About Us

Photo of owners, Karen and Russell

Heart & Soul Alpacas and Guest Cabins consists of Russell Ratti & Karen Ball. We are a family owned and operated business and alpacas are all we do.

Background

Russell & Susan Ratti and their daughter Michaela successfully owned and operated Affaire de Coeur Alpacas in Oakdale, California from 2002 to 2009. They were known in the industry for raising show quality Suri & Huacaya alpacas and Russell for his professional shearing and transporting business. Susan tragically passed away in 2009.

Karen Ball a former successful hunter/jumper equestrian rider was looking for a way to teach her children responsibility through animal husbandry. Alpacas were the perfect fit! In 2005 Karen and her boys purchased their first 5 females and started Treasure State Alpacas in Montana. They moved to California in 2008 and renamed their farm 4-Sight Farms. Russell and Karen met in 2009 and the rest is history. ”God Bless the Broken Road”.

In 2010 Russell and Karen combined their families and individual alpaca ranches to become Heart & Soul Alpacas. They raise champion, show quality Suri and Huacaya alpacas, offer, mentorship for new breeders and run our guest cabin, camping and  special events alpaca ranch.If they can’t help you in this industry they will gladly direct you to someone who can.

In 2019 Russell & Karen relocated to Silver Star Montana. They continue to improve their gray huacaya breeding program and their light suri program by breeding only the best.