Whew! This was a whirlwind weekend! Setting up for farm days reminded me of my Venice Beach days. It was realy fun meeting and greeting visitors. Even more fun was the hands-on learning about the fiber. I spent Saturday learning how to pre-cleaning fiber and on Sunday I saw alpaca products flying out the door.
The kids were so great. Considering the amount of traffic they had to put up with, they were amazing. Shogun and Hardy were excellent ambassadors. The girls were majorly funny. We threw hay over the fence so they would come over and be seen. Some of the girls (Malea and Paris Hilton) decided these were there personal hay beds and rolled around in it and promptly fell asleep. Too funny.
We took two girls to a show pen and Miss Dora decided she wanted no part of it and tried to carry the show back to her pasture. Poor Dora. Maybe next year will be better. Dreamgirl was loving getting treats from everyone. So was Barry. I think the alpacas have decided that since Farm Days = treats all day, they like it!
Farms days were a great fun and totally educational experience. I can't wait until I can have my farm involved.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
60 Days.....and Counting
When I started this blog, I decided I wanted to write daily because so much happens when a new venture begins. But I also realize that a daily blog is a lot to read. I know because I read my friend Susan's blog that she kept for two years. It took me several days and she only kept hers weekly (most of the time). After reading hers I decided to keep mine daily for 90 days and then switch to a weekly format.
Since things have slowed down, there really isn't much to write about so I'll be switching to the weekly or if something interesting happens format early. Yesterday I kind of reflected on my time, but I'm going to really reflect:
From the time I had that fateful conversation with Susan and started into the world of alpacas, my life hasn't been the same. I started looking at my future with prospect and hope. I could see that I could fulfill my dream of financial independence. The economy was crashing (still is but not as bad) so I was worried about how I was going my finance my old age. At this point, the stock market was proven as an unsafe place to put one's retirement fund, social security would not exist by the time I reach retirement age, so what was I going to do?
As I began researching alpacas, I discovered the best of both worlds: an independent income and having lots of animals. I've always been an animal person. The idea of alapcas made me very happy. I found three boys I wanted to purchase, but I was talked out of that and bought Keona packaged with Michael instead. And of course I bought Ewok for Michael. If I hadn't made an excitement purchase and thought about my purchase more carefully, I probably would have bought one of the pregnant girls first. Of course, I realize I still would have needed a second female, but I think two preggos would have been better. Please don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my kids. Keona is a maiden and will eventually will give me crias. And Michael, as the grandson of Cantano, has the potential to be a great herdsire. My apprehension is that now I am thinking in terms of fiber production rather than breeding, I am concerned about having animals whose fiber are not colors that people normally wear. From this point forward, I will only be purchasing animals whose fiber is light fawn, white, black or silver grey. I have definitely decided that I want a fiber farm and I will keep space available for rescue and/or evacuations.
I will still have a small breeding program, that's where Michael and his lineage comes in. And Lady Carmella. She's a King Kong daughter. In about six months, I'll go on the hunt for a white herdsire with great lineage. By then I will have decided if I want to breed Huycayas. If I do, I'll have to buy a breeding pair. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Ewok is going to cut it as a herdsire.
I am very much looking forward to my alpaca farm career. Being on any farm is just so peaceful and relaxing. The peace and quiet alone is worth whatever financial trade-off I'm making. As long as the kids pay for themselves and give me enough to feed me, I'll be a happy camper.
Since things have slowed down, there really isn't much to write about so I'll be switching to the weekly or if something interesting happens format early. Yesterday I kind of reflected on my time, but I'm going to really reflect:
From the time I had that fateful conversation with Susan and started into the world of alpacas, my life hasn't been the same. I started looking at my future with prospect and hope. I could see that I could fulfill my dream of financial independence. The economy was crashing (still is but not as bad) so I was worried about how I was going my finance my old age. At this point, the stock market was proven as an unsafe place to put one's retirement fund, social security would not exist by the time I reach retirement age, so what was I going to do?
As I began researching alpacas, I discovered the best of both worlds: an independent income and having lots of animals. I've always been an animal person. The idea of alapcas made me very happy. I found three boys I wanted to purchase, but I was talked out of that and bought Keona packaged with Michael instead. And of course I bought Ewok for Michael. If I hadn't made an excitement purchase and thought about my purchase more carefully, I probably would have bought one of the pregnant girls first. Of course, I realize I still would have needed a second female, but I think two preggos would have been better. Please don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my kids. Keona is a maiden and will eventually will give me crias. And Michael, as the grandson of Cantano, has the potential to be a great herdsire. My apprehension is that now I am thinking in terms of fiber production rather than breeding, I am concerned about having animals whose fiber are not colors that people normally wear. From this point forward, I will only be purchasing animals whose fiber is light fawn, white, black or silver grey. I have definitely decided that I want a fiber farm and I will keep space available for rescue and/or evacuations.
