In 1998 we were two teachers looking ahead to retirement with the usual plans for travel, golf, and relaxation. A chance weekend visit to a local llama and alpaca show changed everything when Jen fell in love with the alpacas and Fay fell in love with the idea of raising alpacas as a retirement venture. The next few months were a whirlwind of farm visits, putting together a business plan and applying for financing, and turning 4 acres of fields into "Highland Alpaca".
From a beginning of three bred females and three juveniles, Highland Alpaca has grown into a herd of 60+ breeding and show quality alpacas. We outgrew those four acres, and in 2004 moved to eighteen acres of pasture to start over again with a new barn, fencing, and log home. Our herd includes National award winners, genetics that represent well known blood lines, and alpacas that are "small farm" acclimated to people.
Our story reflects the progress of two non-livestock people with limited financial resources making a start in a growing, competitive business. 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.