Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Thanks Dede -- I enjoyed speaking with him too, and hope that some of our discussion was helpful to y'all.  See ya on FB :-)
 
Judith Korff
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Suri: Silk Without the Worm
Randolph, New York 14772 
Cell: (716) 499-0383
 


From: "hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com" <hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 6:07:55 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Yep Judith, I agree.

Watching our industry over the years, we believed that at some point, the larger, established farms would do more than just survive, while the smaller farms would get pushed out eventually.
I think for the most part, ALL alpaca farmers have, and are in the process of making major reductions, or just plane getting out completley. I've had those "walk away" moments myself.
I'm not sure where this industry is going, and certainly no one knows where the hell this economy is headed. But it's a comfort to have these sites as a means to connect, vent, share, and sob if need be. But most of all, just to listen.
BTW, Judith,Roger enjoyed his conversation with you! ;)

Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Judith Korff/Ladysong Farm <judithkorff@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 14:07:39 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I know this won't change anything, but it may make you feel better to know that ALL farmers are having similar problems today.  I took part in a really lengthy (and I mean it took me 6 weeks to fill out) survey for the USDA recently - actually, the survey taker and I completed it on Tuesday.  When she left, she told me that 97% of all the farms she'd surveyed (which, of course, would only be those in our WNY region) were running in the red and had been doing so for over a year.  It is her impression from what she has heard from other USDA surveyors that this is pretty  much the case throughout the country.  Alpaca breeders are not alone in trying to gouge out a living in this economic climate.  Only the largest commercial farms are profiting to any great extent and, in general, mid-size farms are minimally profiting.  Keep in mind aswell that THOSE farms - including the large commercial operations - have the advantage of fairly significant government subsidies to which we are not entitled.
 
I guess all I can suggest is that we keep on keeping on to the best of our ability, help one another as much as possible, and work together to contribute to an infrastructure that will enable our future to be more stable and sustainable than out present.  FWIW.....
 
Judith Korff
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Suri: Silk Without the Worm
Randolph, New York 14772 
Cell: (716) 499-0383
 


From: "hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com" <hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 3:31:27 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I'm right there with you all...
I've already sold all my goats, the horses go this Sunday. My Komondor will have a new home in April, and the list just gets longer.
It seems as though all I do is wake up and cry.
I have a herd of 27, and by next fall I'll have 32. We're done breeding at this point.
We have booked farm visits already ( thank goodness ), but if they don't buy... We rarely get calls anymore or emails in regards to fiber or potential alpaca owners.
The shame of it all is that we have such exciting animals who are bred to some outstanding herdsires, and I'm no longer excited to see the results because I'm so consumed with finances.
The matching making, the research, the seeing the results of your own decision making has always been the fire that keeps me going. And on a personal level, it's been harder, and harder each year to be enthused.
It's a tough time for us all and we each have our stories. And still somehow I have faith that in some way, once the dust settles, the few of us who are able to maintain our herds, will slowly pick up the pieces and begin again.
Not sure if that'll be me, but I'm sure trying.

Wow, talk about flood gates... Geez.
Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Pia Al-Ubaidi <fioridelcamposuris@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 08:06:18 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Ah Janice, I do certainly feel for you.  I am in EXACTLY the same place as you with respect to your angst and worries about the business.  I too have had to come to the realization that I simply cannot afford to continue in the alpaca business and am looking at selling off my herd, or at least most of it.  I cannot tell you what that is like - it is almost like asking me to sell off my own children.  I am devastated, extremely depressed and am an emotional basket case.  Yes, things are bad for many breeders right now... and yes, if the economy doesn't begin to improve soon, it will become even more devastating to our industry.  Which is a darn shame, especially in light of the evolution that is taking place with the strong shift towards FIBER and the development of the North American commercial alpaca fiber industry taking place.  Look at what we are doing at CIABA with starting a whole new concept in showing fiber, judged solely on its merits for commercial purposes... and the Build A Tent Initiative... and the many other small organizations that are focused on fiber sorting, grading and processing.  Yes, it is a horrid time for us alpaca business people, but a horrible time to get out of the business as well as we see the sprouting of our commercial processing industry.
 
