Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Less expensive way to process fiber!

 

Judith,

     Can you tell us approx how much the dividends were per pound contributed?  I am interested in becoming a member of AFCNA at some point, when money situation looks a little brighter.  Is the membership still $250?

Laura

On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 12:37 PM, Judith Korff <judithkorff@gmail.com> wrote:
 

I have to admit that I love Chris and Shelly from NEAFP. They're wonderful people and have developed a fiber system that many people love. 

I do want to point out a couple of ways in which AFCNA differs from NEAFP however. Like NEAFP, we collect fiber at many locations to try to save our members the cost of shipping. We pool that fiber and make products here on the USA. Contributors receive (if they wish) sort/grade reports on the fleeces they contribute, which is valuable to those of us who can't afford to have fiber samples tested. The emailed contribution forms containing the sort/grade reports also serve as confirmation of receipt of the fiber. 

The two major differences between AFCNA and NEAFP from a contributors standpoint is that AFCNA is a member-owned cooperative which means that members share in the annual profit through a dividend check paid out approximately 18 months after the contribution (it takes a year for the contribution to go through the processing steps and be sold, generating the profit that is distributed). Dividends, then, are a direct payment for your fiber, which means farm income whether you buy product or not. Then members may buy product at member discount (50% of retail) which they can then use or resell at retail for a profit. Last year, members bought and resold approximately $1.6M in products. That's a hefty addition to a farms income stream. 

The difference is that NEAFP only sells products in select packaged amounts whereas AFCNA will sell a member whatever quantity they want, so if you only need 1 pair of socks, that's all you buy. 

Perhaps that will give you another option to consider. 

Judith Korff
LadySong Farm
Randolph, NY
Sent from my iPhone

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posted by Chaddo at 8:21 PM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

try the facebook group spin a pound.  The spinners spin your fiber & keep half for their fee. They do some awesome work.
Check each spinner for what you are looking for, some dye, blend for a fee. Really worth it. Sometimes you just pay postage one way.


Kellogg's Alpacas
Robin Kellogg
3071 Pixley Hill Rd
Scio, Ny 14880
585.593.4982
www.kelloggsalpacas.com
Raising Alpacas of Color
 
 

 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2013 11:46:36 -0600
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 
Good idea! I will post on CL and see...thanks

Tina Travis
ElkHorn Alpacas
31655 ElkHorn Glen
Warrenton,MO.63383
636-456-4838
636-459-8930
traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
Alpacas are a rare treasure to share
From: Sheri Hewitt
Sent: ‎1/‎13/‎2013 10:58 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

I advertised in Craigslist to give a pound of fleece for a pound spun. The response wasn't great, but I did get some replies.


Sheri

Sheri Hewitt
Woodland Meadows, LLC
31542 Camas Swale Rd.
Creswell, OR 97426
541-895-0964



On Jan 13, 2013, at 5:25 AM, heather braun wrote:

 

your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of  a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea

--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber
To: alpacatalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

 


Laura
 
You make a good point about the alpaca and wanting to have it considered "livestock" for tax purposes.  I guess I was saying the lower prices on pet quality reflect what we would do if this livestock is unproductive for the farm.  I feel that the alpaca needs to move from the "exotic" label to the "common livestock" state to make them more productive in the fiber industry for their viable future.  Anything new is "exotic" until it becomes saturated or in high enough quantities to give it a strong economy or desirability in the community.  Many still consider them a scam!  Many think we are only in it to raise and sell and nothing more!   I still get funny looks when I mention I raise alpacas.  Some give me that look like, hmmm, you got taken for a ride.  I personally enjoy raising them and selling them.  I feel as Laura does, we need to treat them more like livestock and not high quality pets to get them more accepted by "Farmers"!  :)   Most think we are just quirky alpaca people!  Sorry, but that is what I see when I take my rose colored glasses off.  I don't feel I would sell someone an undesirable livestock for high quality prices.  I think we should have the alpacas drop in price to be more reasonable livestock if that is what we want to claim them to be.  Don't get me wrong...I am still paying  off my first $15,ooo purchase!  I won't pay that price again for a couple alpacas.  Alpaca fiber is so nice, but we are not at the point where they will be accepted in the large fiber mills like wool is.  If sheep cost the price off alpacas, they probably wouldn't be any further along either.  Remember, just my thoughts!  :)
 
