[Alpacasite] Re: Getting more people into the alpaca business...

--- In Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com, "Patricks' Pastures Alpaca Ranch &
Habitat" <patrickspastures@v...> wrote:
>
>
>
> The issue here is that if this industry is going to grow long term,
that we need more new farms and ranches. If we don't address this
issue, we could see a glut of alpacas at prices much lower than the
current prices or sent to animal auctions for disposal or worse.
>

The industry can not grow LONG term under the current model. Your
math is half the equation. The other half is the exponential growth
of the National herd.

There simply has to be focus and enregy on the fiber end of things.
And that is far beyond the scope of the numerous mini-mills that have
sprouted over the past few years. We are already beyond the capacity
of any mini-mill, and the costs associated with small scale processing
are prohibitive.

We can not market our way out of the facts, contrary to what some
might believe. Nor will long term financing to new buyers negate the
facts.

We could however plan our way out of where we are quickly putting
ourselves. And, collectively we can establish the foundation that
will carry us forward on a sustainable path.

I know people that have left the industry not because of ill health,
divorce or the other reasons that you have listed, but solely because
of the lack of long range planning.

John Merrell
Gateway Farm Alpacas
http://www.gateway-alpacas.com
Alpaca, a natural elegance...

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/jO1qlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Opinions and postings on this list are the sole responsibility of the person posting the message. The accuracy and content of each message in no way reflect the opinions of the administrator or Yahoo.

List administrator - Rick Horn - All American Alpacas alpacas@alpacaweb.com
http://aaalpacas.com

TO CHANGE OPTIONS visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/join
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Alpacasite-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/