Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In the llama tent on the fairgrounds Ray Williamson watches his animals parade by, handled by senior 4-H Llama Club members.
Williamson has leased young members of his herd to 4-H'ers for many years.
He became interested in llamas about 25 years ago and has raised, bred and shown them ever since. Williamson llamas regularly compete in open shows and do pretty well.
Since few county 4-H members own llamas, most classes in and around the llama tent focus on showmanship where the 4-H'ers are judged on presentation. There also are obstacle courses and packing competitions and a just-for-fun costume class.
The obstacle course outside the tent is designed to simulate mountain passages with shifting rocks, uneven ground and even a creek.
During the advanced showmanship class Tuesday, a hard rain began to fall and the wind picked up. Spectators lining the boundaries of the tent moved closer. Water from elevated ground formed a rivulet that eventually came through the tent.
And llamas took it all in stride, looking at the water coming in but not hesitating. Their camel-like heads swiveled this way and that, but they didn't give the children any trouble.
"Oh, they have to look," Williamson said as the storm raged. "They're naturally curious. It's really something to watch them in a field keeping an eye out."
The llama tent is the southernmost "barn." Rumors are they're kept there because they don't get along with horses.
Williamson said this is untrue. "Horses are a little more skittish, I think. Horses just don't know what to make of them."
Although they look exotic, llamas are native to North America and migrated to South America hundreds of years ago.
In the southern continent they're used as pack animals in the Andes, able to carry up to 100 pounds.
Williamson sells some llamas as sheep herd guards. He said strange dogs don't come onto his property, but his pet Jack Russell terrier is tolerated by most of the llamas.
"That one," he said, nodding to a big, white gelding passing by, "isn't very tolerant of any dog."
Williamson said local hand spinners will collect trimmed wool, which he gives away for free. To be of value it needs to be cleaned, processed and packaged and he doesn't want to mess with it.
He's kept as many as 50 llamas on 6 acres and has still had to mow.
"They're efficient eaters," he said, adding that they also receive hay and grain.
They can live for 30 years and weigh about 300 pounds.
For awhile, Williamson said, "when every millionaire had to have one," the price of a llama was pretty high. The market has been level for some years.
Tuesday he presented ribbons during the advanced showmanship class, seemingly surprised and pleased by the honor.
