| |
|
|
| |
AlpacaNation Q&A with Apple Tree Acres Alpacas
Karen & Ed Rogers
~
3037 East 11th Rd, Utica, IL 61373
~
815-667-5100
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: Since 2000. We started out by purchasing 3 geldings. We had no prior experience raising livestock and wasn't sure we wanted to get into breeding as that is such a big responsibility.
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: We moved to Utica in 1996 to a very small farmette (only about 2 acres). We wanted the tax advantages of a working farm but didn't know what could be done with just 2 acres. While watching Animal Planet one day in the early summer of 2000 I saw these adorable animals called alpacas that were raised for their fiber. I enjoy knitting! Wow, my own yarn factory. I called my husband at work and told him I knew what to do with the farm! We started doing more research on the internet and began visiting farms.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: We had a hard time trying to think of a name for the farm. We are very much into aviation being both pilots and most of our dogs are named after aviators or planes. We couldn't think of anything that seemed appropriate. We have four apple trees on our property and we have more than one acre so we settled on Apple Tree Acres Alpacas.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: We can show you that even a very small farm can be successful. We converted the breezeway of our home into our farm store. I sell my own knitted products as well as products from the Alpaca Fiber Co-operative of North America. We breed and sell our alpacas. We are in very close proximity to Starved Rock State Park and we give several tours a year.
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: We did a lot of research on the internet, read articles, joined AOBA as an associate member until we got our first animals and visited as many farms as we could. We had no prior experience raising livestock so we tried to educate ourselves as much as possible. We had to put up fencing and make stalls in our Morton building.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: We are working toward having approximately 10-12 breeding females. We feel that number is small enough that we can handle them ourselves. We are looking to expand our farm store.
AlpacaNation: Any embarrassing moments you would like to share?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: When we first bought our alpacas and brought them home we were aware that they did spit at each other but we didn't know that their mouths would hang open. The first time we saw this with green drool coming out we thought they had distemper! Boy did we feel stupid after we called an alpaca farm to relay our concern!
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: The babies! We still marvel every time a new baby arrives. It really is a miracle! Watching them stand for the first time, walking and nursing really makes you appreciate the wonders of Mother Nature.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Apple Tree Acres Alpacas: Do as much research and visit as many farms as possible. Seeing the different farms and the way they are set up will help you decide what ideas will work for you or even give you other ideas. Read as much as you can. Purchase the best animals you can afford. Most alpaca breeders are very responsible and concerned about the welfare of their alpacas and who they are selling to. You should feel comfortable with them and they should be willing to help you should you have any questions or concerns before, during and after the sale.
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
