This is a weekend that will help you decide if the alpaca business meets your needs and expectations. For many people in the alpaca industry, this is their first attempt at raising livestock, starting their own business, or doing something that is really "out of the box". It is a financial and time commitment that needs careful consideration and lots of information in order to make educated decisions. We will spend two days looking into the alpaca business... from financial aspects to taking care of alpacas on a daily basis. When you are finished with this workshop, you should have a good idea if this is something you can pursue.
Saturday: Overview of the alpaca business, facility and equipment recommendations, financial considerations, evaluating fiber and conformation, business opportunities within the alpaca industry. Our workshop area allows for comfortable small group discussions for the morning session. The afternoon will be spent in the barn evaluating alpacas. One of the most important decisions you can make in getting off to a good start is the selection of your foundation herd. This part of the day will focus on what to look for in a quality alpaca.
Sunday: Alpacas are easy to care for, but they do require care. Sunday will be spent talking about pasture maintenance, husbandry protocols, nutrition, and daily care. Theory will be combined with hands-on practice with toe nail trimming, administering oral medication and handling for vet care. This is the day to help you feel comfortable in the routine care and handling of alpacas. In the afternoon we will put you through the paces of an actual halter class and what to expect from the judge and how to handle your alpaca.
We understand the apprehension and concerns that face many new
prospective owners and take care to represent the industry, ownership
responsibilities, and alpaca "realities" in a straightforward manner. We
love the business and want others to have the same positive experience
we have enjoyed.
DATE: Call for next workshop date
TIME: 10:00am-4:00pm
COST: $75 for each day or $130 for both days. Two people from one farm (or future farm!) can attend both days for $200
INCLUDED: Lunch, workshop notebook, refreshments
Registration is limited to insure individual attention. Contact us for registration details.