Heather-Rayne Alpacas was established in January 2009 with the arrival of 11 alpacas; two young males, six bred females, and three maidens. We have not looked back since, they are a such a positive impact on our lifestyle.
Prior to June 2008, we had no idea what an alpaca was. While talking with some friends, they mentioned that they had just started an alpaca farm. Curiousity got the best of us so we went for a visit. That was the end, I knew we were going to have an alpaca farm too.
The research started, we visited as many alpaca farms as we could, we read every book that we could get our hands on, we attended alpaca shows and seminars, and we researched the internet.
Todd, being a building contractor, started construction on our barn in October 2008. This is a place where visiting other farms really helps, take notes. You pick up different ideas and implement them into a barn that will work for you. Take the time to layout your blueprint before starting construction, and if you think you have planned for a barn big enough, GO BIGGER. Make sure there's room to grow. By the middle of December, I had my dream barn.
A name, we need a farm name. After many family discussions and ideas, we decided on Heather-Rayne. Yes, it's a little strange, but it seemed to fit and had a nice ring to it. Heather is our daughter's name, and Rayne is the middle name of our special niece. It was unanamous!!
January 2009, the alpacas are ready to move in. Who in their right minds start and alpaca farm in Upstate New York in the middle of January? We were so excited, that the winter weather didn't even phase us.
So now, we have 11 more mouths to feed and clean up after, along with both of us having full time jobs, how do we do this? I was incredibly easy, exciting, and enjoyable. It was starting a new family, getting to know every name, personality, likes, dislikes, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
This would never have worked for us without the patience of two mentor farms that worked with us to answer all of our questions, give us the opportunity of hands on experiences, and a great friendship. A special THANK YOU to HASU RANCH ALPACAS and IDEUMA CREEK ALPACAS.