Oh what to do.  I know for a fact that many of us breeders are feeling the same way.  And I wish there was an easy answer... :-(
 
Peace and blessings, Pia
Best regards,
 
Pia M. Al-Ubaidi, Owner
Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fiber Sorting and Grading Services
  • Fiber Arts Instruction
  • Artisanal Yarn and Garments
www.fioridelcampo.com
 Join us on Facebook - search Pia Masotta Al-Ubaidi
Just a quick note to share my angst. <<snip>>I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. <<SNIP>> I love my alpacas. But I just keep hanging on thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.  Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

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posted by Chaddo at 4:16 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Yep Judith, I agree.

Watching our industry over the years, we believed that at some point, the larger, established farms would do more than just survive, while the smaller farms would get pushed out eventually.
I think for the most part, ALL alpaca farmers have, and are in the process of making major reductions, or just plane getting out completley. I've had those "walk away" moments myself.
I'm not sure where this industry is going, and certainly no one knows where the hell this economy is headed. But it's a comfort to have these sites as a means to connect, vent, share, and sob if need be. But most of all, just to listen.
BTW, Judith,Roger enjoyed his conversation with you! ;)

Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Judith Korff/Ladysong Farm <judithkorff@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 14:07:39 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I know this won't change anything, but it may make you feel better to know that ALL farmers are having similar problems today.  I took part in a really lengthy (and I mean it took me 6 weeks to fill out) survey for the USDA recently - actually, the survey taker and I completed it on Tuesday.  When she left, she told me that 97% of all the farms she'd surveyed (which, of course, would only be those in our WNY region) were running in the red and had been doing so for over a year.  It is her impression from what she has heard from other USDA surveyors that this is pretty  much the case throughout the country.  Alpaca breeders are not alone in trying to gouge out a living in this economic climate.  Only the largest commercial farms are profiting to any great extent and, in general, mid-size farms are minimally profiting.  Keep in mind aswell that THOSE farms - including the large commercial operations - have the advantage of fairly significant government subsidies to which we are not entitled.
 
I guess all I can suggest is that we keep on keeping on to the best of our ability, help one another as much as possible, and work together to contribute to an infrastructure that will enable our future to be more stable and sustainable than out present.  FWIW.....
 
Judith Korff
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Suri: Silk Without the Worm
Randolph, New York 14772 
Cell: (716) 499-0383
 


From: "hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com" <hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 3:31:27 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I'm right there with you all...
I've already sold all my goats, the horses go this Sunday. My Komondor will have a new home in April, and the list just gets longer.
It seems as though all I do is wake up and cry.
I have a herd of 27, and by next fall I'll have 32. We're done breeding at this point.
We have booked farm visits already ( thank goodness ), but if they don't buy... We rarely get calls anymore or emails in regards to fiber or potential alpaca owners.
The shame of it all is that we have such exciting animals who are bred to some outstanding herdsires, and I'm no longer excited to see the results because I'm so consumed with finances.
The matching making, the research, the seeing the results of your own decision making has always been the fire that keeps me going. And on a personal level, it's been harder, and harder each year to be enthused.
It's a tough time for us all and we each have our stories. And still somehow I have faith that in some way, once the dust settles, the few of us who are able to maintain our herds, will slowly pick up the pieces and begin again.
Not sure if that'll be me, but I'm sure trying.

Wow, talk about flood gates... Geez.
Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Pia Al-Ubaidi <fioridelcamposuris@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 08:06:18 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Ah Janice, I do certainly feel for you.  I am in EXACTLY the same place as you with respect to your angst and worries about the business.  I too have had to come to the realization that I simply cannot afford to continue in the alpaca business and am looking at selling off my herd, or at least most of it.  I cannot tell you what that is like - it is almost like asking me to sell off my own children.  I am devastated, extremely depressed and am an emotional basket case.  Yes, things are bad for many breeders right now... and yes, if the economy doesn't begin to improve soon, it will become even more devastating to our industry.  Which is a darn shame, especially in light of the evolution that is taking place with the strong shift towards FIBER and the development of the North American commercial alpaca fiber industry taking place.  Look at what we are doing at CIABA with starting a whole new concept in showing fiber, judged solely on its merits for commercial purposes... and the Build A Tent Initiative... and the many other small organizations that are focused on fiber sorting, grading and processing.  Yes, it is a horrid time for us alpaca business people, but a horrible time to get out of the business as well as we see the sprouting of our commercial processing industry.
 
