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AlpacaNation Q&A with The AlpacaRosa, LLC
Don & Carolyn Marquette
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2251 Sesame ST, Hartville / Mogadore, OH 44260
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330-699-2182
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: We are a family operated 12 acre farm on the outskirts of the Akron/Cleveland metro area. Our daytime stay at home Mom, Carolyn(Partylite consultant by nite), keeps a close eye on "The AlpacaRosa " from our house on the hill, overlooking the pastures. Our 3 school children chip in with barn chores when "asked", and otherwise performed by me, Don. I have a Bachelors Degree in Business and have worked in our family business(Tire molds) with my father for 32 years. In 2006, we went fulltime into alpaca farming.
Carolyn and I chose to raise both suri and huacayas for product diversity and our personal interest in both breeds. We certainly broaden our alpaca fellowship base as well.
We concentrate on breeding colored Peruvian/Accoyo huacayas and colored Peruvian/Bolivian/Accoyo suris. We have enjoyed raising both breeds and proud to be making Champions in both breeds.
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: We first saw an infomercial back in 1992 and visited a farm to see what this was all about. After seeing the average prices of $30,000-35,000 for females, we decided to monitor the market over a few years. In 1999, our family tire mold business got swept up our worst manufacturing slump in our industrys history. When we started looking for other sources of income, and discovered the incredible tax incentives given to alpaca breeders, the future became very clear to us. Invest in alpacas, take the tax breaks, reduce property taxes, create a "family " working business,create a new network of friendships, and enjoy the tranquility of the alpaca. In January 2006, The AlpacaRosa became a full time business for our family.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: The AlpacaRosa is located inside a 200 home allotment, which allows us the unique experience of walking alpacas around the streets of our neighborhood. Maybe this explains why our farm visitors frequently remark at how friendly our alpacas seem to be compared to other alpacas they have visited.
We regard honesty and integrety as the cornerstone of The AlpacaRosa's foundation . We take this very seriously and we'll let our farm's reputation stand on its own merit.
As our industry matures, breeders need to learn how to make the appropriate changes to meet the industrys needs. As one of our industry's leaders, we have the insight and experience to help guide you to your future success.
We educate our visitors and leave them with the understanding that we will help them every step of the way to attaining their dreams of alpaca farming. We prepare AlpacaFarmer wannabes for the critical decision points before starting up their farm.
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: We started our alpaca business in 1999. We had no previous knowledge of raising livestock.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: First, please click on the link to start a little mood music : http://bonanza1.com/bonan.wav The most credible farm in the country has to be "The Ponderosa", right? The AlpacaRosa is striving to build the same honorable reputation that the well known ranch out West once had. The Cartwrights called their ranch , "The PONDEROSA", our farm's namesake.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: I like to tell new breeders that we dreamed of the day that we would win in the ring against our original mentor/seller( the Big Kahuna! ). It WAS indeed a great feeling!. But kidding aside, our first cria born on The AlpacaRosa was truly special. As is all births. I cannot find the fitting words that express the exhuberation of seeing the cria for the first time. Breeders have invested so much research effort and countless hours selecting the correct herdsire for this dam, and NOW, after 345 days, you get to see what your decsions have produced. Does it have the color you wanted?........... How about the crimp?........... Is he straight? ...........what about the ears?............. Look at that Luster!!!............. and IT'S a GIRL!!!!!! WoooHooo!!!!! AH...hem, SORRY folks , I still get a little excited and carried away when having new crias!
Being awarded the 2006 All American Futurity Reserve Small Breeder of the Year was a special time also.
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: We visited 9 farms, bought and read 3 books, and studied sites on the internet, like Alpacasite. Also, I read everything I could find on sec.179 tax code and farming deductions. One key note on this subject. Avoid discussing this new profit making venture with your close family and freinds. They will certainly think you have lost your mind and may lose complete confidence in your intellect. Bring the subject up at a future time "after" you make your first sale.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: The first 5 years were committed to learning the business ,acquiring alpaca bloodlines , growing our herd, investing back into the herd. We started with 3 girls and have 29 girls at year 5. The next 5 years will start to yield nice profits. We plan on maintaining a maximum of 20 breeding females and remaining 30/70 % suris and huacayas. Our plan is to have the alpaca sales start funding our children's college education in year 8.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: Biggest breeding lesson? That's Easy...........Make sure you get the second ultrasound at 4 months, otherwise, you will probably experience what many of us have. Day 360 comes and goes and still no cria.........oops she wasnt pregnant!
Another BIG lesson learned was understanding the importance of the DAM's quality when observing the offspring production. A great dam, is key to making great offspring. We also learned that the careful selection of herdsires to improve the dam's weaknesses is very quantifiable and predictable. It gives us breeders a great sense of satisfaction to see our hard research pay off in the crias.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: It is a very tough and IMPORTANT decision. We finally chose a farm that we could "TRUST "and "DEPEND ON" to help us through any unanticipated tough situation (Thank God, we did!). That first farm you choose is SOOOOOOOO important. They are the ones that you are going to rely on heavily the first 6-18 months. Dont worry so much about the "Cheapest price" on your first purchase(you can become a "bargain shopper" in the future). If you dont get treated fairly or dont get the proper help that you really need in the beginning , you have much more $$$$$$$$ at risk to lose. Buy from a farm you have a lot of confidence in . Certainly dont buy your first animals at an auction or a farm going out of business.These dispersals will not give you many of the safeguards you'll need.
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: Queen Celine is my favorite. She seems to always want to communicate with me. Amazingly, she was an Import from Peru, which usually means, Spazzoid. And in the beginning she was spazzoid. But she really warmed up to us over a couple years and loves for us to come to her and caress her neck and jowels. She will eat just about anything I give her.
Our other gem is Miss Priss. She has given us more pleasure in the shows than all the other show animals combined. She is certainly one of a kind, and EVERY breeder would love to own her. Yes, its true, we have turned down over $300,000 for Priss, but we already have a waiting list for her crias and look forward to many champion offspring from her.
AlpacaNation: What do you tell prospective buyers who look at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
The AlpacaRosa, LLC: There is not much of a fiber market in the U.S. at this point in time. Selling the fiber for profit is currently a challenge. Currently fiber is sold to local artisans for about $2/oz. and this helps pay the feed bills. This is not the time in history where Americans raise alpacas for fiber profit. Now is the time to breed for quality enhancment of alpaca fiber. Years down the road when we have millions of quality alpacas in the U.S., we will be able to sustain a fiber market. How many years is that? Maybe 40-50 years.
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