GREENVILLE, Miss. (AP)--A year ago, Jane Oliver was told to get out of town--and take her pets with her.

Now, the Greenville woman is capitalizing on a business enterprise and encouraging others to join.

Oliver is owner of Oliver Alpaca Farm on U.S. 82 West, next to the Mississippi Driver License Bureau.

Alpacas, docile animals that are similar to llamas, were first imported to the United States in 1984. They are now being successfully raised and enjoyed throughout North America and abroad.

In addition to being popular pets, their fleece is used to produce jackets, ponchos, blankets and other items.

Oliver bought the farm a few months after being ordered to move her stock of 12 alpacas outside city limits.

She initially purchased a few of the animals about three years ago and kept them in her back yard in Greenville.

In November 2003, neighbor John Berry complained to the Greenville City Council that Oliver's pets were a nuisance. He said the animals had a strong odor, contrary to Oliver's assertion that alpacas do not smell badly. Berry said the scent worsened after rain.

The City Council sided with Berry, declaring that the alpacas were livestock, in violation of a city ordinance.

Since then, Oliver has moved to a former cotton farm and established her business.

"I changed the barn into a clothing store, and the cotton farm is now an alpaca farm," she said.

Oliver said she read an article that said alpaca fleece is five times warmer than wool and softer than cashmere.

"I bought an alpaca jacket and was so impressed, I started reading about them," she said. "It's a friendlier animal than sheep."

Unlike sheep, alpacas eat the top of the grass but don't pull the grass out of the ground, making them more compatible with cattle, Oliver said.

Nationally, several organizations promote alpaca ownership. Oliver is a member of the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association.

One reason for the popularity is that alpacas are basically disease-free and low maintenance, Oliver said. They don't have lanolin, a fatty substance obtained from wool-producing animals, so they don't have an odor.

Further, ownership comes with federal tax incentives.

In March 2002, President Bush signed an economic stimulus package that includes, among other provisions, tax write-offs for alpaca ranching. Farm expenses and improvements are deductible. Vehicle mileage is covered, even if for "enjoyable" trips to breeder conferences or to visit other alpaca ranches.

"Almost anyone should go out and buy an alpaca if you're paying more than $8,000 in federal income taxes," Oliver said. "You're allowed to depreciate the animal 25 percent a year. It's much more aggressive than owning a rental house."

Alpaca sales can be quite lucrative. A baby female is worth $16,000, Oliver said.

"By the time they're 13 or 14 months, they're ready for breeding and their value jumps up," she said. As a result, most people try to buy a female that's carrying a baby.

"Males are usually sold for pets. Only about 10 percent are used for breeding stock."

Among Oliver's stock are an adult male and an adult female who won first place in national championship shows, which she said are similar to dog or horse shows.

The animals are registered to prevent inbreeding. And with restrictions on imports, prices will remain high.

Farm manager Darron Lofton took a break from helping a fence-building contractor to give a tour of the farm.

Lofton said the barn, constructed in 1933, has been converted into a store and office. Merchandise includes jackets, sweaters, scarfs, throw rugs and blankets, available in a variety of colors. The jackets are warm, but lightweight.

The Oliver Alpaca Farm began operation in May. It has 16 animals, mostly female. Their diet consists of hay, oats, corn and grass.

"Just like a horse," Lofton said.

Oliver plans to establish a petting zoo next spring, which will include baby goats and rabbits.

The merchandise currently being sold was manufactured in Italy, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Oliver said she designed a men's jacket that will be manufactured in Peru, and she will design a women's jacket next year.

Ultimately, she plans to produce clothing and other items from her own alpaca fiber.

A word of advice for potential alpaca owners: The animals are shy.

"You need to spend some time with one if you want one for a pet," Oliver said.

And they're fast--so fast that Oliver compared them to gazelles.

"If you've ever seen one run, they've got to be the best athletes on the planet," she said with a laugh.

Date: 1/6/05

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