Our Alpaca Journey |
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Little did we know when the elusive alpaca crossed our paths in the year 2000, that our lives would take a dramatic turn in the new millennium. Recently completed course work for a bachelor's degree in Business Management left Linda with a thirst for a personal business far from the corporate climate, and the endless deadlines in her advertising industry career. Our country home had always been populated with horses and goats. Years of Linda's active involvement in the horse show world, and Wayne's constant at-home support laid the groundwork for a farm-based business.
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We began to formulate a plan for adding alpacas to our preferred country lifestyle. We realized that although the initial capital investment is large, the potential for return on that investment is equally as large. We have found the return on our investment includes the renewed sense of appreciation for the world around us, and the added benefit of the wonderful friends we've made through our association with these incredible animals. In addition to financial investment, we've committed the time and energy needed to produce quality alpacas one step at a time. Alpaca husbandry proved to be non-demanding, exceedingly easy by horse maintenance standards, and quietly addictive. There is a serene energy present when you are among the alpacas.By the beginning of the new millennium we were indeed on a new life path. We were the proud owners of three bred female alpacas, which by year's end had presented us with three female cria. We rang in 2002 with three additional breeding females, and we delivered five cria in 2002. (Learn about our alpaca herd.)Fall 2003 found the alpaca business needing more direction, and Linda left the advertising world for the world of raising and marketing the alpacas. We've managed as many as 35 alpacas in the herd, and our current smaller group of 15 focused on quality blacks and greys fits right into Wayne's retirement plans. In 2010 Wayne is eagerly anticipating retirement from his 38 year railroad career, and the alpacas complement his extra time on the farm front.
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Make the Alpaca Business Your Own
The deadlines are still there, though self-imposed, the commute has changed dramatically, the conversation around the water cooler includes much humming, and the nine-to-five has been replaced by a whenever-needed schedule. The alpaca lifestyle is filled with enriching, enchanting, fulfilling, rewarding moments, and offers an unparalleled opportunity to establish a business plan, set production goals, draft a mission statement, create a farm identity, network within a supportive industry, and meet great people. What more could you ask for in a personal business?One of the best aspects of the alpaca business is that there are countless ways to make it your own. The first question to answer on your alpaca journey is “how do I want alpacas in my life?” Whether your passion lies in personal use of their exquisite fiber & maintaining a fiber herd, breeding and raising quality show stock, or anywhere in between, there is a place for you in the alpaca industry.The alpaca industry has grown to include those whose entire focus is alpaca related where breeders are just one choice. Alpaca specific transporters, vets, vet techs, shearers, brokers, tax accountants, website developers, photographers, show managers, fiber mills, show judges, trainers (alpaca & people), & farm sitters. Even breeders come with choices: Suri or Huacaya, white or colored, show quality or commercial fiber production, cottage fiber production, fiber herd only, and alpacas with specific bloodlines. The national show system offers classes in halter, conformation, fleece, performance and herd production. The options are many and the first step is to ask yourself what direction pulls your interest. The next is to prepare for an educational and rewarding journey because there is much to enjoy.The shape of your business is up to you and whatever direction you choose there is support in the industry to make it your own. There hasn’t been a better time to embark down the alpaca path. Attractive prices, quality animals, and financial rewards make it a wonderful time to start an alpaca business.
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The Alpaca Lifestyle for All Seasons
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Wayne & Linda do all routine hands-on care of the alpacas. Daily checking on the alpacas heads off any health concerns, and newborns are monitored closely for good weight gain and overall robust growth. Because our alpaca moms are selected also on the basis of their mothering abilities, intervention on our part is rarely necessary.We know our alpacas, their backgrounds, and their strengths. The first step in successfully raising alpacas is to establish sound breeding goals, constantly monitor your results, and develop good observation skills. Knowing the "normal" behavior for each alpaca means any potential problems will be noted early, and easily handled.
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Business Philosophy
We believe in treating our clients in the manner that we like to be treated. We are enthusiastic about our animals, the alpaca business, and the long-term health of the alpaca industry. We are open about our alpacas, and their relative strengths and weaknesses. We believe that although there are no perfect alpacas, there is a perfect alpaca for everyone. The alpaca traits that are important to each buyer will vary depending on personal goals. We can help in defining those, or if already well defined, we provide accurate records, breeding history, well-researched backgrounds, conformational traits, fleece characteristics, and progeny stats to help in your decision.Our mission is to provide selective huacaya alpacas in a wide depth of colors with correct conformation, desirable fleece characteristics, and solid reproductive histories, represented by healthy, well-adjusted individuals. Our daily interactions reinforce a climate of trust, respect, and admiration that comes naturally with our animals, and by no coincidence guides us in our client relationships. We are firmly hooked on the alpaca lifestyle, and recommend it highly to anyone wanting a self-directed, deeply rewarding personal business. Sunrise brings a daily, renewed sense of wonder around us, and we relish each day's varied schedule. The learning curve is endless, and we sincerely enjoy sharing our experiences and insights with new and established alpaca enthusiasts. The alpacas have much to teach us, and we are pleased to have them in our lives.
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