We are a husband and wife team running a small alpaca farm in Stafford, Virginia. While trying to decide what to do after 30 years in the US Coast Guard, Perry started researching the next phase of life. Lisa’s long standing dream of running a bed and breakfast led Perry to think we needed something to attract visitors. Perry is very much an outdoors type, loves to hunt, fish and hike and his dream location is somewhere in the mountains, preferably in Alaska. Lisa on the other hand is a valley dweller, not caring for the hills and mountain roads.
After doing much internet research on what that attraction to the B&B might be, Perry “stumbled” upon Alpacas. Since he has always had a love of animals and there is a profit potential, it seemed to be a perfect fit. There was a lot of research conducted in the 4 years before our first alpaca, Polly Anna was purchased. We visited over 12 farms including a farm in Italy. We saw a wide range of farm set-ups, taking plenty of notes and asking a multitude of questions. We also took part in herd health and shearing events with two local farms to learn more about the care and management needed for alpacas. Additionally, we attended alpaca shows and auctions, sitting in on the free seminars and classes. One of the great benefits in attending the shows was “talking alpacas” with breeders who were willing and eager to share their knowledge with a newcomer.
Lisa and I were both impressed with the solid business structure of AOA(Alpaca Owners Association). A key resource to our research was the ALPACAS Magazine published by AOBA. As we learned more about the alpaca industry, saw the profit potential in breeding and selling Alpacas and their fiber. A key factor in focusing on alpacas is their small stature and gentle demeanor, the alpacas being small enough not to intimidate Lisa.
We decided to start our herd in the fall of 2007. The plan was to establish the herd and after our children have left the house, we would relocate to Taylorsville NC and build the B&B. As with most things, time alters our viewpoint and our plans. Our son has bought a home only 3 miles down the road and will be married in Oct 2012. Our daughter has graduated college and is engaged to be married. With the potential for grandchildren in the near future relocation has been put on the back burner. Lisa has come to realize that for now, her B&B is for 4 legged, furry and cute animals. Perry continues his daily treck to Washington DC where he works for one of our government agencies.
