Our Breeding Philosophy
Bardo's Gypsy, a multi-time champion, brings fiber, bone, and Peruvian lines to our program
Our program focuses on producing show quality llamas that are healthy, beautiful, and joyful companions. We appreciate the quality attributes of proven bloodlines regardless of country of origin. Our program has successfully crossed proven Bolivian genetics from LW Willie K, LW Kissam, Oko Castizo, and Beraji with the domestic lines such as Lopez, Llevi, and the English Union Jack, to Chileans such as Top Flight, Macho Camacho and Juan Peron.
Recent additions are of Peruvian origin from Peruvian Bardo and Whist/El Fuerte and El Gris as well as the 1996 Bolivian importation. Our recent herd sires acquisitions include two awesome suri-type males: a full Chilean from MV Pablo and Top Flight lines, and a Black Jade son who combines Chilean Leroy Brown with Black Cloud of Bolivia and Federico. We are excited about the attributes these males have added to our program!
Rich in genetic diversity
Exceptional fiber, personality, health and beauty
Show quality Llamas with Consistent appeal
Strong hybrid crosses from proven South and North American lines and a
select few full Bolivian crias are born here every year. Regardless of
country of origin, our emphasis is on show quality animals with gentle
temperaments and proven maternal ability. (We are one of the few farms
that measure the passive transfer from the mother with an IgG on every
cria, male or female.) Secondary traits of single coat or suri fiber,
color, and what can only be described as "elegance" have continued to
hone our herd to a small number of exceptional llamas. One example is
our own Bolivia’s Rio K, who has won champion at halter as well
as repeat top awards for the quality, hand and luster of her fine
single coat fleece.
Bolivia's Rio K
a full Bolivian
champion female
Key to our development of an elegant, fine-fibered llama with excellent health and easy going temperament has been LW Captain Curry, our senior Bolivian herd sire purchased from Llama Woods. He has produced his gorgeous fiber in an array of colors on crias that are stamped with his elegant, stretchy style. LW Captain Curry is from the long-proven lines of LW Willie K and LW Kissam, producers of show champion llamas too numerous to mention.
YW Pinata demonstrating her fine fiber coverage and superior conformation
Our own Champion YW Pinata is an example of what LW Captain Curry has produced for us. She has her ALSA ROM, placed Grand Champion, taken 7th place in the ALSA 2000 Grand National, placed 7th in the prestigious Celebrity World Futurity in 2000. She has also been a member of the Top Ten in Get of Sire at the Celebrity World Futurity and Champion Get of Sire for Captain Curry several times, including the Ohio State Fair and the Buckeye Regional, 2000.
Today's Breeding Environment
Over the past 10 years, the price of llamas dropped significantly while the quality of llamas bred by conscientious breeders has continued to rise. The popularity of showing llamas has no doubt contributed to a more careful selection of breeding stock for conformational characteristics. Farms interested in making a fast buck by selling inferior animals have found it difficult to compete and maintain their previous profits. Some general livestock auctions and llama "dealers" still market llamas with genetic or health problems. Llamas purchased from these sources should be avoided, particularly by first time llama owners; since they are more likely to have birthing problems, birth defects and poor milk production.
PPF Pablo Cruz, Full Chilean Suri herdsire
Today, a quality farm will work hard and continue to invest in their breeding stock to produce the best llamas, with a true love of the animals and focus on quality rather than making a quick profit. The show arena continues to promote competition and helps to set goals for the llama industry as it moves into the new century.
Fiber types and styles add interest and variety to raising llamas, but the basic health and substance of well-bred animals will provide the quality that will allow our industry to mature and endure.
Bolivian Sudden Impact, full Bolivian outcross herd sire
While we provide exceptional show quality crosses of Bolivians to other North and South American lines, we will continue to raise a small number of show quality full Bolivian llamas. No new Bolivian importations are planned in the forseable future, due to political and economic restrictions. This assures the value of the pure Bolivians in this country, and we seek to retain some of the best of theBolivian lines in a core herd as a genetic resource to be tapped for future generations.
We will continue to be a resource for breeders seeking quality characteristics in a pure Bolivian or exceptional Bolivian cross. The proven Willie K/Kissam and Macho de Las Montanas lines as well as newer imports such as the exceptionally tall Sudden Impact will provide sound Bolivian purebreds for years to come.
We have young and bred females for sale, as well as stud prospects and handsome, fine fibered companion males. Many of our foundation herd and offspring have outstanding show records.
Give us a call today; we love to talk llamas!
email laura or call:
Fred and Laura Keller
317-834-9097
Please accept our invitation to visit Yellow Wood Llamas!
YW Kona Lady, Reserve National Champion Medium Wool Juvenile Female in 2000; a "total package" female with fiber, size, and signature elegance.
We have young and bred females for sale, as well as stud prospects and handsome, fine fibered companion males. Many of our foundation herd and offspring have outstanding show records.
