Frances Stewart is an avid sustainable farming advocate which is how she decided in 2017 to explore Alpacas (if you ask her mentor the research started much earlier! ??)  Maple Ridge Acres was established in 2020 with 4 pregnant females and grew exponentially from there.  Now with a herd of 14 they are focused on Breed Excellence and Quality Fibre that generates luxurious yarn for beautiful products which starts with strategic genetic planning. Located in Southern Ontario offering sales of both quality livestock but also products produced locally from their small herd! At ICL Project Management Solutions since 2008, Owner, Frances Grabowski-Stewart leads her team to ensure the program efficiencies are realized and risk mitigation strategies are implemented. Frances has significant, demonstrated experience in Program Management and Project Development, for critical facilities including everything from Feasibility Studies, site selection, environmental assessments to LEAN and varied Project Delivery methods. Her skills are diverse and extensive, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the AO Board.

We started Harmony Meadows Alpaca in 2008. We’re located just north of Guelph and are home to 38 huacaya alpacas. We offer year-round agritourism and sell alpaca products on the farm, online and at fairs, festivals and markets throughout Southern Ontario. I graduated from the University of Guelph with an Honours BSc in Animal Health and Biomedical Science, which has been incredibly helpful with my alpacas. Our early sales of alpaca products quickly surpassed what we could produce, so we expanded to include items made in Canada, the US, and Peru, and in 2022, launched pacaHarmony Inc. with the mission to source high-quality, ethically produced alpaca products from North and South America and sell wholesale and retail. I’m passionate about helping small businesses collaborate for mutual success, and I believe that increasing demand for quality alpaca products will create opportunities for Canadian businesses to expand.

Forest Cove Alpacas is a heartwarming, family-owned farm that was founded in 2018 by a passionate mother (Corinne)-daughter (Breanna) duo with a shared vision for both quality breeding and sustainable fiber production. The farm began with just six alpacas, four of which were pregnant, marking the start of our journey into the world of alpacas! Today, our herd has expanded to over 30 alpacas, each one carefully selected for its genetics, health, and fleece quality... plus an empasis on personality as well! At the heart of Forest Cove Alpacas is our commitment to breeding high-quality alpacas with proven genetics. The farm focuses on improving the herd's lineage, selecting alpacas with superior traits such as fine fleece, strong conformation, and good temperament. By carefully pairing our alpacas, we work to ensure that each new generation has the potential for even higher quality fiber, making our herd both sustainable and prized within the alpaca community. The farm is also dedicated to educating visitors and prospective alpaca owners about alpacas, their care, and the importance of responsible breeding practices. With farm tours, workshops, and functions, Forest Cove Alpacas offers year round events and activities through an educational agritourism approach.  Breanna’s hands-on role in every aspect of the farm—from the breeding program to education, and of course, the luxurious products they create—ensures that Forest Cove Alpacas remains a family business with a personal touch. It’s a place where care for the animals, passion for high-quality alpaca fiber, and a commitment to educating others all come together.