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AlpacaNation Q&A with Claddagh Farm
Sarah & Carl Lamanna
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6905 Stebbins Rd., LaFayette, NY 13084
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315.243.3782
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Claddagh Farm: A claddagh is an Irish symbol representing Love, Loyalty & Friendship. Since we're both part Irish, it was a symbol we used at our wedding 10+ years ago to unite our families.
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
Claddagh Farm: Carl is a mechanical technician at high tech. manufacturing plant in the Syracuse areas. Sarah is a high school resource teacher. We have 4 grown boys ages 33-23 who are either in college or out on their own: Dr. Matt Lamanna, Jon Lamanna, Brian Taisey and Colin Taisey. Matt is a paleontologist working at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburg, Jon is a Red Bull distributor and manages his band "Cry to the Blind", Brian is a professional firefighter with the city of Syracuse fire department after serving 4 years with the 82nd Airborne (1 full year tour in Iraq) and Colin is pursuing his teaching certification at LeMoyne College in Syracuse. We're very proud of all our boys.
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Claddagh Farm: We purchased our first alpaca in March of 2006 and have been learning as much as we can about them since.
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
Claddagh Farm: A friend was also interested in them and further research indicated that they'd be a good business besides being adorable!
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Claddagh Farm: Education is most important when deciding on investing in this business. Take as many workshops/clinics as you can. Join the local associations as well as the AOBA to better learn and network with others. ASK questions! Take notes! Visit farms! Don't let your emotions sweep you away- that's where costly mistakes can be made.
AlpacaNation: What has been your biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
Claddagh Farm: I'd not heard of a diluting gene before- now I know only too well about it. Basically, two black parents CAN produce a fawn baby if both carry that gene but only about 25% of the time. Sad but true.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Claddagh Farm: We see our farm growing with full Peruvian Accoyo alpacas of color who possess wonderful and ever-improving fiber quality. We see many customers/friends who we support with their purchases from our herd. Claddagh Farm will provide learning opportunities for others on a regular basis and will be active members of the alpaca community via support of our associations.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Claddagh Farm: Our favorite memory thus far is seeing our first baby show in costume class at the Extravaganza & shown by Kenni Merriwether, as Zoro. He was soooo good about the mask, hat, cape, sword and fabric on his legs! He won, too- even nicer!
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