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AlpacaNation Q&A with Hickory Bluff Farms
Ruth & Bill Fuqua
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7236 Lebanon Road, Mount Juliet, TN 37122
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615-444-4765
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
Hickory Bluff Farms: In 1995 we were looking for something agricultural to do with our 100 acre farm. We were looking for the tax benefits of agribusiness, but wanted a low maintenance lifestyle to go with it. In those days, we were both travelling in our corporate jobs, Bill in the financial world, Ruth in the dairy processing industry.
We both saw the AOBA ad in the DeltaAirlines Magazine flying back from somewhere. And thus our life with alpacas began.
We researched and visited farms for nearly three years after that, growing more in love with alpacas each visit!
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Hickory Bluff Farms: Once we decided that alpacas were for us, we started planning the barns and pastures. Since the land was fairly wide open pasture, we had a blank sheet to play with. We knew we wanted to grow to a herd of 50 or so, that we wanted to have facilities for breeding as well as conferences and seminars, and that we wanted Bill's business to be located at the farm, too. So the barn was built to accomodate all of that.
By the time we purchased our alpacas in 1998, we had the barn construction and fencing underway. Then it was time to prepare ourselves for alpacas. Ruth went to the first of her ongoing training sessions with Marty Bennett (Camelidynamics), our veterinarian was located (Dr Kinslow, who has become our personal friend as well, as we have all learned alpaca health care together), and we went to several shows and educational seminars to learn all we could about alpacas.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
Hickory Bluff Farms: In 1998, there were only 3 alpaca farms in Tennessee, and less than 500 farms in the US. We were looking for a package of a few bred females and a couple of males to start our herd. We wanted to buy the foundation herd from one farm, figuring that they would then know each other, and we would avoid the stress of moving them into a new herd group.
We found the package in Oregon. Since Ruth was travelling to Portland about every six weeks, Oregon seemed like home away from home to her. And we felt comfortable with George and Jan Elser, who shared our beliefs that conformation and fine fiber were the most important qualities for a foundation herd.
Our current herd still has the qualities of those foundation alpacas carrying through, and we have built on the individual strengths of each of them.
Today, if we were starting out in alpacas, we would stay very close to Tennessee with our purchases of alpacas to avoid the travel stress and adaptation to the different climate conditions
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Hickory Bluff Farms: First it is our realization that each alpaca has their own distinct attributes and personality. We treat each alpaca as an individual, understanding their unique needs.
Second, our committment to breeding for continued improvement of fiber while maintaining strong conformation and nurturing abilities of the moms.
Third, our committment to breeding for alpacas that are suited for the climate of Tennessee to avoid the heat and humidity stress that is just a way of life here.
Fourth, our committment for breeding for disposition...yes, it is inherited from both the sire and the dam...
Fifth, to base our herd management on scientific facts and common sense, and to continue our education about good animal husbandry practices
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