I will still have a small breeding program, that's where Michael and his lineage comes in. And Lady Carmella. She's a King Kong daughter. In about six months, I'll go on the hunt for a white herdsire with great lineage. By then I will have decided if I want to breed Huycayas. If I do, I'll have to buy a breeding pair. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Ewok is going to cut it as a herdsire.
I am very much looking forward to my alpaca farm career. Being on any farm is just so peaceful and relaxing. The peace and quiet alone is worth whatever financial trade-off I'm making. As long as the kids pay for themselves and give me enough to feed me, I'll be a happy camper.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Happy Days
I just received the news I've been waiting for and I can finally begin to really solidify a lot of my plans. It's hard when things are up in the air which for me they have been for the past several months.
I feel I've used my "up in the air time" well. I have an excellent framework for my plans. This time has also forced me to slow down and really think about what direction I wanted to go in. There are so many different things one can do in this business and it's so exciting that I feel like a kid in the candy store. I just want to explore everything. And I did. But not knowing when I could really start doing things kept me from going ahead and made me simply explore.
This whole research project has been like standing in line at your favorite amusement park and waiting to get on the ride. I've been standing and patiently watching others enjoy the ride and now it's my turn.
I feel I've used my "up in the air time" well. I have an excellent framework for my plans. This time has also forced me to slow down and really think about what direction I wanted to go in. There are so many different things one can do in this business and it's so exciting that I feel like a kid in the candy store. I just want to explore everything. And I did. But not knowing when I could really start doing things kept me from going ahead and made me simply explore.
This whole research project has been like standing in line at your favorite amusement park and waiting to get on the ride. I've been standing and patiently watching others enjoy the ride and now it's my turn.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Getting Ready for Farm Days
This weekend is going to be great! I am going to be at two different farms for Alpaca Days. On Saturday I'll be at All American and on Sunday I'll be going to .925 Sterling. Both farms seem to be the impression that there isn't going to be much traffic. I hope they are wrong. It just seems like it should be so much fun.
I've never been on a farm when there is a high volume of traffic. What's really gret is that both farms have great Ambassdors. Shogun loves people so he'll allow people to pet him. (He actually gets offended if you don't pet him). And of course Hardy is a big lovebug as well.
I know that most alpacas are not people-pacas, but I really want a good ambassador for these types of events. My fear is that I'll have to raise one to be that. My hope is to find an alpaca like Shogun or Hardy when I have my farm when it's my turn to host Alpaca Days.
I've never been on a farm when there is a high volume of traffic. What's really gret is that both farms have great Ambassdors. Shogun loves people so he'll allow people to pet him. (He actually gets offended if you don't pet him). And of course Hardy is a big lovebug as well.
I know that most alpacas are not people-pacas, but I really want a good ambassador for these types of events. My fear is that I'll have to raise one to be that. My hope is to find an alpaca like Shogun or Hardy when I have my farm when it's my turn to host Alpaca Days.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Time to Get Serious
When I was visiting the farm on Saturday, I was confronted with questions about my plans to make my fiber profitable. I have thought about and put together a tentative plan in my mind, but I haven't committed a plan to paper. No, I didn't finish the written part of my business plan. So many people told me they didn't have a business plan, that I got lazy and stopped with the financials.
But having to try to answer those questions made me realize that if I'm going to advocate for the fiber side of the alpaca industry, I'd better stop being lazy and commit my marketing plan in writing. Actually regardless of any promoting, I need to have a solid plan. It's nice to have an idea in your head, but it isn't until one puts it in black and white when you can see the potential. Writing it our can also make you see things that you hadn't thought about and can save a lot of trial and error, which can get very expensive. Also having a solid plan enables one to be be able to present themselves in a way that can be taken seriously.
After all, as cute as they are, if alpacas are not an income generating business, they are very expensive pets.
But having to try to answer those questions made me realize that if I'm going to advocate for the fiber side of the alpaca industry, I'd better stop being lazy and commit my marketing plan in writing. Actually regardless of any promoting, I need to have a solid plan. It's nice to have an idea in your head, but it isn't until one puts it in black and white when you can see the potential. Writing it our can also make you see things that you hadn't thought about and can save a lot of trial and error, which can get very expensive. Also having a solid plan enables one to be be able to present themselves in a way that can be taken seriously.
