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When Jim, my husband, first approached me with the idea of purchasing alpacas in January 2004, I told him he was OUT OF HIS MIND. The only animal husbandry experience under our belts was caring for our miniature poodle, Shadow. But Jim carried on so long that he finally wore me down. I agreed to go see these unusual livestock and we planned a visit to our first alpaca open house that fall.
As soon as I laid eyes on these beautiful, graceful animals I was hooked. It was love at first sight! We bought seven alpacas and acquired a few extra acres of land by December of that year. Now, four busy years later, we have 26 of these amazing animals pronking in our pastures.
My husband and I begin every day with a trip to the barn to feed the herd and do chores, but mostly to enjoy the calming effect of simply being in their presence. We have put up fences, mapped out pastures, designed a barn and learned a great deal about nature and the farmer’s lifestyle. And all this in the most densely populated state in the Union!
Alpaca breeding is an investment of the heart. Once you become an alpaca owner you come to realize that you have joined a community of similarly minded individuals who enjoy the quiet simple life, and who love these gentle animals. We have found everyone to be extremely helpful and willing to offer support and advice in every facet of the industry.
We enjoy going to shows and seminars, learning new things, making new friends, and spreading the word about these wonderful creatures.
The alpaca industry is still in its infancy in the U.S., giving members the opportunity to become involved and to be influential in mapping out its future.
Won’t you join us in the exciting adventure that is the growing alpaca industry in the United States?
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