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AlpacaNation Q&A with Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas
Todd & Kyla Harrison
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2812 S. Lobb Cemetery Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015
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816-229-1724
AlpacaNation: Tell us about yourself...
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: Todd is the CEO for a security company in the Kansas City area. Kyla is a RN working in utilization review at a large KC home health agency. We bring sales and marketing and medical expertise to our alpaca business.
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: We first became interested in alpacas when we read an article in the newspaper about 8 years ago. We planned to buy a farm at that time in the Springfield area, but then the job offer fell through along with our Alpaca dreams. But when the opportunity came again, we jumped for it! We are really big animal lovers even prior to becoming alpaca owners. The fit was perfect with the alpacas, and so it began!
AlpacaNation: How long have you been in the alpaca business?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: We have been in the business since 2005 with our first purchase of 6 alpacas.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: There were several contributing factors. Todd's dad had a show dog breed name of Blue Diamond when he was growing up. Plus, we live in BLUE Springs, so it seemed like a good fit.
AlpacaNation: What sets your farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: We are totally devoted to high quality breeding and healthy alpacas. We are also devoted to the promotion of alpacas as a fiber industry in the future in the United States. We are both successful business people and bring our strengths in medical care and marketing to our alpaca venture.
AlpacaNation: What is your greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: The birth of every cria confirms our love of the animals. The renewal of life is always a great achievement on our farm. With each generation, we improve our stock quality and therefore our fiber quailty.
One of our greatest memories is taking pictures of our 3 teenage children holding 4 new cria. Other great memories are surrounding the people we have met and grown to love through the alpacas. The other breeders and owners are all wonderful giving people and contribute to us enjoying this business so much.
AlpacaNation: What steps did you take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: First we purchased our property, fenced it securely, then brought in the alpacas!
AlpacaNation: What advice would you give to those just getting started in the industry?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: If you really want to get into the business, you can make it happen. Take it one step at a time and you will get there, too.
AlpacaNation: How do you see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: We see our farm expanding rapidly and we will continue to strive to improve our fiber quality with each generation. We hope to one day earn a living in this business. But first we have to get all those children through college!
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
Harrison's Blue Diamond Alpacas: My favorite alpaca is Kallie. We had to supplement her with bottles and therefore she is very trusting of humans. She is a beautiful rose grey and wonderfully friendly. She is a 2-time blue ribbon winner too!!!!
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