Alternative Livestock

This week, The Post-Standard will provide snapshots of some farms across Madison County as local agriculture advocates promote the county's first Buy Local Week.

Today's look is at BMR Acres, an alpaca farm in the town of Sullivan. Wednesday, we visit Heamour Farm in Madison, a farmstead cheese-making operation.

Name:BMR Acres.

Location:2452 Pine Ridge Road.

Owners:Brian and Mary Ellen Rose.

Size:23.5 acres.

Specialty:Alpacas and miniature donkeys, alpaca fiber and finished products, free-range chickens, ducks and guinea fowl and seasonal produce.

History:The Rose family planted its farm in the fertile mucklands in Sullivan. Nine years ago, the Roses started their alpaca herd with one pregnant female. Now, the menagerie includes five male alpacas and three pregnant females, along with three miniature donkeys and one llama.

But the family isn't just in the business of alternative livestock. it sells seasonal produce at a small stand at North Peterboro and Lewis streets in Canastota and is expanding operations to raise garlic and herbs. In the future, the Roses would like to have an on-site farm store, as well as a pick-your-own pumpkin patch each autumn.

Both Brian and Mary Ellen Rose work full time, but say they see their future on the farm, where they hope to "promote the farming lifestyle and educate the public on the importance of agriculture."

"Our long-term goal is to be able to expand and diversify so we are able to run and promote the farm full time when we retire," said Mary Ellen Rose. "It's hard work, but very satisfying and rewarding."

On the Web:www.bmracres.com.