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AlpacaNation Q&A with KUSKA PAKU FARM
VIDA PALMER &
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14416 HWY 613, MOSS POINT, MS 39562
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228-990-8468
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: We opened the farm in September 2004.
AlpacaNation: Does your farm have a particular breeding mission?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: Yes we do. We thought about this for a long time. What would make a Kuska animal something you really wanted? Our answer has become our breeding mission! We plan to build a very strong Southern Alpaca, An Alpaca that will stand out in a crowd. Much like the Macho males with large heads, Dense top knots, big boned, and heavily fibered. However the other side of our mission is to make animals with rich colors, multi colors, & even 2 colors! By aquiring diverse bloodlines from some of the finest sires around & Combining these 2 types together into an Alpaca that is as large as the finest Accoyo with with the richest colors to be had. We have added such fine genetics as ACCOYO POWEBALL, ACCOYO LEGACY, ACCOYO ROYAL FAWN, ACCOYO FELIX, PERUVIAN BUENO, 4PERUVIAN BLACK MAGIC, PERUVIAN HEMMINGWAY, 6PERUVIAN DOM TIMBO, PERUVIAN MASCUSANI, ROCKAMUNDO, SNOWMASS PERUVIAN AVALANCHE, SNOWMASS GOLD COIN, SNOWMASS FRENCESCO, PERUVIAN PAUCO, PERUVIAN ALPAMAYO & MANY MORE.
We are hoping to see that a
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
KUSKA PAKU FARM: My name is Vida & My husband is Phil, we have 2 children ages 14 & 11 . We both are computer professionals that have a combined 40 years experience in computer programming and database management systems. Phil still works full time at his DBA job, until we can get the farm into full swing! Vida (me) has given up the hustle and bustle of corporate life to spend time with our children. I home school both of my kids.
We were always raising some type of animal or another ( as Vida always wished to be a vet), then we discovered alpacas in 1995. We knew this was what we wanted to do. We both continued to work hard at our jobs and save. In the summer of 2004 Vida's parents suddenly passed away. At that point our family decided that life was too short and it was time to start doing what we really wanted to do. The loss of my parents was devistating, however it also has pushed me into the best time of my life.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: We hope to acheive a high standard of breeding sucess. After spending much time and thought , we have carefully chosen a herd to produce a very distinguished southern alpaca. We would like to maintain the farm at 50 or less alpacas. Alpacas raised on smaller farms are much more personable and a far greater joy to be around. When you get to big farms where the animal is just #906 or something like that, there just isn't a lot of personal time for them.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: Be diversified! I personally do not want every cria on my farm all related to each other. In the first place we want diversity, so I do not want all of my alpacas to look alike or have them all related to each other. Second, When people buy here I want them to have the choice of buying from many different award winning bloodlines. That way as their herd starts to grow they have the opportunity to mix many fabulous genetics together and continue to create genetically fabulous alpacas!
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: Southern Hospitality!
and the most color diverse herd around!
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: Yes the name Kuska Paku is a peruvian indian word meaning " altogether or side by side alpaca".
AlpacaNation: What unique challenges do you face as a small, mid-size, or larger breeder?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: I think our biggest challenge so far has been that Mississippi is the last state to catch on to this wonderful type of farming, So our work has been letting Mississippi discover alpacas!
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: yes, It is HELGA.. She is my alpaca. I love her sweet look & the fact she resembles a Dr. Suess critter & I love to take pictures of her.. and she loves to pose!
AlpacaNation: What do you tell prospective buyers who look at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: It is coming!! There are a lot of people working very hard on getting the product side of this industry into full swing. When people start to recognize alpaca they will want to wear nothing else!
AlpacaNation: If you could change one aspect of the Alpaca industry what would it be? Why?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: I would like to see the larger farms begin to concentrate on gettingthe North American Fiber Co-op running in full swing. So that we can get these incredible products to the public. There is nothing better than alpaca socks & sweaters.. We just need to get the rest of the U.S. trying it.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
KUSKA PAKU FARM: I couldn't have a better job!!
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