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AlpacaNation Q&A with BMR Acres
Brian & Mary Ellen Rose
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2542 Pine Ridge Road, Canastota, NY 13032
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1-877-855-4BMR
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
BMR Acres: We are a husband and wife team running a small 23 acres farm in Central New York. We both work full time jobs in addition to the farm, as well as working part-time jobs. I guess you could say we are workaholics. But we love what we do, especially the farm. The animals are our peace of mind and our "relaxation." We want to promote the alpaca & farming lifestyle to everyone we meet. We just wish we could encourage everyone to raise alpacas.
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
BMR Acres: We started around 2001. I did quite a bit of reading, web searches, going to shows and bringing my husband on farm visits before actually getting into the business.
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
BMR Acres: I saw an AOBA brochure at a local post office and scheduled a farm visit. And it took off from there. Both Brian and I fell in love with the alpacas.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
BMR Acres: Our farm name actually stands for Brian & Mary Ellen Rose and BMR is also Brian's initials. So it just worked. It was also usuable for other businesses we are involved in and possibly future businesses. BMR also worked to fit in with our toll free telephone number, 1-877-4BMR.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
BMR Acres: Our farm is "brand new" in relation to being built. We built our house and moved in during April of 2004. We then built brand new lean-toos and are building a new barn. We are both perfectionists and will only settle for a top-notch, state of the art, clean farm. Only the best for our animals.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
BMR Acres: Greatest achievement farm related is that almost everything has been out of pocket-cash. Favorite memory, watching the alpacas run & race at dusk. It's great.
Greatest achievement not farm related: my two beautiful children and grandchildren!
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
BMR Acres: Good question, and the answer is: research, research, research. And definitely schedule farm visits. But use your head, not your heart when purchasing animals.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
BMR Acres: Once again, use your head, not your heart when purchasing animals.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
BMR Acres: Hopefully, in leaps & bounds. We hope to purchase more property and expand in the next 5 years. 10 years from now we hope to be retired and running a bed & breakfast on the farm. That's the plan.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
BMR Acres: Learning what to look for, conformation, fiber, bite, legs, etc. Don't take breeders every word as carved in stone. Everyone and every alpaca is different.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
BMR Acres: Would I do anything different?...Yes, more research.
AlpacaNation: What has been the most helpful advice you have received from your veterinarian?
BMR Acres: He is still learning also. So we're in this together.
AlpacaNation: What unique challenges do you face as a small, mid-size, or larger breeder?
BMR Acres: As a small farm, getting our name out there. Also building our herd without going into deep financial debt. Having that cash flow is so important.
AlpacaNation: What do you tell prospective buyers who look at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
BMR Acres: If you are in it for just the fiber, don't invest or buy very expensive alpacas. The fiber industry in the United States right now is not up to speed yet. It will be with alot of work and exposure, but it will take a while.
AlpacaNation: If you could change one aspect of the Alpaca industry what would it be? Why?
BMR Acres: Not to put so much emphasis on shows and awards. You can have a blue winner in a particular class, but there may have only been two or three entries to begin with. So it's not as much of a big deal as people make it out to be, as far as I am concerned.
AlpacaNation: How do you see the industry developing as the U.S. market grows rapidly?
BMR Acres: Once the exposure is out there, I don't think the industry will be able to keep up since there will be such a high demand. But that's when the fiber industry will surpass the breeding/selling industry.
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
BMR Acres: My own of course. I don't have a certain favorite, but as far as colors, I do like the pintos and rose grays.
AlpacaNation: Any embarrassing moments you would like to share?
BMR Acres: The first time I administered shots on a farm visit. The farm was nice enough to show us and let me practice on their alpacas. On one poor guy, I must have hit a vein and the alpaca was bleeding quite a bit. Not only embarrassing but scarey. Luckily, the farm was very patient and knew what to do. Thank goodness.
AlpacaNation: What do you feel you can offer your customers?
BMR Acres: The best customer service including plenty of help-before, during and after your purchase. Our animals are part of our family, which means that they are cared for like family pets, not just investment livestock. Honesty & Caring Service to our Customers. Love & Pampering for our animals.
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