Jody

Jody Ehler
Solon, IA 52333
J & J Alpacas
Check out our adorable alpacas!
www.jandjalpacas.com
 
 

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: lauraroberts518@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:49:54 -0500
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA






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Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (12)
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 9:55 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

RE: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

Good idea! I will post on CL and see...thanks

Tina Travis
ElkHorn Alpacas
31655 ElkHorn Glen
Warrenton,MO.63383
636-456-4838
636-459-8930
traviselkhornalpacas@yahoo.com
Alpacas are a rare treasure to share
From: Sheri Hewitt
Sent: ‎1/‎13/‎2013 10:58 AM
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

I advertised in Craigslist to give a pound of fleece for a pound spun. The response wasn't great, but I did get some replies.


Sheri

Sheri Hewitt
Woodland Meadows, LLC
31542 Camas Swale Rd.
Creswell, OR 97426
541-895-0964



On Jan 13, 2013, at 5:25 AM, heather braun wrote:

 

your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of  a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea

--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber
To: alpacatalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

 

Laura
 
You make a good point about the alpaca and wanting to have it considered "livestock" for tax purposes.  I guess I was saying the lower prices on pet quality reflect what we would do if this livestock is unproductive for the farm.  I feel that the alpaca needs to move from the "exotic" label to the "common livestock" state to make them more productive in the fiber industry for their viable future.  Anything new is "exotic" until it becomes saturated or in high enough quantities to give it a strong economy or desirability in the community.  Many still consider them a scam!  Many think we are only in it to raise and sell and nothing more!   I still get funny looks when I mention I raise alpacas.  Some give me that look like, hmmm, you got taken for a ride.  I personally enjoy raising them and selling them.  I feel as Laura does, we need to treat them more like livestock and not high quality pets to get them more accepted by "Farmers"!  :)   Most think we are just quirky alpaca people!  Sorry, but that is what I see when I take my rose colored glasses off.  I don't feel I would sell someone an undesirable livestock for high quality prices.  I think we should have the alpacas drop in price to be more reasonable livestock if that is what we want to claim them to be.  Don't get me wrong...I am still paying  off my first $15,ooo purchase!  I won't pay that price again for a couple alpacas.  Alpaca fiber is so nice, but we are not at the point where they will be accepted in the large fiber mills like wool is.  If sheep cost the price off alpacas, they probably wouldn't be any further along either.  Remember, just my thoughts!  :)
 
Jody

Jody Ehler
Solon, IA 52333
J & J Alpacas
Check out our adorable alpacas!
www.jandjalpacas.com
 
 

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: lauraroberts518@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:49:54 -0500
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA



__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (11)
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 9:46 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] Less expensive way to process fiber!

 

I have to admit that I love Chris and Shelly from NEAFP. They're wonderful people and have developed a fiber system that many people love. 

I do want to point out a couple of ways in which AFCNA differs from NEAFP however. Like NEAFP, we collect fiber at many locations to try to save our members the cost of shipping. We pool that fiber and make products here on the USA. Contributors receive (if they wish) sort/grade reports on the fleeces they contribute, which is valuable to those of us who can't afford to have fiber samples tested. The emailed contribution forms containing the sort/grade reports also serve as confirmation of receipt of the fiber. 

The two major differences between AFCNA and NEAFP from a contributors standpoint is that AFCNA is a member-owned cooperative which means that members share in the annual profit through a dividend check paid out approximately 18 months after the contribution (it takes a year for the contribution to go through the processing steps and be sold, generating the profit that is distributed). Dividends, then, are a direct payment for your fiber, which means farm income whether you buy product or not. Then members may buy product at member discount (50% of retail) which they can then use or resell at retail for a profit. Last year, members bought and resold approximately $1.6M in products. That's a hefty addition to a farms income stream. 

