshments, cabin,  or guest room are provided you at no charge for the time you are a Close-Knit guest, but you are welcome to book a hotel room in nearby Erwin or Painted Post and show up at the farm each day at 6 a.m. if you prefer. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to those successfully completing the program, which will also garner you discounts off alpacas owned by Close-Knit Alpacas and other C-K Family members across the country.  There is a Level 2 for the program, as well (please inquire about details).  One may temporarily or permanently leave the program at anytime, though no fees paid or owing can be refunded or dismissed once that year's program has started.

Level 2 and 3 skill sets must be reached for one to become a Close-Knit Apprentice and stay as a guest on the farm in this capacity, with a one to two-year commitment.  Level 2 Applicants must have successfully completed Level 1 and, further, pass a series of oral and practical exams with the Director.  

Level 3 Applicants must (a) pass the Moon Ivy Hill Animal Husbandry and Alpaca Farming written exam with a B or better grade within 2 weeks of a desired start date; (b) demonstrate the ability to independently obtain and maintain a full or part-time (no fewer than 25 hours per week) farming and/or animal husbandry job; (c) hold that job successfully for one full year and; (d) present a positive letter of reference from the employer. Level 2 and 3 Participants staying as longer term guests on Moon Ivy Hill pay a monthly Sustenance Contribution Fee of $750 per person by the 1st day of each month being entered.

Every day, regardless of the weeks focal subjects, you will participate in all basic farm chores beginning each morning in the barn and concluding in the evening after evening barn chores. This is designed to give you a real experience of what is actually involved in running and growing a working alpaca farm business, with lots of private time for rest, reading, and discussion of particulars and your own situation and goals. 

This is an opportunity to spend day in and day out, from morning until dark, actually working on a full-time, mid-sized alpaca farm in rural western New York.  You will learn first-hand what is involved, what you will want to plan for, what you can relax about, and what you need to be prepared for. We are looking forward to your visit, and a whole lot of fun, too!  No hype. Just reality... If I can do it, YOU CAN DO IT. You just need a place to practice, and we have got the ideal location and lots of beautiful alpacas and other farm animals perfect for that right here!

Please CLICK HERE for a printable copy of the above information along with the complete outline/syllabus for the upcoming season. College students, please indicate your supervising professors contact name(s) and information on the Application Form below on this page. High School students, please include your parent or guardian's name(s) and contact information.  Special Reminder Note: The number of participants is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you!

Wren Owens

C-K Owner/Breeder & Founder of Alpacas in the USA!

A true Dude-Ranch experience, with hands-on learning