BMR Acres: We are a husband and wife team running a small 23 acres farm in Central New York. We both work full time jobs in addition to the farm. I guess you could say we are workaholics. But we love what we do, especially the farm. The animals are our peace of mind and our "relaxation." We want to promote the alpaca & farming lifestyle to everyone we meet. We just wish we could encourage everyone to raise alpacas.
Our replies to some common questions we have been asked about alpacas & what makes us special :
How long have we been in the alpaca business?
BMR Acres: We started around 2001. We did quite a bit of reading, web searches, going to shows and going on farm visits before actually getting into the business.
How did we become interested in alpacas?
BMR Acres: Mary Ellen saw an AOBA brochure at a local post office and scheduled a farm visit. And it took off from there. Both of us fell in love with the alpacas.
How did we decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
BMR Acres: Our farm name actually stands for Brian & Mary Ellen Rose and BMR is also Brian's initials. So it just worked. It was also usable for other businesses we are involved in and possibly future businesses. BMR also worked to fit in with our toll free telephone number, 1-877-4BMR.
What sets our farm and herd apart from others in the industry?
BMR Acres: Our farm is "brand new" in relation to being built. We built our house and moved in during April of 2003. We then built brand new lean-toos and a new barn. We are both perfectionists and will only settle for a top-notch, state of the art, clean farm. Only the best for our animals and yours.
What is our greatest achievement or favorite memory since you started raising alpacas?
BMR Acres: Greatest achievement farm related is that almost everything has been out of pocket-cash. (But we couldn't do it without our family) Favorite memory, watching the alpacas run & race at dusk. It's great.
Greatest achievement not farm related: Our beautiful children and grandchildren!
What steps did we take to prepare for raising an alpaca herd?
BMR Acres: Good question, and the answer is: research, research, research. And definitely schedule farm visits. But use your head, not your heart when purchasing animals. Ok... you can use your heart too.
What advice would we give to those just getting started in the industry?
BMR Acres: Once again, use your head, not your heart when purchasing animals. But make sure you research and go on as many farm visits as possible.
How do we see your farm and alpaca business growing over the next 5 to 10 years?
BMR Acres: Hopefully, in leaps & bounds. We hope to purchase more property and expand in the next 5 years. 10 years from now we hope to be retired and running a bed & breakfast on the farm. Right now we are offering classes at the farm, Reiki & Animal Reiki, Spinning, & Felting. They are a big hit.
What has been our biggest lesson learned in terms of breeding?
BMR Acres: Learning what to look for, conformation, fiber, bite, legs, etc. Don't take breeders every word as carved in stone. Everyone and every alpaca is different.
Describing our first alpaca purchase... would we do anything differently today?
BMR Acres: Would I do anything different?...Yes, more research.
What has been the most helpful advice we have received from our veterinarian?
BMR Acres: Our vet, Dr. Steven Neth is wonderful and very helpful. We are very fortunate to have a vet only a few miles away. He is always right there as soon as we call. He takes the time to answer and explain any questions we may have.
What unique challenges do we face as a small, mid-size, or larger breeder?
BMR Acres: As a small farm, getting our name out there. Also building our herd without going into deep financial debt. Having that cash flow is so important.
What do we tell you, the prospective buyer, who is looking at the small profit the alpaca fiber produces compared to the daunting prices of alpacas?
BMR Acres: If you are in it for just the fiber, don't invest or buy very expensive alpacas. The fiber industry in the United States right now is not up to speed yet. It will be with alot of work and exposure, but it will take a while. The prices of alpacas have come down though in the past few years.
If we could change one aspect of the Alpaca industry what would it be? Why?
BMR Acres: Not to put so much emphasis on shows and awards. You can have a blue winner in a particular class, but there may have only been two or three entries to begin with. So it's not as much of a big deal as people make it out to be. It's definitely important, but don't make a decision based on just the alpacas awards.
How do we see the industry developing as the U.S. market grows rapidly?
BMR Acres: Once the exposure is out there, we don't think the industry will be able to keep up since there will be such a high demand. But that's when the fiber industry will surpass the breeding/selling industry.
Do we have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
BMR Acres: All of them, of course. We don't have a certain favorite, but as far as colors, we do like the pintos, appaloosas and rose grays.
Any embarrassing moments we would like to share?
BMR Acres: Not really, but... the first time we administered shots on a farm visit was scary for Mary Ellen. The farm was nice enough to show us and let Mary Ellen practice on their alpacas. On one poor guy, she must have hit a vein and the alpaca was bleeding quite a bit. Not only embarrassing but scarey. Luckily, the farm was very patient and knew what to do. Thank goodness.
What do we feel we can offer you, our customers?
BMR Acres: The best customer service including plenty of help-before, during and after your purchase. Our animals are part of our family, which means that they are cared for like family pets, not just investment livestock. Honest & Caring Service to our Customers. Love & Pampering for your animals.
