Comments on: Minimising risks as new alpaca breeders

By: Alpaca Farmgirl

Alpaca Farmgirl — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:50:16 +0000

Anthony,
Wonderful blog post as always.

I don't think I would recommend starting your alpaca journey the way we did. (Not in this economy.) My husband and I both quit our jobs and moved to the farm. For me to be an alpaca breeder and full-time mum and for him to be an artist. For years, if we didn't sell alpacas, we would have been sunk. Not for the faint of heart, but it worked out for us.

These days there is so much information out there…New breeders who do their homework should be fine. My best advice to new breeders is to buy the best alpacas you can afford. If you skimp on quality, you will be sorry later. Alpacas are improving at a remarkable pace.

(Keep in mind there is a significant difference in the USA alpaca market and the rest of the world's alpaca market. I'm mainly speaking to the USA market b/c that's what I know.)

By: WeLoveAlpacas

WeLoveAlpacas — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:52:01 +0000

Hi Joan. Thanks for your comment. I love your site http://www.spinningalpacayarns.com by the way!

By: Liz Clark

Liz Clark — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:18:01 +0000

Hi Anthony. Let me know if there's anything I can help you with on the farm side of things. I was rereading your post. Yes you will find things are vastly different when if comes to rural living in New Zealand. I grew up in Auckland but with a country background which helped when I first moved onto my farm. Don't hesitate to contact me at anytime I'll be more than happy to help.

Take care
Liz

By: WeLoveAlpacas

WeLoveAlpacas — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:11:37 +0000

Thanks Liz! We are, as you might suspect, extremely excited about this move. I've been to NZ 4 times now over the last 8 years, and I fell in love with it on the very first day of my first visit. After all this time I can't wait to get started!

Anthony

By: Liz Clark

Liz Clark — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:33:05 +0000

Hi Guys

I thought I'd drop in and say hi to you. I don't breed alpacas I breed cattle but I thought I would let you know I think it's wonderful you've decided to make a move to our wonderful country. I'm based here in Northland New Zealand on a 12 acre Lifestyle Block. I hope everything works out for you with your big move and your Alpaca Venture

All the best and good luck
Liz

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:12:11 +0000

@Joan- you got me thinking about how much change the internet facilitates. It helps us live in more remote areas through its ability to connect people together and also is a great channel for niche small businesses.

What kind of internet work do you do?

By: Joan

Joan — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:00:30 +0000

My husband and I are researching alpacas for a supplemental retirement income also. I think you’re right that it wouldn’t be wise to jump in without investigating first and having several streams of income to fall back on. While my husband works, I’m been building up some revenue streams via internet work, which I hope will help us bridge the income gap while we grow our herd.