Kelvin Fletcher bid a heartfelt farewell to his alpacas during the latest episode of Fletchers' Family Farm on ITV. The former Emmerdale star and his wife Liz made the difficult decision to sell the animals to create space for cattle, pigs, and sheep as they strive to make their farm sustainable.
Alpacas Depart the Farm
In the episode, originally aired in late 2024, Liz Fletcher worked with shearer Kirstie to prepare the alpacas for their new home. The animals were sheared, checked over, and then put up for sale. Kelvin explained in a voiceover that the farm needed to focus on commercial viability to reinvest in the business.
Liz told Kirstie: "We'll be sad to lose them, but we need the land back. We need it for the other animals." She added that the alpacas were "an incredible animal" and had been great for farm events, but they did not align with the farm's commercial goals.
Shearing Process
Kirstie demonstrated the shearing process, which, although it may look uncomfortable, is essential for the alpacas' health. She noted that alpaca fleece is ideal for people allergic to sheep wool. Kelvin remarked: "It's right that we find them a new home in which they can flourish. For now, we'll store these fleeces until we find a good use for them."
Focus on Sustainability
Kelvin shared his sentiment: "We'll be sad to say goodbye to these wonderful, characterful creatures, but if we're to focus on being native wildstock farmers, we need to put all our energy into the breeds that help us achieve that dream." The couple has been documenting their farming journey since 2021 after purchasing a 120-acre property in Cheshire.
The fourth series of Fletchers' Family Farm concluded in April, featuring the family's first farmers market. The show is available to stream on ITVX.
