 |
|
|
Welcome to baker's Alpaca Patch! |
|
What sparked our new venture? Hummm...as an alpaca would say. Back in October 2007, we read an article on the alpaca business in our hometown newspaper, The Record-Argus in Greenville, Pennsylvania. We became curious, visited farms in Pennsylvania and Colorado, and decided to "take the plunge" Everyone we contacted was very enthusiastic to share experiences on the "ins & outs" of starting this unconventional business of buying, raising, breeding, and selling alpacas as well as selling the fiber for the end product of exquisite rugs, sweaters, etc.
We quickly moved forward and by the end of 2007 we had purchased six alpacas. We already had a beautiful piece of land in the picturesque area of Pymatuning Dam in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. With the tremendous help from Rick and Sue Veverka, caretakers of the property, in early spring of 2008 we built a barn and put up the fencing. FAST FORWARD....it is the summer of 2011 and we currently have two barns, roughly 40 alpacas, have attended numerous shows and are now full-fledged "alpaca farmers!" What a whirlwind!
Welcome to baker's Alpaca Patch! ---The Bakers', Robert H. (Doc) and son, Robert C. (Bobby)
|
|
|
|
|
About Us |
|
What's our plan? Hummm...as an alpaca would say. We want to develop a niche in the alpaca market. Thus, we are concentrating on 100% Peruvian suris with an emphasis on good conformation, good fiber and good color. We're aiming for dark colors, preferably black. Suri alpacas have the long, dread lock fiber compared to the crimpy, hucuaya fiber and comprise roughly 3-10% of the alpaca population in the U.S.
Presently, our learning curve is still on "the up slope". We've taken classes and are voraciously reading books and magazines on these Dr. Seuss-like characters....and have attended and shown at shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Now that our set-up is up and running, our focus is on husbandry and the day-to-day operation of the "Patch" as well as breeding/selling and starting a store. We invite you to visit our farm. But beware...we might put you to work....so bring your gloves and wear boots! (jk...just kidding!)
|
|
|
|
Bobby's Alpaca Art |
|
Article Posted: 3/21/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|