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 Sugarloaf Alpacas
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Apples to Alpacas By Kim Toomey In 1998 we rented, fell in love with and subsequently purchased a former 90-acre apple farm. Not long after, we experienced, fell in love with, and a few years later purchased our first alpacas. We initially considered bringing the apple farm back into production, but research told us it would not be a wise choice. We spent several years trying to decide what new life to bring onto this glorious piece of property and into our lives. Alpacas were always humming in the back of my mind, but it was such an investment and not an easy plunge to take. In 2003, we plunged! In the spring of 2003 I left my accounting job at Sugarloaf ski area to pursue a new lifestyle altogether. Brian, who is the VP of Finance and Administration at Sugarloaf, did a whole lot of “spreadsheet analysis” taking into consideration investment, return, tax advantages, etc. and we came up with a 5-year plan. It would not be a quick return on investment and we would have to give up a few vacations, dinners out, etc., but is it worth it! Absolutely!!! We’re looking forward to a retirement with income and enjoying life along the way. We started a retail business selling alpaca products online, at fairs and shows, and on our farm. We enjoy having visitors and "talking alpaca." 
We initially purchased three pregnant females, a gelded male and two guard llamas. A year
later we purchased two more females from Cindy and Dan Mingle of Mountain Brook Farm, who
have been amazingly generous and supportive in so very many ways. We now have fourteen
alpacas, are expecting two more births soon and more next Spring. We’ve learned a lot
along the way, done things we never thought we could and met some wonderful friends.
Life is good!I spend a good deal of time with the alpacas, sometimes just sitting on the barn floor or pasture and hanging out with them. We intend to remain a small farm, allowing a closer relationship to our animals. I know Maverick’s favorite treat is maple leaves, Bettina’s is carrots, and Bigelow’s is apples. I hope I always know those details. I know they’re livestock, I know they’re for fiber production, but I also know there is something really special about interacting with these intelligent, inquisitive animals. You just can’t help but to laugh at their antics. And yes, I’ve been spit at. I can’t help laughing at that either-it’s just so darned un-lady-like! In the spring of 2005 we brought home a new addition to our farm, a female Anatolian Shepard puppy, currently in training as a livestock guard dog. She is a challenge at times, a true joy at others. We intend to breed Anatolians as livestock guard dogs, raising them with alpacas. When we hear coyotes in the evenings, we will sleep better knowing our herd is protected. Come on over for a visit, but be warned—if you’ve ever had a tune in your head you just can’t stop thinking about, you know what I mean when I say "alpacas will keep your mind humming!" |
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