After all, as cute as they are, if alpacas are not an income generating business, they are very expensive pets.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Leaning More towards Fiber Farm
I've thought a lot about it and after reading the prenatal/neonatal posts, I am leaning more towards my thought process of having a predominately fiber herd. There are just so many things that can go wrong in the breeding process. It would make me feel so bad to lose an animal because I don't know what I'm doing. I don't think an animal's life should be my learning curve. That's why I'm glad I'm agisting while I'm learning. I will take a prenatal/neonatal seminar, but the whole thing makes me nervous. Besides, the more time I spend in Boys town, the happier I am.
I've read that boys are nicer in general and easier than girls and I'm finding that to be somewhat true. I have met some friendly girls, but most of the friendlier animals I meet are boys. While I was rinsing out and refilling the water buckets, Shogun came and leaned on me as we waited for the bucket to fill. I stroked his neck and hummed a song and he just leaned there. Every once in a while he'd put his head up for kisses. And when I scratched his top knot, he just rolled his eyes like "oh, yeah". The other boys aren't quite that friendly but they try. Mo and Fred like to be pet as well. Not quite like Shogun, does but very close.
I was upset to learn that poor Rev Black was killed by a kick to the head. Poor thing kept trying nurse from everyone in the immediate vicinity and he didn't get not to do that. High price to pay. RIP Rev.
I've read that boys are nicer in general and easier than girls and I'm finding that to be somewhat true. I have met some friendly girls, but most of the friendlier animals I meet are boys. While I was rinsing out and refilling the water buckets, Shogun came and leaned on me as we waited for the bucket to fill. I stroked his neck and hummed a song and he just leaned there. Every once in a while he'd put his head up for kisses. And when I scratched his top knot, he just rolled his eyes like "oh, yeah". The other boys aren't quite that friendly but they try. Mo and Fred like to be pet as well. Not quite like Shogun, does but very close.
I was upset to learn that poor Rev Black was killed by a kick to the head. Poor thing kept trying nurse from everyone in the immediate vicinity and he didn't get not to do that. High price to pay. RIP Rev.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Off to the Farm
I'm on my way to see the kids. It's suppose to be hot. I hope not. I would love to get in some halter training. The good news is Pati's back and we can have a nice long conversation about fiber. Rick says that's Pati's forte. There is another new person in the forum asking about how to make fiber profitable. To me this is very encouraging. It gives me a sign that I'm right about the fiber industry being on the verge of a boom.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Stop! Fiber Time!
I am so totally jazzed! I just spoke with BJ from All Alpaca Fiber Mill and he told me that they are ahead of schedule on the machine that makes fabric out of alpaca fiber. With having actual fabric instead of just yarn, the items that can be created with alpaca fiber are endless. I'm going to take sewing lessons along with knitting machine lessons.
I just love ground breaking ventures. And this new way of finishing fiber here in America is exactly that.
My mind is just swimming thinking of all of the possibilities.
I just love ground breaking ventures. And this new way of finishing fiber here in America is exactly that.
My mind is just swimming thinking of all of the possibilities.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kill or Scare?
There's a raging debate about coyotesin the Alpaca Nation forum. One forum member found a coyote in her boy's field after the wild turkeys there. One of her neighbors offered to hunt down the coyote. I have a major problem with this. The coyote wasn't after the alpacas he was after the turkeys. Why does he deserve to die for doing what comes naturally? All he knows is that he's hungry and there's food in the field.
Now I'm not in favor of letting coyotes run wild on any farm, but I don't think killing them is a solution. I think firing a gun in their direction will scare them sufficiently. Coyotes and other wild animals are not like humans, they don't understand gun fire, all they know is that there's something dangerous and they don't want a part of it. I also think having big dogs and guard llamas will provide enough of a deterrent.
I haven't decided what kind of poultry I'll have, I've been thinking about chickens and geese. Geese are great guard dogs. I do know that the small flock I'm planning shouldn't be enough incentive to attract wildlife. *fingers crossed*
Now I'm not in favor of letting coyotes run wild on any farm, but I don't think killing them is a solution. I think firing a gun in their direction will scare them sufficiently. Coyotes and other wild animals are not like humans, they don't understand gun fire, all they know is that there's something dangerous and they don't want a part of it. I also think having big dogs and guard llamas will provide enough of a deterrent.
I haven't decided what kind of poultry I'll have, I've been thinking about chickens and geese. Geese are great guard dogs. I do know that the small flock I'm planning shouldn't be enough incentive to attract wildlife. *fingers crossed*
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Time to Play!