Oh what to do.  I know for a fact that many of us breeders are feeling the same way.  And I wish there was an easy answer... :-(
 
Peace and blessings, Pia
Best regards,
 
Pia M. Al-Ubaidi, Owner
Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fiber Sorting and Grading Services
  • Fiber Arts Instruction
  • Artisanal Yarn and Garments
www.fioridelcampo.com
 Join us on Facebook - search Pia Masotta Al-Ubaidi
Just a quick note to share my angst. <<snip>>I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. <<SNIP>> I love my alpacas. But I just keep hanging on thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.  Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
MARKETPLACE

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posted by Chaddo at 3:07 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I know this won't change anything, but it may make you feel better to know that ALL farmers are having similar problems today.  I took part in a really lengthy (and I mean it took me 6 weeks to fill out) survey for the USDA recently - actually, the survey taker and I completed it on Tuesday.  When she left, she told me that 97% of all the farms she'd surveyed (which, of course, would only be those in our WNY region) were running in the red and had been doing so for over a year.  It is her impression from what she has heard from other USDA surveyors that this is pretty  much the case throughout the country.  Alpaca breeders are not alone in trying to gouge out a living in this economic climate.  Only the largest commercial farms are profiting to any great extent and, in general, mid-size farms are minimally profiting.  Keep in mind aswell that THOSE farms - including the large commercial operations - have the advantage of fairly significant government subsidies to which we are not entitled.
 
I guess all I can suggest is that we keep on keeping on to the best of our ability, help one another as much as possible, and work together to contribute to an infrastructure that will enable our future to be more stable and sustainable than out present.  FWIW.....
 
Judith Korff
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Suri: Silk Without the Worm
Randolph, New York 14772 
Cell: (716) 499-0383
 


From: "hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com" <hrpufnstuf13@yahoo.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 3:31:27 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I'm right there with you all...
I've already sold all my goats, the horses go this Sunday. My Komondor will have a new home in April, and the list just gets longer.
It seems as though all I do is wake up and cry.
I have a herd of 27, and by next fall I'll have 32. We're done breeding at this point.
We have booked farm visits already ( thank goodness ), but if they don't buy... We rarely get calls anymore or emails in regards to fiber or potential alpaca owners.
The shame of it all is that we have such exciting animals who are bred to some outstanding herdsires, and I'm no longer excited to see the results because I'm so consumed with finances.
The matching making, the research, the seeing the results of your own decision making has always been the fire that keeps me going. And on a personal level, it's been harder, and harder each year to be enthused.
It's a tough time for us all and we each have our stories. And still somehow I have faith that in some way, once the dust settles, the few of us who are able to maintain our herds, will slowly pick up the pieces and begin again.
Not sure if that'll be me, but I'm sure trying.

Wow, talk about flood gates... Geez.
Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Pia Al-Ubaidi <fioridelcamposuris@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 08:06:18 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Ah Janice, I do certainly feel for you.  I am in EXACTLY the same place as you with respect to your angst and worries about the business.  I too have had to come to the realization that I simply cannot afford to continue in the alpaca business and am looking at selling off my herd, or at least most of it.  I cannot tell you what that is like - it is almost like asking me to sell off my own children.  I am devastated, extremely depressed and am an emotional basket case.  Yes, things are bad for many breeders right now... and yes, if the economy doesn't begin to improve soon, it will become even more devastating to our industry.  Which is a darn shame, especially in light of the evolution that is taking place with the strong shift towards FIBER and the development of the North American commercial alpaca fiber industry taking place.  Look at what we are doing at CIABA with starting a whole new concept in showing fiber, judged solely on its merits for commercial purposes... and the Build A Tent Initiative... and the many other small organizations that are focused on fiber sorting, grading and processing.  Yes, it is a horrid time for us alpaca business people, but a horrible time to get out of the business as well as we see the sprouting of our commercial processing industry.
 
