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AlpacaNation Q&A with Sycamore Creek Farm
Richard & Catherine Stickann
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12100 W Highway EE, Rocheport, MO 65279
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573-815-9500
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Sycamore Creek Farm: Take the time to educate yourself. Talk to breeders, vets, grain dealers,everyone. Don't be afraid to ask breeders for advice. We are always happy to talk about alpacas. You can be sure that we will be there for you before, during and after purchasing one of our alpacas.
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Sycamore Creek Farm: We started talking to breeders, surfing the net, and attended a regional alpaca show. We went to all the free seminars at that regional show. I remember we felt so ready to move forward with the farm after attending The MOPACA show. We contacted ATTRA for help with our pastures, the DNR to help us identify our grasses. Catherine began taking classes with Alpaca Breeders' Fiber School.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Sycamore Creek Farm: We are focused on fiber and fiber education. We offer Alpaca and Nature Day Camp in three sessions in the summer. This camp teaches 9 to 15 year olds how to care for alpacas, spin alpaca fiber on spinning wheels, and weave with alpaca fiber. We stress to our campers that the alpacas are not pets, but livestock that is to be treated with respect. The same cirriculum is offered to adults on two weekends.
Our herd is primarily black and brown. We are breeding for finer black fiber.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
Sycamore Creek Farm: We purchased a bred, experienced dam and two weanlings. It was a great way to start off. We learned how to care for the alpacas while we found a farm, sold our house and readied the farm for them. With a small budget we needed to spend our money wisely. It worked out for us. Our first purchases were from a very reputible farm that was more than happy to teach us how to care for our new purchases. We want to give our buyers the same support.
AlpacaNation: What has been the most helpful advice you have received from your veterinarian?
Sycamore Creek Farm: Our veterinarians have taught us to observe our animals and listen to our gut feelings. We are fortunate to have a fine vet school close to our farm. It is a pleasure to work very closely with The University of Missouri Vet School. Together we are learning about these wonderful animals.
AlpacaNation: What do you tell prospective buyers who look at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
Sycamore Creek Farm: You are getting in on the ground floor of this fiber industry. I attend the Fiber Symposium and correspond with others interested in our fiber market. Things are starting to move forward. The prices, at this time, reflect the breeder's market which is still healthy. Keep informed. Watch for trends. Learn all you can about the fiber. I teach fiber education and the class is free to our clients.
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