When I went to the farm, Rick and I were unsuccessful on finding Keona's fiber so he gave me Kalea's instead. He also gave me Lady Carmella's and a bag huacaya fiber to play with the so I can get used to the difference. Also it's close to Kalea's color so I can blend it if I like. A while back I had read about felt soap and I see that one of the bloggers I'm following did the project yesterday. This idea is very fascinating to me. It sounds like fun. I'm trying to come up with fun things to do on my farm to develop traffic and get the locals interested.
We'll see how it turns out.
We'll see how it turns out.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Openess and Ingerity
I am a big believer in conducting myself with integrity. That's why I'm an open book. Yes, I value my privacy and I believe everyone is entitled to privacy, but I don't think that applies to business.
I am very disappointed that two threads were removed from AlpacaNation forum. Both dealt with shady alpaca deals. One was a dispute between two farms, I can almost understand not wanting a free for all; however, why hide a shady deal? Especially if the deal can impact other people? The other thread was about the guy in Wisconsin who is the first farmer to be suspended by ARI. I'm assuming that it was removed because the other was to not show favortism of one thread over the other.
I really question why people are so desperate to hide this part of the alpaca industry? Why not warn people? Why set-up newbies to do business with someone with no integrity? I don't get it.
I am very disappointed that two threads were removed from AlpacaNation forum. Both dealt with shady alpaca deals. One was a dispute between two farms, I can almost understand not wanting a free for all; however, why hide a shady deal? Especially if the deal can impact other people? The other thread was about the guy in Wisconsin who is the first farmer to be suspended by ARI. I'm assuming that it was removed because the other was to not show favortism of one thread over the other.
I really question why people are so desperate to hide this part of the alpaca industry? Why not warn people? Why set-up newbies to do business with someone with no integrity? I don't get it.
Monday, September 14, 2009
It figures
I am now convinced that those All American females have decided I will never see a live birth. I was going to do a farm visit on Saturday and then go to visit my kids on Sunday. I didn't hear from Rick, so I wasn't sure if he got my voice mail, so I went on my usual Saturday. While I was there, I spoke to Kalea, Keona's mom, who was on baby watch. I explained that next week was my birthday and I would appreciate it if she could have the baby on my birthday. I took the air puff to be an agreement.
Apparently airpuffs don't mean a hill of beans. Guess who had her baby on Sunday? A beautiful little girl. Had I gone on Sunday, as my original intent, I would have been there for what I'm told was a pretty dramatic birth. Oh, well. I'll have my own farm soon and hopefully I'll see lots of births. It just would have been nice to not have my first birth on my own.
Congradualations Rick and Patti on the birth of your little boy (Reverend Black) and little girl (unnamed).
Apparently airpuffs don't mean a hill of beans. Guess who had her baby on Sunday? A beautiful little girl. Had I gone on Sunday, as my original intent, I would have been there for what I'm told was a pretty dramatic birth. Oh, well. I'll have my own farm soon and hopefully I'll see lots of births. It just would have been nice to not have my first birth on my own.
Congradualations Rick and Patti on the birth of your little boy (Reverend Black) and little girl (unnamed).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Why Research is Important
I was about to give in to temptation. I kept looking at that cute face on Alpaca Nation and I almost gave in to buying the girl I've been seeing on the big alpaca sale. Apparently, during the past week, the person coducting the herd dispersal sale/auction decided to change the girl from sale to auction. A little disappointing, but not the end of the world. But what I found next was.
I am a firm believer in second chances. I believe that we screw up, we're all human afterall and none of us is perfect. The person who is conducting the sale committed a terrible fraud, but I thought maybe being sanctioned by ARI would have been an eye opening experience to make him change his ways.....wrong.
The girl I've fallen in love with isn't registered. She has an ARI number but when we looked for her on ARI, she wasn't there. Her sire and dam were, but not her. It's possible she's one of the many animals caught up in all of the legal drama, but still it's disappointing. One would think he would have used this as an opportunity to stage a positive comeback, but no, he is using it as an opportunity to continue on the cheating path.
I'm very disappointed, she's so cute.
I am a firm believer in second chances. I believe that we screw up, we're all human afterall and none of us is perfect. The person who is conducting the sale committed a terrible fraud, but I thought maybe being sanctioned by ARI would have been an eye opening experience to make him change his ways.....wrong.
The girl I've fallen in love with isn't registered. She has an ARI number but when we looked for her on ARI, she wasn't there. Her sire and dam were, but not her. It's possible she's one of the many animals caught up in all of the legal drama, but still it's disappointing. One would think he would have used this as an opportunity to stage a positive comeback, but no, he is using it as an opportunity to continue on the cheating path.
