There is a farm in Franklin County Virginia, near the Smith Mountain Lake resort area, that grows a rather unusual crop. Ramona and Ken Simpson decided to raise llamas after falling in love with the animals in 2002. They call their farm the Bahama Llamas because they thought the rhyme was a fun way to remember their farm’s name. (They also enjoy visiting the Bahamas when they can).
After having lived on Smith Mountain Lake for 14 yrs. the Simpsons decided to sell their waterfront home and get back to the country lifestyle they grew up with. They wanted their children to grow up with the same chores and enjoyment of animals that they had as youngsters.
Their primary goal in raising llamas is to breed for the best llama possible. The best, meaning nice disposition, conformation, fiber, and overall appeal. In particular, the Simpsons prefer the fine-fibered silky type of llama and have thus selected a breeding program to produce this in their animals.
Here are some excerpts from bahamallamas.com/ their website that visitors might wish to read:
Since we love llamas and love to “talk llamas” we will gladly share our knowledge with you if you are interested in owning llamas. We are members of several llama organizations that offer support, knowledge, and comradery. Recently (2006-07) I was elected President of LAMAS, Llamas, and Alpacas of the Mid-Atlantic States. We are also members of GALA- Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association, ILR- International Llama Registry, and ALSA-Alpaca and Llama Show Association.
Bahama Llama Farm is located in Southern VA about 4 hours south of DC and 2 hours north of Greensboro, NC. A well-noted federal park is 2 miles from us- Booker T Washington National Monument which is usually shown on maps.
From Interstate 81 exit Roanoke, VA onto I581/220 South for about 10 miles. Take a left onto 697 “Wirtz Rd” at the stop light and Bojangles/Dairy Queen/Gas Plaza. Follow Wirtz Rd to the end. Turn left onto 122 North, go 1.5 miles take right onto 670, go 3.6 miles take left onto Lost Mt Rd, 1.1 miles, and right into our drive White Tail Lane. Look for the llama sculpture on the fence line.
