Sandy River Alpacas, LLC

Sandy River Alpacas, LLC is owned and operated by Marie Ring and Kendall Hanna. Hanna has a background in construction and both Ring and Hanna are nurses.  With the changing economy and the resulting stressors, they were both looking for a happier, simpler, more rewarding lifestyle and have found it with the alpacas and country life.

In 2009, while surfing the Internet, Ring came upon a site called AlpacaNation.com, and it was here that the seed was planted.  As Ring looked at alpaca after alpaca, she fell in love with these beautiful animals. After nearly a year of searching for the “right” property, they finally found it in Starks, Maine.  Forty acres of pastures, woods and even a picturesque river.

Their guiding business principles are diversification and sustainability.  With a starter herd of six alpacas (and expecting the first two crias to be born on their farm this summer), they breed and sell alpacas and harvest fleece.  The farm is also expanding by offering seasonal vegetables, fresh eggs, hay sales and a small farm/gift store that offers homemade, made in Maine items such as soaps, lip balms, jewelry, knitted items, alpaca yarn and gift baskets.  And, in several years, there will be high bush blueberries for sale.

The farm is located at 1005 New Sharon Road (Rt. 134) in Starks and is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (June 24-October 29) and by appointment (207-696-8416 or 504-0138).  There is also a picnic area available for those who would like to bring a lunch and watch the alpacas. So, grab the kids, invite some friends, and head over to the farm for a truly unique experience.

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