I'm very disappointed, she's so cute.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Farming is Fun
I went to the farm and cleaned boy's town again. I've read several times in the Alpaca Nation forum that boys are infinitely easier to take care of than girls. There are definitely far fewer medical issues with boys.
The boys are so funny. I'm glad I'm more interested in the fiber end of the alpaca business than breeding. After working in the boy's fields, I have no problem with having lots of boys. I didn't scrub out their buckets this time, I just simply rinsed them out. And they again watched me like a hawk. A little later, I went down to belly hose them. They are such water hogs. Especially Luther and Flash. What's funny is when Blade and Fred want it, they want it. Of course, it would be nice if Fred had come down to be soaked before I put up the hose, but oh well. It was fun playing with the boys.
It was too hot to weigh the kids, but hopefully it will be cooler next weekend. Keona and Michael allowed me two whole minutes of petting time. Ewok was having none of it. Today was the first time I've seen them cling to their moms and not each other. It's about time they started acting like babies.
The boys are so funny. I'm glad I'm more interested in the fiber end of the alpaca business than breeding. After working in the boy's fields, I have no problem with having lots of boys. I didn't scrub out their buckets this time, I just simply rinsed them out. And they again watched me like a hawk. A little later, I went down to belly hose them. They are such water hogs. Especially Luther and Flash. What's funny is when Blade and Fred want it, they want it. Of course, it would be nice if Fred had come down to be soaked before I put up the hose, but oh well. It was fun playing with the boys.
It was too hot to weigh the kids, but hopefully it will be cooler next weekend. Keona and Michael allowed me two whole minutes of petting time. Ewok was having none of it. Today was the first time I've seen them cling to their moms and not each other. It's about time they started acting like babies.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Finished Product Hunt
I am on the hunt for a place where I can get my fiber from animal to sellable finished product. I find one place but they don't provide a phone number which I view as a red flag. Why would I sent my fiber to a company I can't call for information? It's a bit of a challenge, the places I've found so far only take the fiber to skeined yarn at best.I do plan to make some items myself. I can knit and I'm buying a knitting machine so I can make sweaters faster. I'm going to learn how to crochet so I can make rugs. The one item I'm not 100% comfortable with are socks. But I have discovered soap felting. It looks easy and fun. I'll find out. I think a sewing machine might be in my future, who knows? The fiber mill I've chosen to work with is still on track getting the machine that makes fabric out of alpaca fiber. I'm watching their progress with great interest.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Happy Birthday, Keona!
Today my little girl turns one. She will begin her show career this November. And hopefully the judges will see what I did when I choose her for my first girl in my herd.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
It's Official!
The day that every new alpaca owner waits for arrived for me yesterday. I suspected that yesterday was the day, but you never know until it actually arrives.
I received my first ARI certificate! It's for Michael Jackson. I choose to list my farm name on the certificate rather than my personal name, but whether it's reads Chenyn Allen or Alpaca Springs, it's still MY name. I won't get the one for Keona until next year, but I'll have one for Ewok in time for Christmas. I think that will be an awesome Christmas present.
It's one thing to have a contract that says you own your animal, it's quite another to have the ARI certificate that says you own your alpaca. It's a happy day.
I received my first ARI certificate! It's for Michael Jackson. I choose to list my farm name on the certificate rather than my personal name, but whether it's reads Chenyn Allen or Alpaca Springs, it's still MY name. I won't get the one for Keona until next year, but I'll have one for Ewok in time for Christmas. I think that will be an awesome Christmas present.
It's one thing to have a contract that says you own your animal, it's quite another to have the ARI certificate that says you own your alpaca. It's a happy day.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Waiting Game
At this point, I have done everything I can do to get my alpaca business going without physically setting up my farm. And since it is not financially feasible for me to do so now, all I can do is wait. I'm not very good at waiting. But I really have no choice.
Of course, I can continue to grow my alpaca library and network and I'll do that. At least I have something very positive to look forward to.
Of course, I can continue to grow my alpaca library and network and I'll do that. At least I have something very positive to look forward to.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Lazy Day
I have to admit, like everyone I like a lazy day, every once and again. Yesterday was my day. I read the book I received and maybe spent an hour an the internet. Mostly researching alpaca vets. I really need to expand my alpaca library and take it offline.
I spoke to my goddaughter on Sunday, as well. She and I will need to talk more, but she has expressed interest in running the farm with me. The ideal that I might not be running my farm by myself has given me some very different ideas about the growth rate for my farm and herd. It's a very exciting prospect.
