Building Community Through Alpacas and Local Leadership

Meet Sam Geysens, a 32-year-old alpaca farmer from Bierbeek who embodies the balance between agricultural innovation and community engagement. His farm, Salictum, specializes in breeding alpacas for premium wool and comprehensive alpaca services - from shearing and nutrition to clothing and expert advice.

The Art of Alpaca Farming

Sam's work takes him across Europe, including eight-day trips to places like Ibiza for specialized alpaca shearing. His expertise lies in understanding these unique animals: "Alpacas are prey animals - they'll rather fall down dead than show they're sick." This deep knowledge of animal behavior, combined with his focus on genetic breeding for superior wool quality, reflects his expertise in what he describes as Europe's niche alpaca wool market.

Beyond the Farm

What makes Sam's story compelling is his dedication to community life. From volunteering at Leuven's carnival to organizing local village festivals, and stepping into local politics with Open Bierbeek, he represents a generation of farmers who see agriculture as inseparable from community building. Despite opportunities to expand globally, Sam chooses to stay "under the church tower" - hoping society can return to "less rushed times" and stronger neighborhood connections that he believes we've lost in our fast-paced world.

A Vision for Agriculture

As farmers across Europe take to the streets to voice their concerns, Sam brings a unique perspective - someone who understands both the practical challenges of farming and the importance of political representation. His story reflects the evolving role of modern agriculture: combining traditional values with innovative practices while staying deeply connected to local community life.

This portrait captures a young entrepreneur who's building both a business and a community, one alpaca at a time.