Oh what to do.  I know for a fact that many of us breeders are feeling the same way.  And I wish there was an easy answer... :-(
 
Peace and blessings, Pia
Best regards,
 
Pia M. Al-Ubaidi, Owner
Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fiber Sorting and Grading Services
  • Fiber Arts Instruction
  • Artisanal Yarn and Garments
www.fioridelcampo.com
 Join us on Facebook - search Pia Masotta Al-Ubaidi
Just a quick note to share my angst. <<snip>>I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. <<SNIP>> I love my alpacas. But I just keep hanging on thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.  Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 2:07 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

I'm right there with you all...
I've already sold all my goats, the horses go this Sunday. My Komondor will have a new home in April, and the list just gets longer.
It seems as though all I do is wake up and cry.
I have a herd of 27, and by next fall I'll have 32. We're done breeding at this point.
We have booked farm visits already ( thank goodness ), but if they don't buy... We rarely get calls anymore or emails in regards to fiber or potential alpaca owners.
The shame of it all is that we have such exciting animals who are bred to some outstanding herdsires, and I'm no longer excited to see the results because I'm so consumed with finances.
The matching making, the research, the seeing the results of your own decision making has always been the fire that keeps me going. And on a personal level, it's been harder, and harder each year to be enthused.
It's a tough time for us all and we each have our stories. And still somehow I have faith that in some way, once the dust settles, the few of us who are able to maintain our herds, will slowly pick up the pieces and begin again.
Not sure if that'll be me, but I'm sure trying.

Wow, talk about flood gates... Geez.
Dede Crout
Dragonfly Alpacas LLC
Marydel, MD

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Pia Al-Ubaidi <fioridelcamposuris@yahoo.com>
Sender: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 08:06:18 -0800 (PST)
To: <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
ReplyTo: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Ah Janice, I do certainly feel for you.  I am in EXACTLY the same place as you with respect to your angst and worries about the business.  I too have had to come to the realization that I simply cannot afford to continue in the alpaca business and am looking at selling off my herd, or at least most of it.  I cannot tell you what that is like - it is almost like asking me to sell off my own children.  I am devastated, extremely depressed and am an emotional basket case.  Yes, things are bad for many breeders right now... and yes, if the economy doesn't begin to improve soon, it will become even more devastating to our industry.  Which is a darn shame, especially in light of the evolution that is taking place with the strong shift towards FIBER and the development of the North American commercial alpaca fiber industry taking place.  Look at what we are doing at CIABA with starting a whole new concept in showing fiber, judged solely on its merits for commercial purposes... and the Build A Tent Initiative... and the many other small organizations that are focused on fiber sorting, grading and processing.  Yes, it is a horrid time for us alpaca business people, but a horrible time to get out of the business as well as we see the sprouting of our commercial processing industry.
 
Oh what to do.  I know for a fact that many of us breeders are feeling the same way.  And I wish there was an easy answer... :-(
 
Peace and blessings, Pia
Best regards,
 
Pia M. Al-Ubaidi, Owner
Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fiber Sorting and Grading Services
  • Fiber Arts Instruction
  • Artisanal Yarn and Garments
www.fioridelcampo.com
 Join us on Facebook - search Pia Masotta Al-Ubaidi
Just a quick note to share my angst. <<snip>>I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. <<SNIP>> I love my alpacas. But I just keep hanging on thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.  Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 12:31 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 


 

Tina Hunt 636-459-8930



From: Nancy Miller <cphalpacas@aol.com>
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, March 9, 2011 12:12:07 PM
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 

 janice,
     I have been where you are.  You are just prior to filing bankruptcy, whether you know it or not......The longer you go along as you are, the rougher it is going to be, and the higher the credit cards.  
 
 My husband and I are going thru a divorce over this issue now.   Did you know I single-handedly caused the economic crisis in this country????   
 
 I am having to leave the home we built 20 yrs ago and take the few alpacas I have left.  I am presently looking for a small farm to move them to near my daughter and brother.
 
My advice to you is to downsize as much as you can.  It will break your heart and you will cry, alot. 
 
Suze Ormand is presently doing a program on this very issue on the PBS channels in our area.  Check her out.  Her truth is PAINFUL.  She will encourage you to live within your means and teach you how to deny your children of the extras they are used to receiving.  (Just say "no".) 
 