I spoke to my goddaughter on Sunday, as well. She and I will need to talk more, but she has expressed interest in running the farm with me. The ideal that I might not be running my farm by myself has given me some very different ideas about the growth rate for my farm and herd. It's a very exciting prospect.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hot Time in Boys Town
I went to visit my kids yesterday. It was very hot so I didn't get to spend much time with them. I got to the ranch early so I could help Rick. I cleaned up Boy's town on my own. Cleaning Boy's town is alot different from the Girl's fields. For one thing, the girls have absolutely no interest in what you are doing. They just go about their business while you scoop poop or scrub out the water buckets. Not in Boy's town. They stand there and watch every move you make. And they stand in the way. That was during poop scooping.
Cleaning the buckets is the boys' least favorite activity. Especially if you bring the buckets into the alley. They flipped. When I brought the bucket into the alley I had the undivided attention of every boy. Merlin kept nudging Mo, so Mo spit at him. And yes, I got a little slimed, just a little, but still. When I put the bucket back, Mo stood over it like it was his newborn child. ay,yi,yi. Lesson learned, do not remove bucket from field, so when I moved to the next field, I cleaned it in the field. Only to have Conquistador stand over me. I finally cleaned the bucket standing because he wasn't going away, he was so scared I was going to take away the water bucket. Shogun was upset that I wasn't in the field to pet him. My goodness he's a lovebug. The boys in the Rainbow field had a drowned mouse in their water bucket. EEEWWWWW! mental note: put ladder on side of water bucket so falling rodents can get out.
The boys all forgave me when I belly hosed them and gave them carrots. I'm not sure if any of the guys besides Mo ate the carrots. I saw him eating them, Rick thinks rabbits ate the other carrots.
It was a great visit even though Kalea didn't have her baby. Rick and I had great conversation about breeding and bloodlines. When I got home, the book I ordered about alpaca farming had arrived. In the immortal words of Number Five: More input!
Cleaning the buckets is the boys' least favorite activity. Especially if you bring the buckets into the alley. They flipped. When I brought the bucket into the alley I had the undivided attention of every boy. Merlin kept nudging Mo, so Mo spit at him. And yes, I got a little slimed, just a little, but still. When I put the bucket back, Mo stood over it like it was his newborn child. ay,yi,yi. Lesson learned, do not remove bucket from field, so when I moved to the next field, I cleaned it in the field. Only to have Conquistador stand over me. I finally cleaned the bucket standing because he wasn't going away, he was so scared I was going to take away the water bucket. Shogun was upset that I wasn't in the field to pet him. My goodness he's a lovebug. The boys in the Rainbow field had a drowned mouse in their water bucket. EEEWWWWW! mental note: put ladder on side of water bucket so falling rodents can get out.
The boys all forgave me when I belly hosed them and gave them carrots. I'm not sure if any of the guys besides Mo ate the carrots. I saw him eating them, Rick thinks rabbits ate the other carrots.
It was a great visit even though Kalea didn't have her baby. Rick and I had great conversation about breeding and bloodlines. When I got home, the book I ordered about alpaca farming had arrived. In the immortal words of Number Five: More input!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Exciting week
Wow! I feel like it's Christmas. I should be getting my ARI certificate for Michael Jackson anyday now. Since I got the email that he's officially registered, I've been watching the mailbox like a hawk. And this week my little girl turns 1. I'm a happy girl. :-)
I've discovered (thanks to AlpacaNation forum) that NEAFP provides full end alpaca retail products. This is an exciting discovery. I've started working on my business plan for my farm store, so this is great.
I've also started writing the information pages that will eventually go on my website. I've been keeping a diary of the questions I've had since starting in the Alpaca business and I'm going to publish the information I've found. Afterall, the whole point of information pages is to provide information.
Like I said, busy, exciting week!
I've discovered (thanks to AlpacaNation forum) that NEAFP provides full end alpaca retail products. This is an exciting discovery. I've started working on my business plan for my farm store, so this is great.
I've also started writing the information pages that will eventually go on my website. I've been keeping a diary of the questions I've had since starting in the Alpaca business and I'm going to publish the information I've found. Afterall, the whole point of information pages is to provide information.
Like I said, busy, exciting week!
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Value of Fiber Animals
There seems to be this general thought that males have little to no value. Unless he is in 10% considered good enough to be a herdsire. This thought process confuses me. Mainly because most of the research I've done has said that fiber is the reason alpaca farmers are in the business.
