Made By Alpaca People For Alpaca People
Is it going to pan out -- really?
I know there are only 2 of here (Hi Nicky), but maybe some others will see this and hopefully put my mind at rest. (I also posted in the Marketing forum.)
I'm really wondering where the alpaca industry is heading. I know the current marketing and sales problems are in large part due to the economy. But but but ... within 40 miles of my home there are 50 farms with nearly 2000 animals. Some of the farms are very big (250-300 alpacas). There are 600 huacayas in PA alone within 25 miles of my house. How does someone starting out compete with that? I know alpacas have only 1 cria per year, and I know there are fewer than 10,000 animals in the US. But it looks like 20% of them are in my backyard, and I am very worried about oversaturation.
We are starting very small and intend to stay that way -- just a few alpacas, agisting. And I want to do this so very badly. But I see prices come down and down, and just can't let myself pull the trigger to the tune of $20K.
Help?
I'm really wondering where the alpaca industry is heading. I know the current marketing and sales problems are in large part due to the economy. But but but ... within 40 miles of my home there are 50 farms with nearly 2000 animals. Some of the farms are very big (250-300 alpacas). There are 600 huacayas in PA alone within 25 miles of my house. How does someone starting out compete with that? I know alpacas have only 1 cria per year, and I know there are fewer than 10,000 animals in the US. But it looks like 20% of them are in my backyard, and I am very worried about oversaturation.
We are starting very small and intend to stay that way -- just a few alpacas, agisting. And I want to do this so very badly. But I see prices come down and down, and just can't let myself pull the trigger to the tune of $20K.
Help?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Nikki Brown on -
Hi Sandy! I am so glad I am not alone! I live in Massachusetts now but intend to move to Ohio! probably near the PA line. TAlk about SAturation! But, as I see it more support more customers! If someone is seriously thinking about buying alpacas are they going to head out to Hawaii ( no offense, I pray your market will grow~Mahalo!) to tour farms no they are going to shop close to home or somewhere where there are lots of farms to chose from. That's my thinking! When they see the individualized treatment they will get from your modest sized farm the choice will be easy! I say jump in head first! THis is the best time to buy! We have the upper hand! The Market is going to go back up, I promise!
One think though the US has 100,000 alpacas~ you missed a digit! That might make you feel better! There are tons of them on the West Coast and Oregon is a very close second to Ohio in saturation! But, that doesn't stop them.
I say if you have the means your herd will grow in value as soon as the "depression" we are in starts to change!
ARe you going Suri or Huacaya?
Any particular color?
Are you trying to set up a niche for yourself?
I can't wait to hear all about your big plans!!!!
Take CARe & GOD Bless,
Nikki Brown of the future
Sweeter Than Honey Alpaca Farm
THAt might be a way to stand out in the crowd. TRY to be a bit different than the farms that are closest to you!
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Permalink Reply by Mary Squires on -
Being different is indeed an attention getter. I went through the AOBA FRG looking at names. At my first alpaca auction sitting around the table we were throwing names around. Thus was BikerBabe Alpacas born. People know me that I don't even know. I am not big yet. But time and patience will prevail.
All crias born on the farm have motorcycle related names. Softale, Brown Leather Nina Patina, Cufflinks Black Chrome Sillouhette.
Needless to say I am a biker chic also :) I like being different. I've rarely ever followed the crowd and sometimes my mouth gets me in trouble. But I have a good heart , i hope, and I love my pacas.
Keep on farmin"
BikerBabe Mary
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Permalink Reply by jerrell whitten on -
Hi Sandy,
Really, are alpacas selling for $20,000.00 there. I don't get near that for mine and I have good blood lines. I live in Illinois and there aren't many breeders at all here. There probably aren't 100 alpacas within 75 miles. Most people don't even know what they are! I hope the markey stays up a little because my wife is almost ready to retire and she wants to travel so I will have to get rid of my alpacas. Say you don't have a R.V. you would like to trade for some alpacas do you????
Jerrell Whitten
Ramsey Il 62080
618-423-2640
jwhitten@frontiernet.net
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Permalink Reply by Mary Squires on
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Sandy,
I too was very scared. But, no guts, no glory!!!! I researched everything I could get my hands on. I pestered the hell out of my neighboring alpaca farm. (I'm surprised they continued to speak to me.) I am here to tell you, I have no regrets and I haven't sold the 1st animal. If money, or lack thereof is the main issue for you. There are several ways you can do this to get the most for your dollar. Right now, is a good time to pick up some awesome deals. There are farms putting together some big packages. Beware, before you buy anything, join the ARI and research the bloodline. If you haven't gone to some auctions and shows, go ! Keep ALL RECEIPTS ! Just about everything you do concerning alpacas is a tax deduction. Visit as many farms as you can. However, if anyone tries to pressure you to buy, continue looking. I have found the best people in the world are alpaca owners. But with the good there is always some bad.
