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AlpacaNation Q&A with Top Knotch Alpacas
Kellie Rossman and & John Kocur
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2913 E. Center Road, Kokomo, IN 46902
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765-513-5407
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
Top Knotch Alpacas: Kellie sells Real Estate in Kokomo and John is a retired supervisor from the Paradice Riverboat Casino in Peoria, Illinois. Kellie has been a farm girl and been around animals most of her life. John grew up two blocks fron the steel mills in Gary, Indiana and now living in Kokomo, thinks he's really in the country
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Top Knotch Alpacas: Kellie has had Alpacas for 17 years and John joined her a little over a year ago.
John had owned race horses previously but after seeing and being around Kellie and her alpacas, he knew this lifestyle was for him
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Top Knotch Alpacas: We bought this little farm intent on turning it into a pristine Alpaca palace. Hopefully we have done that. We are very hands on and truly love every minute we spend with our alpacas.We want to breed high quality alpacas that can compete on the national stage. Never a need to make an appointment to see us, just stop on by.
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Top Knotch Alpacas: Kellie has been in the business 17 years so she knew the ins and outs of the business. John listens intently(some times) to her trying to become more knowledgeable
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Top Knotch Alpacas: There are so many nice people we have met being associated with Alpacas. STILL I think the best advice I can give is to visit the farms your interested in unannounced, only then can you see how their operation is run on a daily basis and if they don't like it move on to the next one.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Top Knotch Alpacas: Hopefully we willing be raising champion alpacas and gracefully growing old together.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
Top Knotch Alpacas: Just as in horse racing I believe the female is more important than the stud but the same adage can be applied "breed the best to the best and hope for the best"
AlpacaNation: What unique challenges do you face as a small, mid-size, or larger breeder?
Top Knotch Alpacas: Getting prospective alpaca owners to come by and see our operation and the joy these animals have given us. Neither of us are gregarious outgoing people by nature but we do love to talk about our alpacas.
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