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AlpacaNation Q&A with Alpacas At Scotland Hill
Bob & Pauline Hamel
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110 Pudding Hill Rd. (Rt. 97), P.O. Box 185, Scotland, CT 06264
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860 456-8414
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: We have been in the alpaca business since July of 2003.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: We are a small alpaca farm and have intentions of staying small enough to care for
our alpacas on our own. We first got into the business because we fell in love with the alpacas and we liked the hands on approach. We had and still have our hands on our alpacas every day and we know them all well. We feel that gives us an advantage over the larger farms as we know each and everyone of our alpacas up front and personal. We fortunately, made the right decision when we made our first alpaca purchase. The people were honest and helpful.
We received the help we needed and we will do the same for anyone who
would purchase one of our alpacas. We take that very seriously. New owners need help, it's that simple. We will be there for them 24/7.
If we can answer their questions we do, if we can't we will find the answer for them. Small farm alpaca owners have a unique link with each other. And remember, many small farms have "Large farm genetics with small farm prices".
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: We would like to see our farm grow to perhaps 20 alpacas and be able to help others get started in the wonderful world of alpacas. We will keep on improving on our genetics and therefore, the quality of our alpacas and their fleece.
It is different from other industries in that no matter what, everyone seems to want to help you and they keep nothing back. We like helping others as a way to give back for the help we received when we were new to the business. As far as the alpacas go, and how to treat people wanting to get into the industry, we have had good role models. When people buy from us, they get that "Small Farm T.L.C." that we like to brag about so much. We are ready and willing to work with anyone who truly loves alpacas and wants to start their own business.
We hold to the statement that we have "Large farm genetics but small farm prices".
AlpacaNation: What do you tell prospective buyers who look at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: Yes, it is true there doesn't seem to be a big profit in the fiber right now, but we believe in time that will improve. The alpaca industry is still in it's infancy stage. Yes, these animals are expensive, but you can double your income every year with the cria's that are produced. The profits are in your crias. But you must be patient & diligent in your breeding program. It will take anywhere from 2 1/2 to 5 years to start selling. The way we see it, the longer your in the business, the more knowledge you acquire to pass on to people who will eventually buy from you. This is an investment in yourself really.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: We live in the town of Scotland and we also happen to live on the hill that people refer to as Scotland Hill. My daughter's business is Scotland Hill Stable and others have used the Scotland Hill's name in their business as well. I guess you could say it's a town thing.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: I believe our favorite memory is having the first cria born on our farm. That was exciting and fun. It was uneventful and perfect. Also, since we have now taken the neonatal class, we were able to help one of our girls in her delivery, which could have been more difficult for her had we not know what to do. It was a very rewarding experience just knowing immediately what we had to do. I would recommend everyone in the alpaca business take that course.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: Although, it seems like breeding two animals would be an easy enough thing to do, it can get rather complicated at times. So,never assume all is OK. Test, Test, Test! Always field test your animals get an ultrasound done at the right times. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Your vet can also be helpfull here if he is knowledgable about alpacas.
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: Visit as many farms as possible and ask lots of questions. Read a lot and do some research. Learn as much as you can before buying your first alpacas. And we think, if you have the opportunity, you may want to consider volunteering some time to an alpaca farm, helping in the daily routine chores. Most farms would be more than happy to have the help and you will get lots of knowledge out of the experience. It will give you a good start and tell you if this is the life for you. If you don't do this, Ok we're all here to help. You wouldn't be the first.
Also, do alot of comparing the big farms to the little farms. Keep in mind the term
"Large farm genetics with small farm prices". Don't be too quick to disregard the small farms close to home. Consider that very busy large farms or out of state farms may not be there for you 24/7.
AlpacaNation: Describe your first alpaca purchase... would you do anything differently today?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: We were very fortunate when we purchased our first alpacas. The people we dealt with were honest and very helpful and continued to support us all the way through. The sire we purchased was magnificent and is still with us today
producing some beautiful cria's. We also purchased two pregnant females. The only thing I might do different would be to visit a few more farms and ask a few more questions, possibly volunteer some time on an alpaca farm.
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
Alpacas At Scotland Hill: Yes, I do have a favorite although I love them all. Rose meets me at the gate everyday. She gives kisses almost anytime I ask and is the most responsive one we have. She's funny, like a little pesty brother or sister and because she is such a little pest, she tends to get spit at quite often, but she doesn't care she just goes on her way. Rose has personality plus!
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