Raising champion llamas for more than 34 years.
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Lower Sherwood has been owned and operated by the McGrath family since 1986. We chose llamas because we wanted to raise animals that were not intended for slaughter. Specializing in show and breeding stock, we have produced some of the nation's top llamas.
As one of the first llama farms in the country to shear our llamas (a necessity due to the hot Virginia summers), we also produce yarns and finished products available for sale off the farm at local Farmers' Market. Appointments are required for farm visits.
September 3rd was a very hard day for Lower Sherwood Farm as one of our gentle giants, Oreo, passed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 24. Paige fell in love with Jack and Oreo through the Frog Pond Farm Draft Horse Rescue website back in 2011, and she was the winning bidder for the pair through one of their charity auctions. Described as a “pony in a big horse body” by Frog Pond Farm, Oreo was 16 hands and over 2,000 pounds.
Our second baby of the season is Florian! Florian’s dam is Outsourced (ILR#293682), and her sire is Elevenses Kingsley (ILR#292709).
We’re proud to announce the first baby of the season, Nymphadora Tonks! Nymphadora’s dam is Sourcerous (ILR#283933), and her sire is Elevenses Kingsley (ILR#292709).
We’re deeply saddened to report that Paige passed away on Friday April 8th 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by close friends and family. Just before she passed, we were able to bring her home so she was able to see her beloved llamas for one last time. For over 35 years, Paige and her family have been raising llamas at their farm just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, and they now have had seven generations born on the farm.
The research continues using llamas as a possible answer to COVID. Just today the BBC released an article titled Covid: Immune therapy from llamas shows promise. Llamas - the “therapy you didn’t know you needed” can help you both emotionally and physically. They are the superheroes of the animal kingdom. Check it out! Above photo: “Miss Bennett with her son Longbourn”
Lower Sherwood Farm was recently featured on the news regarding our right to have llamas on public lands. However, the report was a bit misleading. Here’s what’s going on: Llamas and alpacas have been banned from the public lands known as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The ban is based on a request from a special interest group that is claiming that the llamas and alpaca pose a health threat to the native sheep population.
Llamas are one of the world's oldest domesticated animals. The Incas used them as beasts of burden to haul gold and silver out of the Andes. Today they are still an important part of South American commerce. In North America, their athleticism and sure-footedness make them the perfect hiking companion. There are many llama outfitters in the west that offer extended camping trips either guided or llamas for lease.
We are offering a number of short guided nature walks with llamas both on our farm and at local parks and trails as well as a number of virtual meetings with our llamas for corporate events, K-12 and non-profits, and birthday parties.
In addition, we're also available for llama and alpaca rescue, consulting, scientific, and educational activities.
Can't meet with us in person? Invite us to join one of your meetings to meet our animals via Zoom or Hangouts.
Virtual field trips for K-12 students and non-profits also available.
Take an in-person tour of our idyllic 95 acres of farmland and woods with your own llama companion. Enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge foothills and visit the 6th largest Willow Oak in the state.
The walks are 1 to 2 miles and last 1 to 2 hours. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The activity is not recommended for children under 5, however infants that can be carried are welcome.
Prescheduled walks are typically limited to 6 people and are booked through Airbnb Experiences.
Don’t see a time on the calender that works for you, or have a larger group? Contact us, and we’ll see if we can something up to work with your schedule.
Enjoy complete serenity on 95 acres that's only 25 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. Pitch your tent in our hay fields with glimpses of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy access to our three-season show barn with bathroom, and hot and cold running water available from our well.
Hike with our llamas, or bring your own horses and walk on our wooded trails. The perfect location for a fun family outing or a romantic getaway.
Named 'Best of 2019: 2nd place, Virginia', 'Best of 2021: VA Finalist', 'Best of 2022: VA Finalist', 'Best of 2022: Tent or RV Site Finalist'.
ILR-sanctioned llama show with halter, fiber and performance classes.
