Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch

Annie meets Snowball

Hi Tom & Carolyne,

We wanted to share this photo we took when we visited your ranch on the day of the open house/craft sale. Annie (2 1/2 years old) had a ball meeting Snowball the Alpaca (I hope I got her name right)!

Thanks for the magic!

Trina Lamarre

A Testimonial from Arlene & Rick

Rick and I first met Tom and Carolyne the summer of 2000. We had horses for many years, but, due to my physical limitations forced us to find good homes for them. I would be sad to look out the window to see nothing in the pasture, so, decided to look for livestock we could handle easily, reasonable cost to maintain, and if we were really lucky to find something we could make a little money with. There was an ad at our local veterinary clinic, I decided to call. We visited with the Saumer's and their super friendly Alpacas a few times before we made our first purchases in December 2000. Tom and Carolyne patiently provided us with all the information we needed to make the decision to get into Alpacas (Herd Management, important Registration details, and making a plan for quality fibre products). We've made our way back for breeding services and we're very happy with results. Tom and Carolyne have always been a phone call away, providing superb after sales support.

A Testimonial from Arlene Goss

Tom grows fantastic hay. He has a special recipe for Alpacas and our Alpacas love it. There is little to no waste, so we feel we get our moneys worth.

The hay is so green with fine grass mixes and the smell is quite sweet. I can confidently call to place my order for hay and know when it arrives, I don't have to go through it to make sure I am satisfied with the quality and quantity, because Tom checks it before I get it. Tom is a very particular with his John Deere equipment and as a result, gets excellent results making hay.

Arlene Goss

A Testimonial from Shear Delight Alpacas and Angoras

In the year that we have known Tom and Carolyne Saumer, they have guided us every step of the way through purchasing, showing, breeding, and training our alpaca. They have been very generous in sharing their experience and knowledge with us - both before we purchased and, perhaps even more so, since we purhcased. While never pushing us, they have coached us with words of advice and encouragement through the process of building our small herd.

Because they are deeply committed to all aspects of the industry, they are uniquely qualified to help us. They are concerned with the animals themselves and treat our animals very well. Our dam came from another farm and settled in easily. She and her cria have thrived while at Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch.

Our cria was weaned without undue stress and is happily romping with the "bigger boys". Carolyne also appreciates the factors that distinguish the quality of alpaca feece, and again shares that understanding with us.

Tom and Carolyne provide excellent service at every stage.

Bob Doull and Jan Bamford
Shear Delight Alpacas and Angoras

A Testimonial from The Smallbrook Family

Our family met the Saumers and their alpacas a couple of years ago at the Mother's Day event.  Just one visit , and we were hooked!  Just this past fall, we purchased our very own alpaca and we couldn't be happier.  Tom and Carolyne are always available to answer all of our questions, and take wonderful care of "Hip Hop", who is boarded at their farm.  Our family has been welcome to visit our newest pet on a regular basis, and our children have been able to help with his training and care.  Our time spent at the SaumerTime Alpaca Ranch is not only a wonderful family time, but helps our children participate in and recognize the value of hard work.  Tom and Carolyne have become like family to us, and we are looking forward to many years of friendship with them and their wonderful animals. 

The Smallbrook Family
(April 2008)

Here is the Scoop about the Poop

Not ordinary poop, but Alpaca poop. It is our third time applying this compost to our garden which is 15 years old. We live in northeast Edmonton and over the past four years have experienced drought for three and this year lots of rain, wind, hail and even snow in mid September. The garden has pulled through beautifully.

I attribute our success to the poop from the lovely gentle alpaca. It is very balanced in nitrogen so when you apply it does not burn the garden but nurtures it. Just the right ingredients for great growing. It is very friable allowing the garden to drain even when you top dress the whole things, which is what we do.

We write this after enjoying a fall day drive on Thanksgiving weekend. The trip out to the Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch to visit the animals is all part of the fun. The poop is the added bonus. We look forward to planting in the spring for another great year of grown beautiful flowers and vegetables.

Thank you to Tom and Carolyne for a wonderful visit.

Cindy and Peter Wilson
(24 year gardners in Edmonton)

A Testimonial from Woodland Alpacas

Tom and Carolyne Saumer at Saumer Time Alpaca Ranch have always been very professional in their attention to our alpacas. Their love of these animals is obvious in their care and handling, and their constant quest to be best informed about the latest information about the industry. Whether it is day to day care, breeding services, preparation for the birth of crias, or the processing and sale of fibre, our alpacas have always been treated and marketed as their own. They are caring, experienced, and well respected. We would be happy to recommend them to a prospective boarder or purchaser.

Wendy Loar and Doug Sadler
Woodland Alpacas