Hundreds of curious men, women and children stopped by the Hollyhock Farm Alpacas in Becker Saturday for the family’s final farm tour before moving to Grasston, Mn.

 

Darryl and Teresa Kukowski opened their barndoors to numerous guests and provided them with an informational tour of the animal stalls as well as allotting space for kids to create crafts, draw and color at tables set up in the pole barn.

 

Teresa also opened the doors to her small gift shop which featured hand-made knitted items she made as well as skeins of yarn and imported items from various collections. She had handspun yarn from their alpacas, hand knit and woven one-of-kind hats, scarves, purses, socks, shawls, ponchos and other items for sale. 

 

They also displayed the dozens of red, blue, white and pink ribbons they’ve received at shows as well as various newspaper clippings that have featured the Kukowskis over their 10-year existence.

 

Kids were allowed to approach and pet the alpacas — if they felt inclined to be touched. The llama-looking critters appeared a little skittish from all the attention and the added noise and inhabitants.

 

Darryl talked with several adult guests and told them the particulars relating to the alpacas and answered their questions. The Kukowskis have been rising alpacas on their farm since 2002.

 

Teresa manned the store and answered any questions anyone had on the items for sale and also had “helpers” on hand to take care of the sales transactions as well as spin some yarn and put together kits. She also had other volunteers supervise the craft area and help the little ones with their projects.

 

“We decided to expand our business and had to choose between either raising more animals or making more fiber products,” said Teresa. “We have chosen to create more fiber art with fiber purchased from other farms.” 

 

The Kukowskis plan to move later in 2015, and are looking to sell the farm, home, property and alpacas to someone who would like to have a small alpaca business. 

 

“If interested, please contact me,” she said. “There is still time for me to share my 13 years of knowledge raising alpacas and using alpaca fiber.”

 

The Kukowski’s 4-BR, 2-3/4 BA walk-out rambler and farm is on 26 acres. The home is located at 9852 Co. Rd. 23SE in Becker Twp.