THE RANCH

	THE RANCH - BEFORE

In 2000, I moved from Silicon Valley to a few acres in Grass Valley and started looking for a retirement lifestyle in the country. I saw one of the alpaca commercials on television, went to the website, and low and behold! Right here in Grass Valley was Alpaca Mining Company. I have wanted to work with animals for many years and I fell in love with alpacas on the first visit. I spent many hours visiting their ranch, asking lots and lots of questions, researching alpacas, and sitting at the computer running spreadsheets and business projections.

In January, 2003 I purchased my first seven pregnant females. I also began the search for a more suitable piece of property on which to grow my herd and my alpaca business. I bought 12 acres in mid-2003 and began the next part of the Great Alpaca Adventure … designing the perfect(!) ranch. I learned a lot of Do's and Don'ts from other ranches which helped me with my ranch design, and my layout is working very well for me.

THE RANCH - AFTER

I am now focusing on expanding my herd, adding new herdsire (stud) bloodlines, and breeding for improved fleece quality. As my alpaca business grows, I have also
- established a schedule of seminars and workshops that are held at the ranch
- attended events with alpacas and alpaca products, to educate the public about these animals and the wonderful clothing made from their fleece
- opened a small ranch store selling alpaca products
- launched an online store in November, 2005
- immersed myself in the Alpaca world by volunteering at shows and being an officer in the California Alpaca Breeders Association and a local alpaca association.
- delighted in the birth of each new cria [baby]

Am I having fun yet? You betcha!