I am presently down to 16 alpacas of my own......Hubby says I can stay, but alpacas have to go.  The alpacas and I are going.   I need to sell one more girl to pay a divorce lawyer.
 
Good luck to you and to me.  We are not alone.   There are many alpaca farmers out there in the same boat.  Our parents and grandparents made it thru the great depression and came out better people for it.  We will too.


Take care.
Nancy Miller
Crooked Pine Hollow Alpacas
76 Van Lane
Winterville, Ga. 30683
 
706-255-7914


-----Original Message-----
From: jelizabethfarms1@bellsouth.net
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 10:38 am
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 
Just a quick note to share my angst. Normally this time of year I (as
well as my alpacas) would eagerly be awaiting spring matings. I have
had to come to the sad conclusion and find a way to accept the fact that
I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. Over the winter I have
had to struggle with thoughts of if things don't turn around *very* soon
I am going to have start thinking of rehoming my precious babies. We
had a fall mating that I find myself hoping will not come to fruition,
for the simple expense of another mouth. If not for the alpacas I
could get rid of the ducks (who eat more than chix feed than the
chickens do!) and the Pyrs (who eat more than the horses). I have
mentioned to my dd several times over the past two especially
financially tough years about rehoming the horses, but she could just
cannot bear the thought, and frankly neither can I. I have held the
opinion that they are much more expensive keepers and not as useful as
the alpacas (fiber). But I have come to realize that the ducks are
here because of the alpacas (snail/m-worm control); and the Pyrs are
here to protect the alpacas (and they cost as much to feed as the horses
do - a LOT). I could never ask her to get rid of her horses unless I
was also willing to part with my beloved alpacas; she loves her horses
as much as I love my alpacas.
So there you have it :-(.
Each week I lay out a ton of money for feed (too often on credit cards)
that really should be going to other uses. But I just keep hanging on
thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years
since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.
Janice
Janice & Nancy,    I too am going threw a divorce also.Myself and the Alpacas caused the economic crisis also!! Odd that just a hand full of us caused such problems... I truely see the economy getting a bit better and have a few animals I need to sell.I have high hopes.. I was in a car accident and have also had medical issues... If we can just hang on a bit longer things will get better....  Till then I am just looking forward to my new spring cria pronking in the pasture!!!

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
MARKETPLACE

Stay on top of your group activity without leaving the page you're on - Get the Yahoo! Toolbar now.

Find useful articles and helpful tips on living with Fibromyalgia. Visit the Fibromyalgia Zone today!

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posted by Chaddo at 11:06 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 

 janice,
     I have been where you are.  You are just prior to filing bankruptcy, whether you know it or not......The longer you go along as you are, the rougher it is going to be, and the higher the credit cards.  
 
 My husband and I are going thru a divorce over this issue now.   Did you know I single-handedly caused the economic crisis in this country????   
 
 I am having to leave the home we built 20 yrs ago and take the few alpacas I have left.  I am presently looking for a small farm to move them to near my daughter and brother.
 
My advice to you is to downsize as much as you can.  It will break your heart and you will cry, alot. 
 
Suze Ormand is presently doing a program on this very issue on the PBS channels in our area.  Check her out.  Her truth is PAINFUL.  She will encourage you to live within your means and teach you how to deny your children of the extras they are used to receiving.  (Just say "no".) 
 
I am presently down to 16 alpacas of my own......Hubby says I can stay, but alpacas have to go.  The alpacas and I are going.   I need to sell one more girl to pay a divorce lawyer.
 
Good luck to you and to me.  We are not alone.   There are many alpaca farmers out there in the same boat.  Our parents and grandparents made it thru the great depression and came out better people for it.  We will too.


