Who raises alpacas?
Alpaca owners and breeders come from varied professions and backgrounds. Doctors and medical professionals, educators, marketing professionals, financial advisors and farmers are some of the most common professions. Owners may live in cities, suburbs or rural areas. There are ownership and breeding opportunities for everyone. Some choose to raise alpacas as a full-time business and farming opportunity, while others may commit as a part-time venture and enhancement to their lifestyle. From young families to empty nesters and phased retirement to full-time retirement-however you choose to be involved, there is an "Alpaca Business Plan" suitable for you.
Your Goals
To begin, it's best to understand the many options alpacas offer and to determine your specific goals. You may decide to be a full- or part-time breeder on your own acreage or to agist. You may want a fiber-production herd specifically for your use or for profit. Many families will purchase a pair of gelded males for their fiber and for family pets. You may also consider a shop on your farm for selling yarn and items made from your own fiber. It's a new world filled with creative and profitable possibilities.
Hands-on Ownership
You can enjoy a rural lifestyle and the pleasure of caring for your herd on your own farm or ranch. It only takes minimal acreage to get started. You may already have the space-and don't forget that improvements may be tax deductible, while enhancing the value of your property. If you are ready to purchase a large parcel of land, the improvements made for the farm business would be deductible or depreciable, while quickly increasing the value of the land.
Boarding Your Alpacas
"Agisting," or boarding alpacas at an established, full-service farm or ranch allows your involvement with the venture to be at your discretion. This option can also be a great way to learn alpaca care, by visiting during days when scheduled worming, vaccinations, shearing and birthing take place. Agisting will still offer many of the same tax benefits, and the cost of the board may be deductible as well.
How Much Do They Cost?
Alpacas start at about $1,000 for a fiber-producing or pet gelding male. Males that are termed Junior Herd sires-that are unproven and generally have desirable bloodlines, exhibit excellent conformation and have been successful in the show ring-average from $8,000 to $40,000. A top-class, proven herd sire averages between $100,000 and $300,000.
A good-quality maiden female averages $10,000 to $30,000 and a good-quality pregnant female averages $15,000 to $50,000. Many farms offer packages of several alpacas at a reduced cost to help you get started. A package may include a pregnant female with a cria and a herd sire. For one price, you are able to purchase three alpacas that may or may not include a free breeding.
Come for a visit and take home a Legend.