I've mentioned several times that I've found that when I speak with alpaca farmers, their focus is on breeding and winning show ribbons. Now that I'm researching the fiber industry, I'm finding more people who think like I do. That the birth of a cria, male or female, is a good thing. Because we are focused on the fiber and what we can do to sell the fiber. Since there are farmers who are starting to turn their attention to fiber, rather than shows, I think that the prices of alpacas are going to keep coming down as more animals begin to be viewed as "fiber animals".
Don't get me wrong, there will always be alpaca shows and show winning quality alpacas who will command higher prices. And I intend to participate in that end of the alpaca industry. That side is important because it helps generate publicity and interest in alpacas. But I think that males will stop being seen as "hay burners" as the focus shifts to the fiber end.
According to my math, in dry lot conditions, it will cost just under $550 per year to feed an alpaca. If that same alpaca is shorn of 5 lbs of fiber, it will cost approx $192 to process it. So this alpaca, if it doesn't need veterinarian services, it will cost it's owner just under $750 per year. In order to recoup those costs, obviously a female who has a cria a year has more than covered her cost. But what about the male? Let's say for argument sake 90% of the fiber comes back leaving you with 72 ounces. If you sold the yarn at $4.50 an ounce you're only going to make back $325. A loss of $425. That's why I decided to not stop at yarn and make end products like sweaters, scarves and rugs.
A typical alpaca sweater sells anywhere from $75 to $200. By using 8 oz of yarn to make a sweater, instead of making $36 selling yarn at retail prices, one can make a $ 56 dollar profit selling the sweater for $75 (wholesale). And if you sell the sweater for $125 (retail), you've made a profit of $ 105 per sweater. 72 ounces of yarn can make 9 sweaters. At $125 per sweater, you've made $945, a profit of $195. You might not get rich from a $195 profit but you aren't losing money either.
In my humble opinion, the value of fiber animals just went up.
I've mentioned several times that I've found that when I speak with alpaca farmers, their focus is on breeding and winning show ribbons. Now that I'm researching the fiber industry, I'm finding more people who think like I do. That the birth of a cria, male or female, is a good thing. Because we are focused on the fiber and what we can do to sell the fiber. Since there are farmers who are starting to turn their attention to fiber, rather than shows, I think that the prices of alpacas are going to keep coming down as more animals begin to be viewed as "fiber animals".
Don't get me wrong, there will always be alpaca shows and show winning quality alpacas who will command higher prices. And I intend to participate in that end of the alpaca industry. That side is important because it helps generate publicity and interest in alpacas. But I think that males will stop being seen as "hay burners" as the focus shifts to the fiber end.
According to my math, in dry lot conditions, it will cost just under $550 per year to feed an alpaca. If that same alpaca is shorn of 5 lbs of fiber, it will cost approx $192 to process it. So this alpaca, if it doesn't need veterinarian services, it will cost it's owner just under $750 per year. In order to recoup those costs, obviously a female who has a cria a year has more than covered her cost. But what about the male? Let's say for argument sake 90% of the fiber comes back leaving you with 72 ounces. If you sold the yarn at $4.50 an ounce you're only going to make back $325. A loss of $425. That's why I decided to not stop at yarn and make end products like sweaters, scarves and rugs.
A typical alpaca sweater sells anywhere from $75 to $200. By using 8 oz of yarn to make a sweater, instead of making $36 selling yarn at retail prices, one can make a $ 56 dollar profit selling the sweater for $75 (wholesale). And if you sell the sweater for $125 (retail), you've made a profit of $ 105 per sweater. 72 ounces of yarn can make 9 sweaters. At $125 per sweater, you've made $945, a profit of $195. You might not get rich from a $195 profit but you aren't losing money either.
In my humble opinion, the value of fiber animals just went up.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Education for Focus
I have learned so much since I was introduced to alpacas. A lot I've learned from my mentoring farm and the woman who introduced me to alpacas and I've learned a lot from the people I have met while doing research. My research has been so good for me. In learning the various aspects of the alapca industry, I have learned what will work for me and won't.
There is still alot for me to learn and I feel very fortunate to be in an industry where everyone is eager to help a newbie learn. I know that as I learn more my plans will chagne and shift. I was cautioned against falling in love with my business plan becuase alpaca are livestock and livestock is unpredictable. One thing I learned about life is that things do change. My business plan has helped me focus and discover questions I didn't know I had.
I think to give my alpacas the best life possible, I need to learn as much as I can. I also know that as much as I'll learn while I'm preparing to set-up my farm, I'll learn a lot more once my kids move in.
There is still alot for me to learn and I feel very fortunate to be in an industry where everyone is eager to help a newbie learn. I know that as I learn more my plans will chagne and shift. I was cautioned against falling in love with my business plan becuase alpaca are livestock and livestock is unpredictable. One thing I learned about life is that things do change. My business plan has helped me focus and discover questions I didn't know I had.
