The first alpacas arrived in New York State in 1984. It was not until ten years later, in 1994, that the first farm, Alpacas of Niagara, was established in Western New York. On February 20, 2005 the local breeders held a meeting at Rich and Jeanne Byington’s farm in Sardinia to explore options for a local organization. It was decided there were enough farms in the area to justify a formal organization so we collected dues from the first 11 farms and formed a non-profit corporation. By the summer of 2005 there were 25 members with volunteers busily getting the committees organized, publications printed, the website designed and events planned across the region.

We strongly encourage all alpaca breeders in the area to become members of the Empire Alpaca Association (EAA-State) and the Alpaca Owners and Breeders’ Association (AOBA-National). As an organization we are guided by the Ethics standard established by the EAA.

Please feel free to contact any of the officers of ABWNY, Inc. (See Officers page).