The Passing of a True Loyal Friend

Thursday November 9th was a sad day for our household, as our family pet Shelby died from health complications. She was 2 months shy of her 14th birthday. Shelby, a purebred dachshund, comes from a line of Champions on her sires side. She was a Champion in our hearts plus an extremely smart girl, loved food, and would do tricks in exchange for treats.

Shelby
"Beloved Friend"
1993-2006

Shelby was a remarkable soul who graced our lives and for that privilege we can never thank her enough. Her love, devotion and heart she gave freely and endlessly. We miss her dearly and will forever be in our hearts.

Preparing the Farm

Last month we did some dozer work, cleared the underbrush and removed all the cherry trees which are poisonous to the alpacas. Leaves that fall from the trees contain arsenic so they all had to go.

Because the pasture is very important, we killed the old grass and planted a blend of endophyte free grasses. Fungal endophytes were discovered in tall fescue and perennial ryegrass during mid 1980's. Since that time, we have learned of their potential to produce alkaloids harmful to livestock. The symptoms are usually not life-threatening, but can include abortion.

We had the soil tested by the University of Tennessee to see what we needed to add to it. A few days later we had the results back and a fertilizer blend was prepared and applied.

Next up will be to install fencing and then construction of a barn.

A New Business Venture

Introductions

Hello, and welcome. My name is Ron. My wife Tara and I have taken the plunge and are moving forward with our Alpaca business. Tara researched alpacas around 5 years ago and she has always thought about raising these gentile animals. Her involvement peaked my interest and I spent hours doing research as well. We finally made the commitment, (5 years too late) purchased 5 females, and are now in the process of preparing our 55 acres for their arrival.

Initially, our herd will consist of all "whiteys" which are white or light colored alpacas. Some of our girls are pictured below:
















Thanks for stopping in and check back often to see how we're growing.