Those in the know many times say that life is a journey...and we should enjoy every step along the way. That is exactly what we have been doing since we discovered alpacas!
In 2000, Split Rock Farms' 60 acres were purchased with the express purpose of running a bed and breakfast operation. In the back of our minds, though, we dreamed of one day opening a farm and reactivating our land anew with the growing of corn, soy beans, winter wheat and hay. With the bed and breakfast running along at a busy pace, we just happened to buy tickets to a Clay Aiken performance at the huge Erie County Fair. This was when alpacas entered the picture. We think, but don't really know for sure, that Clay was terrific because our focus was instead drawn to an ad about alpacas.
In September 2004, we visited a large breeder in Western New York who extolled the virtues of owning alpacas. We couldn't have been more excited about the possibility of owning these devine creatures. In September, the arduous task of clearing 10 acres of Carolinian forest and brush began. But, our vision was getting closer. By the following Spring, a new 2,000 square foot barn was erected and secure fencing installed. In July, we were ready for our agisting alpaca brood to come home! And on August 6th, they began to arrive. How joyous it was to actually see animals on our very own soil.
Since that day, our goal has been to specialize in breeding distinguished greys and blacks, both CLRC and ARI registered. Our base herd comes from all across Canada. We have allowed ourselves the time to develop enough great bloodlines before concentrating on sales (all great things take time, after all). As per our business plan, marketing and sales of our herd will commence in the Spring of 2008. Along with our varied genetics, we have had several extraordinary mentors to guide us along the way. We thank them for their guidance and expertise. We also especially thank Cindy Praakel and Sheila Small for their photographic talents shown throughout our website.
For the past several years, we have availed ourselves of as many educational opportunities as possible, attending shows in Ontario and New York State. To date, we have been to over a dozen educational weekends and seminars - they prove themselves to be invaluable tools. We have been involved in fleece shows, spin-off competitions and numerous full-fleece/halter shows. We believe we currently have the largest percentage of grey huacayas in Eastern Canada and intend to continue in this direction.
In our experience, we find it is advantageous to belong and become involved in as many key organizations as possible. We are members of Alpaca Ontario, Alpaca Canada, the Empire State Alpaca Association, AOBA, ARI and the CLRC. Glen has worked arduously and enjoyably as a member of the Alpaca Ontario Board in 2006, 2007 and 2008. His responsibilities have included heading up the A.O. Stud Auction for 3 years, the A.O. Newsletter, the Show Committee, Membership Committee and Website Design Committee.
In addition, we are part owners in The Great Canadian Alpaca Company to promote Canadian fleece and North American-made alpaca products.
Lynda hasn't been idle either. She has helped with some of Glen's committee assignments, as well as participating in fibre educational days. She currently sits on the A.O. Fibre Committee, updates our website and answers the volume of calls and visits we receive each month.
Having experienced alpacas, Glen wishes as a young man, he had chosen to become a veterinarian. Those early days in Georgetown, Ontario growing up beside a dairy farm made an indelible print on his dreams. Whoever thought they would come true! Is it any wonder that we enjoy sitting in the pasture on summer evenings among our herd sharing the wonder of life and this marvelous experience together? May your journey be as rewarding for you as ours has been for us!
Please call us any time and better yet, come see our gorgeous herd for yourselves. Your interest is always welcome!
In September 2004, we visited a large breeder in Western New York who extolled the virtues of owning alpacas. We couldn't have been more excited about the possibility of owning these devine creatures. In September, the arduous task of clearing 10 acres of Carolinian forest and brush began. But, our vision was getting closer. By the following Spring, a new 2,000 square foot barn was erected and secure fencing installed. In July, we were ready for our agisting alpaca brood to come home! And on August 6th, they began to arrive. How joyous it was to actually see animals on our very own soil.