The difference is that NEAFP only sells products in select packaged amounts whereas AFCNA will sell a member whatever quantity they want, so if you only need 1 pair of socks, that's all you buy. 

Perhaps that will give you another option to consider. 

Judith Korff
LadySong Farm
Randolph, NY
(716) 499-0383
Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 13, 2013, at 10:44 AM, Laura Roberts <lauraroberts518@gmail.com> wrote:

 

YES!  New England Alpaca Fiber Pool!  

Check out their website. Last year, we had shearing day on April 26 and on April 28th, took ALL of ours to NEAFP who was picking it up at a show in Harrisburg, PA!  They also picked up at the VAOBA show in Richmond, VA this past December.

A brief summary.  They take 1st, 2nd and 3rds.  You set up a "fiber bank" and they give you credit for the pounds you send.  They POOL the fiber and have products made right here in good old U. S. of A.

You can order their products at a lower than wholesale if you have fiber in your bank to cover it.  They make gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, trivets, carpets, etc etc.  The 3rds are used for totes and hampers and boot inserts. (which I have in my Muck boots because my feet freeze on those things and not they don't!)

This is a very viable way to use your fiber.  The prices are not bad at all........I think the cost, incl shipping on nice gloves came in around $10.25 and you can easily sell for higher.

They also sell yarn!  Their yarn is much cheaper than having a mini mill do it, although I admit, I don't think it was as nice.  It was nice, though.  

They make a machine washable survival sock that is wonderful and gets softer every time it they are washed!

Anyway, I suggest you check out their website and peruse their products.  They will also communicate what shows they are going to and you can save shipping by dropping off fiber to them ........they will also bring orders if you give them enough notice.  

I have been very satisfied with their work ethic, their customer service........everything!  I also think their products have improved every year.  Softer fiber.......and to have a place to send 3rds is absolutely delightful.  

Now, this year, I admit we took last year's 3rds and stuffed it inside burlap bags and made dog beds for our outside kennel dogs.  It keeps them cozy and makes me feel good doing it!


Laura
PS.........I am not affiliated with NEAFP in any way........I just appreciate them!
-

On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 8:25 AM, heather braun <hiddenoaksfarm06@yahoo.com> wrote:
 

your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of  a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea

--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:

__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (2)
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 9:37 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

Keep asking. I have bartered with mills for my own stuff processed as well as bartered with others to process theirs!

AmyJo Labbe
www.Libellulesoaps.com
Your choice for quality livestock since 1997!


-----Original Message-----
From: Sheri Hewitt <sherih@woodlandmeadows.com>
To: AlpacaTalk <AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sun, Jan 13, 2013 11:58 am
Subject: Re: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 
I advertised in Craigslist to give a pound of fleece for a pound spun. The response wasn't great, but I did get some replies.

Sheri

Sheri Hewitt
Woodland Meadows, LLC
31542 Camas Swale Rd.
Creswell, OR 97426
541-895-0964



On Jan 13, 2013, at 5:25 AM, heather braun wrote:

 
your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of  a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea

--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber
To: alpacatalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

