Moonlight Rose Alpaca Farm

David Rose, Owner Moonlight Rose Alpaca Farm

Located in Swansea, Massachusetts, Moonlight Rose Alpaca Farm spins the soft fleece of its prize-winning herd into yarns and goods that bring exceptional softness, warmth, and durability. Owner David Rose began his Alpaca journey in 2001, intrigued by an ad he found in an agricultural magazine. What started with seven alpacas has grown to over 70 on his five-acre farm, one of the first in Southeastern Massachusetts and the largest in the state. Now, this family-run farm offers high-quality, hypoallergenic fiber products that fit right into New England’s artisan vibe, perfect for folks who love hands-on, local craftsmanship.

It all begins in the pasture, where their huacaya alpacas—loved for their thick, crimpy fleece—get sheared by hand each April. The soft fiber is spun into yarn that’s warm, light, and tough enough for everyday use, whether you’re knitting or weaving something special. David mentions that the younger Alpacas have the best quality fiber, but as they age, their fur can become coarser. The animals live to around 17 years on average, but nothing goes to waste as David uses the elders’ fur for boot liners and dryer balls. For a fun family outing, join David and his family at their open house, better known as “Shearing Day” each April.

Their retail lineup is practical but feels luxurious. For you knitters out there, you can purchase natural, undyed skeins of yarn for your winter and holiday projects. They also offer a variety of clothing from cozy socks to keep your feet warm on cold kitchen floors, to Cable Knit Beanies to brave those brisk early mornings, to toddler mittens popping with color and style. These beautiful animals, native to South America, now number over a million in the US. So, if you’d like to start your own herd or are interested in breeding your current flock with the top of the line, Moonlight Rose is open for business.