Our Apples & Alpacas Farm

THE SETTING

     

Located in the rural community of Mexico, in central Missouri, our farm is comprised of two separate businesses: Binder's Hilltop Apple and Berry Farm and Mid Missouri Alpacas. Our first farming activity began in 1993 with the planting of 300 dwarf apple trees as a “u-pick” business. We planted another 300 in 1994 and the final 300 in 1995. In 1999, we began the second enterprise with the purchase of our first alpacas. Our herd has now risen to more than 45. To accommodate the growing needs of our businesses, we have erected several buildings on our property to house equipment and alpacas, and a farm store from which to sell our alpaca and farm products. A scenic pond, complete with a gaggle of geese, is located nearby.

U-PICK APPLES (Click on "u-Pick link at left.)

  

Throughout the growing season, more than 18 varieties of apples are offered for u-picking. If you live reasonably close, why not take the opportunity to get the freshest possible apples while enjoying an outdoor activity that requires very little exertion!

ALPACAS (Click on "Alpacas For Sale" link at left.)

  

Not only do we raise alpacas to be sold, but we also provide a breeding service for other alpaca owners using our handsome herdsires such as "Ohrighty" seen above. As well, we will board alpacas for other owners. We offer special pricing and financing arrangements. (Our two alpaca guard dogs, Al and Paca, provide protection and friendship to our alpacas.)

FARM STORE (Click on "Alpaca Clothes/Fiber" and/or "Store" links at left.)

Our store includes two very large rooms for the display and sale of all our alpaca fiber and farm products. Space is also available for spinning and weaving workshops. We offer a wide range of products made from alpaca fiber:  alpaca gloves, alpaca socks, alpaca hats, alpaca sweaters, alpaca scarves, to name just a few. We also sell raw alpaca fiber for those who like to spin their own yarn. For those spinners who prefer to use roving, we have that in stock, too. We sell Majacraft Spinning wheels, one of the finest available anywhere. Mail orders are welcomed.

In addition to u-pick and picked apples, we sell apple butter, apple chips, garden produce, freshly cut and dried flowers, honey, hand-milled soaps, homemade honey whole wheat breads, sugar-free jams, jellies — all produced at our farm. We also carry about 30 health food products and cookbooks with sugar-free recipes.

The store and its washroom are wheelchair accessible.

OTHER ACTIVITIES (Click on "Calendar of Events" and/or "Tours" link.)

To schools and other interested groups, we offer educational, guided tours of our apple farm and our alpaca farm. In the fall, we also participate in the annual National Alpaca Farm Days when the public is invited to visit our farm and learn more about these beautiful animals. At various times of the year, alpaca-related activities such as shearing and weaving are offered to the public. Our soap-making workshops are also popular.

During the growing season, we sell our food and alpaca products at the Columbia Farm Market in Columbia, Missouri. Dates and times are published on our “Farmers’ Markets” link at left.