 
Laura
& nbsp;
You make a good point about the alpaca and wanting to have it considered "livestock" for tax purposes.  I guess I was saying the lower prices on pet quality reflect what we would do if this livestock is unproductive for the farm.  I feel that the alpaca needs to move from the "exotic" label to the "common livestock" state to make them more productive in the fiber industry for their viable future.  Anything new is "exotic" until it becomes saturated or in high enough quantities to give it a strong economy or desirability in the community.  Many still consider them a scam!  Many think we are only in it to raise and sell and nothing more!   I still get funny looks when I mention I raise alpacas.  Some give me that look like, hmmm, you got taken for a ride.  I personally enjoy raising them and selling them.  I feel as Laura does, we need to treat them more like livestock and not high quality pets to get them more accepte d by "Farmers"!  :)   Most think we are just quirky alpaca people!  Sorry, but that is what I see when I take my rose colored glasses off.  I don't feel I would sell someone an undesirable livestock for high quality prices.  I think we should have the alpacas drop in price to be more reasonable livestock if that is what we want to claim them to be.  Don't get me wrong...I am still paying  off my first $15,ooo purchase!  I won't pay that price again for a couple alpacas.  Alpaca fiber is so nice, but we are not at the point where they will be accepted in the large fiber mills like wool is.  If sheep cost the price off alpacas, they probably wouldn't be any further along either.  Remember, just my thoughts!  :)
 
Jody

Jody Ehler
Solon, IA 52333
J & J Alpacas
Check out our adorable alpacas!
www.jandjalpacas.com
 
 

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: lauraroberts518@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:49:54 -0500
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to jo b losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA


__._,_.___
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (10)
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 9:07 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

Re: [AlpacaTalk] IDEAS ON GETTING FIBER PROCCESSED

 

I advertised in Craigslist to give a pound of fleece for a pound spun. The response wasn't great, but I did get some replies.


Sheri

Sheri Hewitt
Woodland Meadows, LLC
31542 Camas Swale Rd.
Creswell, OR 97426
541-895-0964



On Jan 13, 2013, at 5:25 AM, heather braun wrote:

 

your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of  a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea

--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:

From: Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber
To: alpacatalk@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 12:10 PM

 

Laura
 
You make a good point about the alpaca and wanting to have it considered "livestock" for tax purposes.  I guess I was saying the lower prices on pet quality reflect what we would do if this livestock is unproductive for the farm.  I feel that the alpaca needs to move from the "exotic" label to the "common livestock" state to make them more productive in the fiber industry for their viable future.  Anything new is "exotic" until it becomes saturated or in high enough quantities to give it a strong economy or desirability in the community.  Many still consider them a scam!  Many think we are only in it to raise and sell and nothing more!   I still get funny looks when I mention I raise alpacas.  Some give me that look like, hmmm, you got taken for a ride.  I personally enjoy raising them and selling them.  I feel as Laura does, we need to treat them more like livestock and not high quality pets to get them more accepted by "Farmers"!  :)   Most think we are just quirky alpaca people!  Sorry, but that is what I see when I take my rose colored glasses off.  I don't feel I would sell someone an undesirable livestock for high quality prices.  I think we should have the alpacas drop in price to be more reasonable livestock if that is what we want to claim them to be.  Don't get me wrong...I am still paying  off my first $15,ooo purchase!  I won't pay that price again for a couple alpacas.  Alpaca fiber is so nice, but we are not at the point where they will be accepted in the large fiber mills like wool is.  If sheep cost the price off alpacas, they probably wouldn't be any further along either.  Remember, just my thoughts!  :)
 
Jody

Jody Ehler
Solon, IA 52333
J & J Alpacas
Check out our adorable alpacas!
www.jandjalpacas.com
 
 

 



 

 





 
To: AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com
From: lauraroberts518@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:49:54 -0500
Subject: [AlpacaTalk] Alpacas...........beyond fiber

 
 am not trying to start a war, but we have to be realistic about animals that need to be fed and many farms inability to do that, due to job losses, illness or whatever.

     Alpacas have been classified as LIVESTOCK, which is why we are able to make them an agriculture business venture, however, many alpaca breeders want to consider them "Exotics" yet take advantage of the "Livestock" classification.  

     I personally think many alpaca breeders have a romantic view of alpacas and can't/won't even consider them being used for food livestock, yet sheep and goats are considered fiber and food all the time.

     My friend has been researching different meat processing businesses to learn more about alpaca slaughter.  For some, feeding animals that no longer produce young or good fiber, is folly and despite the sentiment, must make unpopular decisions. 