Having said all that, I will give you my experience as briefly as I can. And if you have any questions feel free to email me and I will send you my phone number and we can talk.
I purchased a proven female (Lazy Coalette) and a maiden (Boudacious Miss Cufflinks) to the tune of 20K for the 1st and 15k for the second. No, I did not pay cash and a bank would not finance me even though I have impeccable credit. The farm I purchased them from financed them on a 5 yr note. Now, prices may be down right now and maybe I could have bought them cheaper if I had waited. However, these 2 females have given me 2 excellent crias. If I sell both these crias for 10k apiece right now I could pay off their mothers. Since I have started small, my business plan is to show both babies this spring, (halter training is in progress) then I plan on selling 1 baby and keeping the other to increase my herd. Meanwhile, Coalette is due again this spring ( Cufflinks didn't get pregnant for what ever reason ) If the baby is a female, I will repeat this process. If male, I will put him with my remaining 2 boys for fleece.
If you set down and do the math, the figures will make sense. Now this is a revised business plan. The original was to buy 2 pregnant females each year for 5 years to grow my heard quickly. However, life happens, and I had to adjust. I have also had some very serious heartbreak to the point where I seriously considered throwing in the towel and giving up. I don't want to be negative or discouraging, but it has not been the easiest thing I've ever done. I have had to do some hard soul searching. In the end, I have found that my mentor farms have been the best people I have ever had the privledge of meeting and working with. If not for their support, I probably would have given up.
From my perspective, these are the things you need to have a decent start: EXCELLENT FENCES, don't skimp. good shelter and water source, pooper scooper! and a place to put it. Downwind from your house is best. Good pasture, there are some things alpacas cant eat or it makes them sick. Dr Norm Evans dvm puts out an Alpaca Field Manual. buy it read it ask questions. Most of all, you need support. If your family is not willing to help you it is a very hard thing to do alone. Especially if you work full-time away from home. If you are able to stay home and be a Barn Goddess this is great. I would give anything to be able to do this. But right now my son is the main caregiver for my animals. I can tell you that if you are an animal lover these animals will be the best thing that you ever invested in. If your not into farm work or don't think you can get into it. Then you may want to look for a different investment.
For myself, there is no greater joy than returning home from the road and going to the barn and having Mr. Chancellor greet me with an Alpaca Kiss and Hum!!!!!!!!!!! I love these animals with all my heart. I can't imagine my life without them anymore. I don't care if I never sell the 1st one. I will build a sizeable fleece heard. As long as I am physically able to care for these animals I will have alpacas.
I wish you health, happiness and success!
Mary Squires
BikerBabe Alpacas
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Permalink Reply by Sandy on -
Hi Mary,
Thanks for your long and helpful reply. I won't have my own farm, unfortunately. The farms are all so close that agisting will work, although I know there's nothing like just being able to look out the window or walk out into the field. Oh well. Yes, there are some really good deals, and I'm ready to jump in with both feet, but my husband isn't yet. Also, we have a vacant rental property that we have to sell first, and you know how that's going in this economy. So... we wait. But I definitely want to own alpacas, my mind is made up.
Best of luck with your plans. They sound awesome.
Sandy
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Permalink Reply by Kathy Quinn on -
Hi Sandy,
I live near you (Clifton Heights, which is in Delaware County, PA) and I have been researching the alpaca industry for about a year now. I don't have any alpacas yet, but I plan to within a couple of years. I have been helping out at a farm in South Jersey as part of my learning process. I think being in an area where there are lots of breeders is probably good because your customer base is going to be other breeders. However, I think one of the issues breeders are facing increasingly is what to do with non-breeding males. There are a few farms out there that are now beginning to specialize in fiber animals, and that may be a wave of the future. There are only a few in Pennsylvania at this time. However, it is still not the emphasis, as breeding seems to be the money maker.
I'd be interested in knowing where you will be buying and agisting (if you have decided) and how you came to that decision. It's great to meet someone else nearby who is also planning on getting into the alpaca business!
Kathy Quinn
Clifton Heights, PA
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Permalink Reply by Robin Shatzkin on -
Hi everyone! I, too, am agisting since I live on Long Island (NY) and I can barely afford a home for ME here, never mind alpacas. This being said, I would give anything to be able to have coffee in the am with my herd. They are on 3 farms now, in 3 different states. The closest one is 1 1/2 hours away. The farthest is 5 hours away. It's very hard, but I am in this for the long haul, and my husband is behind me 100%. I bought 3 girls last October. I have shown and done very well. I have also done well at fleece shows. The people in this business (at least most of the ones that I have met) are wonderful. Hang in there....I know that the economy is going to get better. I'm also starting slow...I just had my first cria, a boy and he is adorable!!!
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