Lodi Alpacas at Whistling Valley Farm

Our farm sits in the Wisconsin River Valley near beautiful Okee and Lake Wisconsin.

We attended the Midwest Alpaca Festival in Madison, WI, April 25, 2009. Our purpose was purely curiosity. We talked with many alpaca owners, and it must have been fate that led us to Stanley, WI that same afternoon. A pair of owner/breeders told us about Chris Blair and Sharon Hayward of Simply Suris Ranch who, merely days before, decided to sell their herd. While driving toward Stanley, I read out loud to my fiance from the literature gathered at the festival. Armed with our carseat education, we met Chris and Sharon later that day and were introduced to each member of their herd. It was soon apparent that we wanted to share Chris and Sharon’s passion for these CAPTIVATING and REMARKABLE creatures. When we finally left that evening, their herd was the sole topic of our conversation. While on the road home, we called Chris and Sharon and excitedly informed them we were serious about acquiring their herd.

The following week, we researched everything related to Chris and Sharon’s animals. We soon discovered that they had quite a darn nice herd with excellent bloodlines and had taken great care in establishing a quality breeding program. Chris and Sharon visited our farm the following weekend, and the next day we gave them our commitment to acquire their herd.

Our reasons for getting into the alpaca business seem to be quite similar to everyone else’s, and we, too, experienced the same stunned looks, unbelievable questioning and peculiar conversation when we told our friends and family.

We've discovered that alpaca owners unselfishly share any aspect of their experiences. Most business competitors are not normally forthcoming with trade secrets, but we've realized that we must depend on one another to improve our herds and contribute to the growth of this industry. Sharing is an important attribute to its success, and we are eager to be part of it.