     I have nothing against slaughter, provided it is done as humanely as possible and in an environment that does consider animal welfare.

     I raise chickens, turkeys and guineas and five years ago, intended to keep every animal on our farm, despite its age or contribution to our farm.  TODAY, I am more realistic and realize we cannot afford to feed turkeys until their old age, or roosters that do nothing but cause havoc.  My dh and I processed our first turkeys this year and believe it or not, it was not the horror I thought it would be.  In fact, taking care of old, sick, injured or debilitated animals is a much more horrific task.  We were calm and treated our birds with respect and compassion.  They were calm and not frightened when the deed was done and while I will NEVER enjoy killing an animal, I felt a certain amount of pride that I hatched them, I fed and raised them in a healthy environment and they free ranged happily for many months of their life--they were sheltered and taken care of until the day they died and they died being respected and cared about.

     So, I guess the point I am making is that slaughter does not have to be the evil many think it is.  Their lives served a purpose and so did their deaths..........and that is an honorable thing, imo.

    Also, btw, I feed my dogs raw and we buy from a company out of Conn.  They have many products for sale and one regular item is llama meat.  I have not seen alpaca meat, but possibly sometime in the future.  

Laura
R Half Pint Farm
Spotsylvania, VA



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posted by Chaddo at 8:58 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Re: Is there a guideline for pricing/choosing?

 

***You are right about that! We had a hunting dog running our fenceline, and
they were all alarming. Our male Pyr ran to the fenceline and threatened
the dog, our female Pyr chased the alpacas to the barn!

I love watching them work together and even though this wasn't a huge
threat (this time) they knew what to do.

Laura***

That is so cool! Both mine run and bark all the time, but to my
knowledge have never been tested with a real up close threat.
I have often wondered what they would do if something happened like that.
How neat to see the division of duties and them working together like that.
That would be really neat to see.
I think my 2 boys would more likely fight each other over WHO was going
to be the top dog and go for the threat!
At least that is what I mostly see them doing....tussling with each other.
In fact I have never seen either of them "run" the alpacas anywhere; I'm
not sure they would even know how or be able to gather up their herd and
run them to safety.
Janice in NW GA

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posted by Chaddo at 8:33 AM 0 comments

Free Alpacas Newsletter- How to Profit from Alpaca Farming

[AlpacaTalk] Re: Is there a guideline for pricing/choosing?

 

***I have noticed that the alpacas always run to the danger.They are
just so curious they run right over to whatever the dogs are after at
the fence line.I wish they would be more aware of what the dangers are
and run the other.Silly alpacas!!

Tina Travis****

Isn't that the truth! One of my boys got his neck slashed to the bone
by bobcat several years ago. I know exactly what happened as that was
the first night I decided I did not need to lock up my cayunga ducks at
night.....the FIRST night.
The bobcat must have been checking on a regular basis or just got lucky.
Anyway he/she took one of the ducks...and these are LARGE ducks.
And my boy was bleeding profusely the next morning with a matching set
of 3 or 4 slashes down his neck.
I can just see him going over to see what all the ruckus was about,
leaning down to check it out and getting soundly slashed on the neck.
He is my most curious and always the one to go see what's going on.
That was when I got my Pyrs!
The guineas are the same stupid. We have been watching fox watch us
all for the past year. Have seen as many as 4 very large ones playing
up at the edge of the woods. Whoever said fox are nocturnal must not
know GA foxes. These guys are out all the time. Whenever I hear the
guineas raising a ruckus I go running to see what is going on.
I have seen them more times than not standing in a flock squawking away
within feet of the crouching fox.
What idiots.
I constantly have to go save them by running the fox off.
The fox do not have to worry about coming to the pastures where the
chickens and Pyrs are; no siree, the guineas will just go right to them :-(.
I truly just do not understand prey animals that do not understand
predators are dangerous to their existence!

Janice in NW GA

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posted by Chaddo at 8:27 AM 0 comments