I think to give my alpacas the best life possible, I need to learn as much as I can. I also know that as much as I'll learn while I'm preparing to set-up my farm, I'll learn a lot more once my kids move in.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
More Herd Planning
Like most alpaca owners, my first purchase was an emotional one. I saw Keona and fell in love. There was just something about her I connected with. Her half brother, who I renamed Michael Jackson, was just the cutest thing ever especially when I saw him fence running with his buddy, now named Sir Ewok. When I saw how much they loved each other, I couldn't separated them. And so I purchased my first three alpacas.
In writing my business plan, I've had to think about how I want my herd to grow. And now that I'm over the initial excitement of alpacas, I am making more clear headed, business - sense decisions about future purchases. For instance, had I been thinking, when I purchased my first alpacas, I would have bought one of the pregnant females that I'm now planning to purchase instead of Keona. Don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy with my kids, but a yearling maiden and two nursing boys probably should have been a second purchase, not the first.
At least they weren't "hay-burning" purchases. Both Keona and Michael (Blade does beautiful work) are show quality animals, so I get to learn about and participate in shows. My next purchase will be one of the pregnant girls. I decided to buy my preggo from All American where I bought my kids so that the animals are familiar with each other. I hoping that being familiar with each other will help alleviate the stress of moving from California to Arkansas.
The most ideal situation for me would be to not make my move with just these four. If budgeting goes well, and the animals are still available when I'm ready to move, I'd like to buy one of the white girls, one of the herdsires and possibly the black girl. The herdsire purchase will depend on whether or not the guys can live together. I'm still planning and deciding, but I have plenty of time. After the preggo, my next purchase won't be until I move to my farm, which if everything goes according to plan, will be next summer.
In writing my business plan, I've had to think about how I want my herd to grow. And now that I'm over the initial excitement of alpacas, I am making more clear headed, business - sense decisions about future purchases. For instance, had I been thinking, when I purchased my first alpacas, I would have bought one of the pregnant females that I'm now planning to purchase instead of Keona. Don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy with my kids, but a yearling maiden and two nursing boys probably should have been a second purchase, not the first.
At least they weren't "hay-burning" purchases. Both Keona and Michael (Blade does beautiful work) are show quality animals, so I get to learn about and participate in shows. My next purchase will be one of the pregnant girls. I decided to buy my preggo from All American where I bought my kids so that the animals are familiar with each other. I hoping that being familiar with each other will help alleviate the stress of moving from California to Arkansas.
The most ideal situation for me would be to not make my move with just these four. If budgeting goes well, and the animals are still available when I'm ready to move, I'd like to buy one of the white girls, one of the herdsires and possibly the black girl. The herdsire purchase will depend on whether or not the guys can live together. I'm still planning and deciding, but I have plenty of time. After the preggo, my next purchase won't be until I move to my farm, which if everything goes according to plan, will be next summer.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Reputation is everything
After several conversation with other alpaca owners, I realize that I have to be extremely careful about what I say and do. The alpaca industry is a very small world and actions spread like wildfire. I was quite surprised after I made a farm visit to get a phone call from another farm I had visited to ask me what I thought. Just, wow.
Right now on Alpaca Nation there's a farm trying to divest itself of 500 alpacas. There is an auction planned for at least half of them. So far, I haven't spoken to a single person who plans to buy any of the alpacas even though they are reasonably priced. Why? The seller has a reputation for dishonesty. No one wants to go through the extra steps necessary to ensure one is getting what one is paying for. My concern is what happens to these poor animals if no one buys them? I can understand completely no one wanting to buy from him, it's almost like asking to be ripped off. He has proven he has no problem doing that.
He is a glaring example of what is wrong in ANY business, period. I'm just sick that 500 animals, most of which look to be in good condition, might end up at one of those slaughterhouse auctions because of this guy's reptutation.
Right now on Alpaca Nation there's a farm trying to divest itself of 500 alpacas. There is an auction planned for at least half of them. So far, I haven't spoken to a single person who plans to buy any of the alpacas even though they are reasonably priced. Why? The seller has a reputation for dishonesty. No one wants to go through the extra steps necessary to ensure one is getting what one is paying for. My concern is what happens to these poor animals if no one buys them? I can understand completely no one wanting to buy from him, it's almost like asking to be ripped off. He has proven he has no problem doing that.
He is a glaring example of what is wrong in ANY business, period. I'm just sick that 500 animals, most of which look to be in good condition, might end up at one of those slaughterhouse auctions because of this guy's reptutation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
