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AlpacaNation Q&A with HAVENFIELD FARM
Kim & Scott Kline
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6451 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508
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610-689-0065
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We chose the name Havenfield Farm based on our strong passion for all animals. Any animal that comes to the farm, whether purchased, lost or rescued is given a safe, loving home and has all of its needs met to the best of our ability. Aside from the alpacas, my husband and I are involved in both the Bull Mastiff Rescue Association and an all breed rescue the BCAA (Burlington County Animal Alliance). We open our home to foster dogs from these organizations until they can be placed in their new and forever home. Many of these animals would have been euthanized and never given a chance to be part of a happy family.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We would like to eventually build additional barn facilities so that we could maintain a herd of about 80 to 100 animals. We do not want to get any larger than that because we want to stay completely hands on with all of the animals and be able to still treat them individually. Scott and I would like to make this our full time business and include a fiber and fashion store on the farm as well.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
HAVENFIELD FARM: Being a mid-sized herd, we have seen a high percentage of medical issues and some rare events as well. We have become extremely comfortable with the medical aspect of all of their care. Both Scott and I have a medical background so it has been easier for us than some. Some things we have done have included delivering our own distocias, tube feedings, all types of medication administration, and even giving our own intraperitoneal fluids to newborns. We have learned that things do not always go as planned and it is wonderful that we have a great community of other alpaca breeders and friends to call for help and advice whenever it is needed.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We strongly encourage people to visit as many farms as they possibly can before making a purchase decision. The value to this is beyond words. It allows you to see multiple different farm set ups as well as varying management techniques. It is very different raising livestock if it is something you have never done before. Some of the most costly mistakes people have made is to "buy at bargain prices" from a going out of business sale or from an auction. When a problem occurs, you need a strong support system and network to call, especially if you are unable to reach your vet. Purchase from a reputable breeder that you are comfortable with and offers a strong support system. It is a very comforting feeling when you can call another nearby experienced breeder for help, that you already have established a relationship with.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We are extremely attentive to each alpaca as an individual. We place great emphasis on their temperament and disposition. The crias begin their halter training experience at only a few months old. You will find that the animals are friendly and many of them will be happy to nibble grain right our of your hand. The enjoyment of these creatures is truly missed if you are unable to touch or handle them even for routine care. We offer show quality animals at reasonable prices from a great diversity of bloodlines gathered from all over the country. We also offer a wonderful support system, especially for new breeders. You are welcome to call us at any time--day or night if you need us.(Although in a medical emergency, we strongly recommend you calling your vet first). We have a vast array of friends that are alpaca breeders as well. If we do not have the particular animal you are looking for, we probably know someone who does have it for you.
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
HAVENFIELD FARM: I love them all.However, I would have to say that Havenfield's Cassie is my favorite alpaca. This little lady had such an emotionally traumatizing and physically tough start to life, we have really bonded with her. Her mother was a beautiful gray maiden female of mine that had won us a ribbon at the AOBA National the year before. Her dam appeared to go into labor and it was not progressing as it should. She had a rapid decline and turn for the worse while waiting for the vet to arrive. On the vets arrival, the dam was down and in shock. On exam, it was found that the animal had an abnormal cervix and the minute opening was scarred over. There was no way for her to deliver the baby. It was clear that in her condition she would not make the trip to the large animal hospital. The extremely difficult and painful decision was made to do a terminal C-Section when we found by ultrasound that the baby was still alive. Unfortunately, we lost Gracie that day but gained our beautiful Cassie.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We have been very fortunate in the show ring. Nothing , however, could top the feeling we had at the 2003 AOBA Nationals when TWO of my males won National championships competing against the top farms in the country. We were just thrilled!
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We researched the decision for about one year and when we decided to purchase, prepared for their arrival well in advance. We made sure we had a vet that would be willing to deal with camelids, purchased first aid and medical equipment we would need on hand, found what feed and hay to purchase, and constructed their environment as advised by other breeders. We also purchased several books on the care of alpacas and began to read everything we could get our hands on. We also chose to purchase guard llamas to live with our alpacas and they have worked out wonderfully.
AlpacaNation: Any embarrassing moments you would like to share?
HAVENFIELD FARM: We took one of our young males to one of the largest alpaca shows in the country. He is a very sweet animal and is one of the most lovable on the farm. He does not mind being handled and is usually on his best behavior. However, he obviously gets stage fright in front of a crowd. We were in the middle of the show ring, in front of the judge looking over the group in the ring, and this animal began to hyperventilate, stand up on his hind legs and then proceeded to throw himself to the ground. He stayed flat on his side, hyperventilating with a look of terror in his eyes and refused to stand up. The international judge walked over to him and over the microphone, in front of the crowd stated "You can't give up now, I haven't even looked at you yet!" The animal did not stand up, the judge ended up examining him while he was lying on the ground, and he still was pinned 4th place out of a huge class! I finally got him to his feet and we slinked out of the ring. A show career was not for hi
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
HAVENFIELD FARM: I saw a magazine article when we were trying to figure out what we could use our newly purchased farm for. We had orginally intended on boarding horses, however for the amount of time and hard work needed, along with the low profit return, we realized this was probably unrealistic. Also, considering we both worked full time jobs, the time needed would have been prohibitive. I loved animals but did not want to raise anything that needed to be slaughtered. The alpacas seemed like the perfect solution. I could not seem to find a down side, other than the initial investment, which could be almost immediately recouped with the sale of the offspring. This coupled with the tax benefits was a real draw.
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