Alpacas and lavender make chamber agenda

In the rocky hills above Lake Roosevelt last Thursday, some 25 chamber of commerce members got to experience the dream farm of members Merv and Mary Jo Monteith.

At their Spring Canyon Alpacas and D&M Gardens, they were introduced to the couple's Alpaca herd, about 30 in number, and got a special introduction to a 3-week-old newcomer to the farm.

Visitors took a winding gravel and dirt road up a hill and past the D&M Garden lavender grow, now nearly in full purple bloom.

A barbecue prepared and served by the Tropical Pig, an Electric City firm, was waiting for the chamber members.

The setting provided a territorial view of Lake Roosevelt, with the mountains as a backdrop.

Mary Jo Monteith walked visitors through the farm's lavender program and then through the operation of the alpaca business and a future garlic operation that is about to come into full bloom.

She told of the primary purpose of the alpaca part of their operation, the shearing of fibre, and the fact that they have raw wool for sale in their farm store, as well as items made of alpaca wool.

Later, it was the tour of the alpaca herd and an introduction of the tiniest newcomer that brought out the cameras and conversations.