Farmers and Their Flocks: Braving the Elements Year-Round
When the weather turns bitterly cold or unbearably hot, most of us find comfort indoors. However, for our White Violet Center farmers and animal care team—there’s no such thing as a day off. Their steadfast commitment ensures animals are well cared for, regardless of the weather conditions.
Alpacas, with their thick fleece, are well-equipped to handle cold weather, but older members of the herd often need extra help. “While the alpacas do have all that fiber to keep them warm, half of our herd are older, which means their fiber is less dense. We help them out by giving them alpaca jackets and building straw walls for wind protection,” shares Tara Elmore, Ministry Outreach and Animal Care Manager, affectionately known around Saint Mary-of-the-Woods as Farmer Tara.

Winter diets are a top priority, as alpacas require 1.5% of their body weight in fresh pasture or hay each day. This amounts to 2-3 pounds of hay per alpaca when snow blankets the ground, making it essential to ensure a sufficient supply is always available.
White Violet Center chickens and alpacas alike dislike deep snow — often leading to cabin fever. “When animals get ‘cooped’ up, they can get cranky,” Farmer Tara explains. Treats provide not only a mood boost but also extra calories, which aid in digestion and help them stay warm.
For caretakers, the challenges are equally demanding. Snowy mornings begin with shoveling paths to barns and coops before starting chores like hauling heavy water buckets or cleaning barns. “It’s tough, but it’s what we sign up for when caring for animals that rely on us. While it’s challenging, there’s something innate that drives you to do all you can for them,” says Farmer Tara.

Despite the hardships, Farmer Tara finds joy in the work: “Being outside in all weather connects me more to nature and the animals. It gives me such a profound appreciation for the Earth and those who lived sustainably before us.”
Their dedication is a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and the animals they care for—a connection that embodies the purpose of the White Violet Center of teaching, caring and inspiring for all creation, even in the most challenging seasons.
Often on snowy and/or super frigid mornings, I have thought of the alpacas and chickens and those good farmers who care for them. Good to know that animals get cabin fever just as we human beings do. I take great pride in our commitment to our animals and earth in general. Farmers have a special call of gift and I am grateful for them.