After moving from Texas to Maryland, the folks behind Black Barn Alpacas are working to bring unforgettable agritourism experiences to residents throughout the Mid Atlantic.
Owned by Travis and Yussy McManus, who both grew up with a love of farm life, Black Barn Alpacas provides exciting opportunities to meet alpacas up-close and purchase quality fleece products from its 50 acre Finksburg farm, which hosts two large barns and approximately 150 alpacas of all ages.
But it’s not just in Maryland where locals have experienced an intimate alpaca sighting — while transporting the animals to the East Coast in 2023, Raquela the alpaca went into labor while the team was driving through Mississippi. Once they stopped at a gas station, more than 30 people gathered around to try and provide help to the McManus family.
Raquela gave birth to a baby girl, appropriately named Miss Sippi. She is now 2.5 years old and has a quirky personality like her mother, as she becomes increasingly interested in the Carroll County farm’s visitors.
“Sippi remains our perfect reminder and benchmark for our big move to Maryland,” said Yussy, owner of Black Barn Alpacas.
Since opening in April 2024, Black Barn has learned its property was previously used as a hunter jumper farm, one of many equestrian facilities located in Maryland. The site backs up to Liberty Reservoir and contains several historical buildings dating back to the early 1800’s. Together, including the farm house, there are 15 buildings on the property, giving the alpacas plenty of room to roam outside of feeding time.
The company has welcomed 20,000 visitors over the past couple years, which Yussy says is both humbling and exciting as they enhance the area’s agricultural history.
“As a startup business, we faced our share of growing pains, but we embraced the challenges with resilience and the willingness to pivot when needed. This year was all about building a solid foundation—developing our operations, refining the visitor experience, and assembling a fantastic team to carry us into the future,” said Yussy. “Each milestone we’ve reached has set us up for even greater success in the years to come, and we’re so thankful for the support of our community and guests who made it all possible.”
That same year, The United Nations declared it as the International Year of the Camelids—increasing awareness about camels, llamas, alpacas, and other animals, including the impact they bring to cultures and economies around the world.
“We are so thankful for the global awareness that the “Year of the Camelid” brought to alpacas,” said Yussy. “Our first holiday event was a success, and we have plenty of fun activities planned this year as well. We encourage our visitors to check our website for available ticketed opportunities, and we also offer private events and are happy to curate people’s requests.”
The company is continuing its holiday traditions this year, with story time with Mrs. Claus and Fleece Navidad, a camelid Christmas event taking place throughout the winter season. In the warmer months, guests can meet the alpacas and enjoy yoga classes, paca picnics, educational classes, and shearing showcases. Black Barn also hosts school tours throughout the year, with plans to introduce crafts like nesting balls for birds and soap felting using alpaca wool, which is hypoallergenic and water-resistant. And because of the farm’s diligent cleaning efforts, they ensure no potential parasites impact the ecosystem.
“In addition to their lush and sustainable natural fiber they produce, alpacas offer many other benefits, like scientifically reducing blood pressure in humans,” said Yussy. “We want everyone to know how special and unique alpacas are. Their sweet, docile and curious nature is amazing to be around and something that visitors often comment on.”
