Daffs are out at TOFT

Winters grip remains on the fields and runways but Spring is sprung in the copse with the Daffodils breaking out all over at TOFT. TOFT Coffee SHop Customers have only another 6 weeks or so to wait before the Cria will start arriving for 2016.

The Wid is getting the garden ready for Easter Monday TOFT Alpaca Open Day...

Young Lordy was out on the farm yesterday rescuing wind fallen daffodils with his Gran and making an Easter bouquet for Mummy...numbers collected were his priority not condition of bloom...he's his fathers son and all of 2 1/2 !!!!

We need all the help we can get to get ready for the TOFT Alpaca Open Day on Easter Monday. One likes to look ones best!

Daffs are up....

Daffs have burst into bloom this weekend. TOFT is gently shedding its winter coat.  All the fields that were rested over winter are now harrowed, slit and fertilised. All we need now is a little damp and a lot of warm and visitors will be able to hear the grass grow at TOFT. 

It will be the beginning of May before the first birth so there's a while to go yet where the only excitement will be listening to the grass grow and admiring the elite alpacas roaming the paddocks who look sensational at this time of the year. Don't believe me? Give yourself a treat and get down to TOFT and see for yourself. The fields are brimming with stunning expectant mums, elite weaners and exceptional maidens and young studs in waiting. The big boys are raising their noses in the air as they seek out the open females on the wind readying themselves for the mating season. It's all moving now below the surface at TOFT as we all smell the onset of Spring and ready ourselves for the season ahead.

Team TOFT are all off to the British Alpaca Futurity next Friday and Saturday in search of medals. It's at the Ricoh Arena this year which is literally 20 minutes away from TOFT. So if any of our  UK or European alpaca friends are going to the Futurity and would like to combine it with a visit to TOFT Alpaca Stud then please get in touch. At the Cornflower Cafe we do the best coffee and cake in Warwickshire. Well worth a visit in its own right...honest!

Daffs broke out but still no spring...

The Daffs broke out in abundance yesterday all over the Manor despite there being no sight yet of any warmth in the weather. They'll stand alone in the grey grass as a reassuring beacon of hope that we will eventually see the grass turn green and grow again. Do you think the alpacas know this? No chance!

A wee hint of Spring

Tucked away in a sheltered spot in our garden a burst of colour made its presence felt this week despite that cold east wind. The first Daffodils burst open and we cut a few to brighten up the Toft Alpaca Studio to at least give us hope that Spring is on its way.
Not that the alpacas mind this dry cold spell. They positively thrive on this ever present wind as long as that have enough to eat. Their fleeces seem to ping out and shout at you in this cold weather and when you open them up the brightness is truly startling!
But we humans have had enough of winter now. We need a little bit of warmth in the air to encourage all those people wanting alpacas and stud services to knock on our door and see the alpacas whilst they are still in fleece. I can't believe we'll be shearing in six weeks and winter hasn't let go its grip yet. Hey ho!