In an attempt to improve production some farms are now attempting to grow forage crops and oats to feed as a supplement. One ranch at an elevation of 13,000 feet (4000m) in a harsh environment carries 45,000 alpacas. Although producing top quality animals, many are extremely thin by the end of the dry season. Shearing is done by hand, with two men taking only ten minutes to remove, wrap and weigh the fleece. Any animal with a fleece weight of less than five to seven pounds (2.25 to 3 kg) is heading for the meat market.