Are you getting frustrated with the roller-coaster stock market? Are your mutual funds not performing as well as you expected? Have you been thinking of diversifying your financial portfolio? Don't you think it's time for a soft, huggable investment? Origins Alpaca Ranch has the answer: ALPACA OWNERSHIP.

People all over the world refer to alpacas as "the world's finest livestock investment". Why? Alpacas are in strong demand internationally and people pay high prices for them. Alpacas are scarce and unique, and the textiles produced from their fiber are well-known in the fashion industry. Not only are there excellent profit opportunities and tax advantages with alpaca ownership, but the alpaca lifestyle is both exciting and rewarding.

If you're thinking that alpaca ownership may be a good investment decision for you, but you don't live on a farm, not to worry. Believe it or not, a large number of alpaca owners don't care for their alpacas on a day-to-day basis. They live in the city or the suburbs and are building their herd toward the day they might change careers or retire to the country life. In fact, some alpaca owners have no intention of ever taking their alpacas home. There are numerous breeders all over the country who offer boarding services specifically for those interested in the investment potential of alpacas but not in the farm lifestyle.

How much is an alpaca worth? According to AOBA, the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, the range of value for females is currently between $12,500 and $40,000. Young, unproven quality stud prospects routinely sell for between $7,500 and $25,000, and the highest quality males have sold in excess of $100,000. Why are alpacas worth so much? Basically, it's the concept of supply and demand. There are only a certain number of alpacas in the U.S. and they reproduce at a very slow rate. Alpaca prices vary substantially depending on color, conformation, fleece quality, fleece quantity, age and gender. They say that alpacas are like diamonds: the market pays a premium for the flawless examples of the breed.

Whether you're a hands-on alpaca owner or simply an investor, AOBA reports that you can expect an annual return of at least 25% on your initial investment, with a pay-back period of about four years. Plus, the personal rewards of alpaca ownership are priceless. Once you meet an alpaca face-to-face, you'll understand why the number of alpaca owners grows by leaps and bounds each year. Alpacas are gentle, intelligent animals who can't help but bring a smile to your face. Alpacas produce one of the world's finest and most luxurious natural fibers. It's as soft as cashmere and warmer, lighter and stronger than wool. Once you've worn alpaca, there is simply no substitute for its quality.

The industry as a whole strongly believes in the future of alpacas. With the small number of alpacas currently available, there will be an extended and steady demand for breeding stock to continue meeting the needs of our growing industry for many years to come. For more information on the alpaca industry, please visit AOBA's website at www.alpacainfo.com.