Notes for Newbies

Alpacas of Somerset Farm

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Dianna, Cuzco, and ChaccuLatte at our first show.

Who are Alpaca “Newbies?”

When you get right down to it, most alpaca owners are "newbies"--some of us are just newer than others! In an industry that is just a little over 25 years old (based on the first alpaca imports) there are still many questions to be asked and answered, and much more to be learned about this fascinating fiber producing livestock.

Most of us who consider ourselves "newbies" have been bitten by the alpaca bug and are either looking into, or just starting out in, the alpaca livestock industry. More than likely we are just beginning to get an understanding of how much we don't know about these captivating creatures who have stolen our hearts. We don't even know enough to know what we don't know! The good news is that the learning curve is steep and fast once you start the process.

As an educator I am continually impressed by the wealth of information available for those of us who choose to seek it out. The best advice I can provide “Newbies” (whether just investigating or actually own alpacas) is...invest in your education.

Dianna Jordan
dljordan@wildblue.net
530-620-6033

Observations By A “Newbie”

Reflections on the first 12 months...not in any particular rhyme, reason, or order. In the first year I learned:

That, as a whole, the alpaca industry is filled with wonderful people willing to enthusiastically share their knowledge and resources.

That alpaca people know how to have fun.

That attending shows, seminars, and other alpaca events are great ways to "meet and greet" diverse people, with diverse backgrounds and interests, who share a common interest in alpacas.

That the only stupid questions are the ones that aren't asked.

That there is a softness that will rival a babies bottom....the muzzle of a cria.

The feeling of satisfaction that comes when the skittish female, with the import personality, allows you to walk within a foot or two of her when she is cushed.

The importance of having a contract in place, particularly between friends.

That all you have to do is ask for help and it is there.

That nothing stops you in your tracks or brings a smile faster than when a cria starts to pronk--unless a mom starts to pronk and that brings outright laughter.

That a cria eating pellets out of your hand feels like feathers across your palm.

That the squeal of laughter and look of wonder and enchantment on the faces of your grandchildren when they are around the alpacas are priceless.

That wet Huacayas are a pretty pitiful sight.

That after 37 years of marriage, my husband and I are still discovering new worlds and trying new things.

That projects are going to cost more and take longer than originally planned.

That the papers in the "I'll record that information tomorrow file" really pile up fast!

That a morning cup of coffee while sitting on the deck overlooking the moms and crias is a great way to start the day.

That the "nay sayers" are either trying to protect us from ourselves or are envious, or both.

That our grown children support us in our endeavors as much as we supported them in theirs.

That, as our daughter said, we have life in our pasture again.

That although alpacas may have "spits and spats" among themselves, in time of perceived threat or crisis they band together for support.

That "S - _ - _ - T" really does roll downhill--particularly when you're trying to rake alpaca "beans" into a pile.

That some alpacas may form their own groups within a herd, but they all co-exist--regardless of size, color, age, or country of origin.

That there is life after the corporate world and that life is great.

That continuing education is the “Key To Success”

We believe education is the key to success. Check out the following.

Articles

This section includes published articles written by Dianna.

Four Investment Considerations

1. Financial
2. Emotional
3. Time
4. Education