About Us

Located in Clements, MD, the Briar Branch Alpaca Farm has been a Southern Maryland staple since 1925. Over the years, the Vallandingham family farm took on a multitude of purposes from raising angus cattle to growing tobacco and other seasonal crops. After the passing of her grandfather, and working as a full time nurse practitioner at the local hospital, Dana Russell, decided to follow in her family footsteps and revitalized the farm into the Briar Branch Alpaca Farm in 2008. After receiving her first batch of eight alpacas, the family knew that they had created a small business tied to their farming roots and close to their heart. Dana took her farming knowledge and advice from friend and local alpaca farm expert, Angel Forbes Simmons, and began to immerse herself into the world of alpaca farming; from feeding and shearing to breeding and even fleece production. With years of family dedication and relentless efforts, Dana’s dream is now a reality.

Dana Russell and family have created one of the regions only alpaca farms and boutiques, boasting nearly 60 alpacas and hundreds of quality clothing products. In 2009, Dana decided to move her alpaca venture more toward the production and sale of alpaca clothing and built the Briar Branch Alpaca Boutique. Nestled perfectly on the farm, directly next to fields full of alpacas, the boutique became a perfect store to sell some of the finest alpaca goods on earth. Dana and family have not only created a successful small business, but have carved out a unique local niche in St. Mary’s County. As an active member of the community and a retired nurse practitioner, the Briar Branch Alpaca store is currently only open on Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment, but with the new website, social media and active craft event schedule, it has never been easier to buy quality alpaca clothing from Briar Branch Alpaca Farm & Boutique have quality built in and will last through the wear and tear of your day.