Take care.
Nancy Miller
Crooked Pine Hollow Alpacas
76 Van Lane
Winterville, Ga. 30683
 
706-255-7914


-----Original Message-----
From: jelizabethfarms1@bellsouth.net
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 10:38 am
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 
Just a quick note to share my angst. Normally this time of year I (as
well as my alpacas) would eagerly be awaiting spring matings. I have
had to come to the sad conclusion and find a way to accept the fact that
I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. Over the winter I have
had to struggle with thoughts of if things don't turn around *very* soon
I am going to have start thinking of rehoming my precious babies. We
had a fall mating that I find myself hoping will not come to fruition,
for the simple expense of another mouth. If not for the alpacas I
could get rid of the ducks (who eat more than chix feed than the
chickens do!) and the Pyrs (who eat more than the horses). I have
mentioned to my dd several times over the past two especially
financially tough years about rehoming the horses, but she could just
cannot bear the thought, and frankly neither can I. I have held the
opinion that they are much more expensive keepers and not as useful as
the alpacas (fiber). But I have come to realize that the ducks are
here because of the alpacas (snail/m-worm control); and the Pyrs are
here to protect the alpacas (and they cost as much to feed as the horses
do - a LOT). I could never ask her to get rid of her horses unless I
was also willing to part with my beloved alpacas; she loves her horses
as much as I love my alpacas.
So there you have it :-(.
Each week I lay out a ton of money for feed (too often on credit cards)
that really should be going to other uses. But I just keep hanging on
thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years
since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.
Janice

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.

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posted by Chaddo at 10:12 AM 0 comments

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[AlpacaTalk] WAS: spring mating/WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

 

Ah Janice, I do certainly feel for you.  I am in EXACTLY the same place as you with respect to your angst and worries about the business.  I too have had to come to the realization that I simply cannot afford to continue in the alpaca business and am looking at selling off my herd, or at least most of it.  I cannot tell you what that is like - it is almost like asking me to sell off my own children.  I am devastated, extremely depressed and am an emotional basket case.  Yes, things are bad for many breeders right now... and yes, if the economy doesn't begin to improve soon, it will become even more devastating to our industry.  Which is a darn shame, especially in light of the evolution that is taking place with the strong shift towards FIBER and the development of the North American commercial alpaca fiber industry taking place.  Look at what we are doing at CIABA with starting a whole new concept in showing fiber, judged solely on its merits for commercial purposes... and the Build A Tent Initiative... and the many other small organizations that are focused on fiber sorting, grading and processing.  Yes, it is a horrid time for us alpaca business people, but a horrible time to get out of the business as well as we see the sprouting of our commercial processing industry.
 
Oh what to do.  I know for a fact that many of us breeders are feeling the same way.  And I wish there was an easy answer... :-(
 
Peace and blessings, Pia
Best regards,
 
Pia M. Al-Ubaidi, Owner
Fiori del Campo Suri Alpacas, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Fiber Sorting and Grading Services
  • Fiber Arts Instruction
  • Artisanal Yarn and Garments
www.fioridelcampo.com
 Join us on Facebook - search Pia Masotta Al-Ubaidi
Just a quick note to share my angst. <<snip>>I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. <<SNIP>> I love my alpacas. But I just keep hanging on thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.  Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 8:06 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] spring mating

 

Just a quick note to share my angst. Normally this time of year I (as
well as my alpacas) would eagerly be awaiting spring matings. I have
had to come to the sad conclusion and find a way to accept the fact that
I simply cannot afford another mouth to feed. Over the winter I have
had to struggle with thoughts of if things don't turn around *very* soon
I am going to have start thinking of rehoming my precious babies. We
had a fall mating that I find myself hoping will not come to fruition,
for the simple expense of another mouth. If not for the alpacas I
could get rid of the ducks (who eat more than chix feed than the
chickens do!) and the Pyrs (who eat more than the horses). I have
mentioned to my dd several times over the past two especially
financially tough years about rehoming the horses, but she could just
cannot bear the thought, and frankly neither can I. I have held the
opinion that they are much more expensive keepers and not as useful as
the alpacas (fiber). But I have come to realize that the ducks are
here because of the alpacas (snail/m-worm control); and the Pyrs are
here to protect the alpacas (and they cost as much to feed as the horses
do - a LOT). I could never ask her to get rid of her horses unless I
was also willing to part with my beloved alpacas; she loves her horses
as much as I love my alpacas.
So there you have it :-(.
Each week I lay out a ton of money for feed (too often on credit cards)
that really should be going to other uses. But I just keep hanging on
thinking surely things will pick up any day now. It has been years
since my income was sufficient to justify having all these animals.
Janice

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsibility of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
.

__,_._,___

posted by Chaddo at 7:38 AM 0 comments