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AlpacaNation Q&A with Hidden Views Farm Alpacas
Carl & Teresa Persons
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9650 Kendall Knolls Lane, Nokesville, VA 20181
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(571) 218-8443
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
Hidden Views Farm Alpacas: We are located 50 miles west of Washington, DC on ten acres. We take pride that all work on our farm is done by us which not only gives us great satisfaction, but allows us to keep a close eye on our herd. All of our alpaca products are produced from our own herd which makes them extra special to us and our customers.
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Hidden Views Farm Alpacas: We have been in the Alpaca business for six years now. We started with four alpacas and now have twenty-four alpacas owned and or boarded here on our farm.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Hidden Views Farm Alpacas: We started farming our land well before we purchased our first alpaca. We utilize everyone's talents on our farm from sewing and knitting to animal care, husbandry and even farm security. The one thing that fuels us is our belief in the American market and taking it to the next level. While some farms buy product from oversees and sell it here, we utilize the fiber from our American herd in order to promote not only our farm but all other farms here in the United States. We not only offer yarn produced from our own animals in all natural colors but create custom garments such as sweaters for our customers from them as well.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Hidden Views Farm Alpacas: The best advice we could give anyone getting started with alpacas is to do your homework, not only on the potential animals you want to purchase, but on the farm you might purchase from. Check references of prior clients and get to know them before making a purchase. Your relationship with the sellers is one of the most important ones you will make in this business. You should not only feel complete trust with them, but there should be no doubt that you can count on them after the animals leave their farm. We would also stress to those just getting started in their search to purchase alpacas to only purchase females. Their females will have their own boys born along the way, and would advise against even those added to a package for free.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Hidden Views Farm Alpacas: One of the greatest moments we experienced within the alpaca industry was winning a Color Championship with an alpaca bred and owned by us. We accomplished this in only two short years and in a very competitive color class. This gave us great confidence going forward about our breeding program and was a wonderful morale boost for everyone on the farm.
Watching our children compete and work with the animals has also been a great, rewarding, experience.
Lastly, the friends and families that we meet along the way have allowed for some wonderful times and memories. Every show feels like a family reunion and is looked forward to with anticipation.
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