Briar Branch Alpacas was started in 2005. Eight alpacas were purchased initially for fiber and as a "test run". Prior livestock experience on our farm was with cattle and hogs. A fiber animal created quite an uproar and curious but critical remarks by family as well as community members. I have found raising alpacas has become a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Briar Branch Farm was bought by my grandparents, William M. and Mary E. Vallandingham on January 17, 1925. It was mostly a tobacco farm with 60 acres planted annually in addition to grain, cattle and hay until the death of my father, Joseph W. Vallandingham, Sr. in 2002. My brother, Joe Vallandingham, Jr. and my mother, Mary Vallandingham transformed the farming operation into Vallandingham Farms LLC in 2003 which is composed of a total of 950 acres. Mostly grain and hay is produced presently.