An Introduction to Alpaca Farming
Why do people in so many countries call Alpacas the world's finest
livestock investment? For any investment to be valuable, it must
possess certain qualities which make it desirable.
Gold is scarce, real estate provides shelter, oil produces energy,
bonds earn interest, stocks are supposed to increase in value
and diamonds symbolize love. Alpacas share many of these investment
attributes.
Around the world, Alpacas are in strong demand, and people pay
high prices for them. They are scarce, unique, and the textiles
produced from their fibre are known in the fashion centers of
Paris, Milan and Tokyo. There are excellent profit opportunities
and tax advantages available to Alpaca breeders and investors.
Historically, the Alpaca's value has sustained ancient cultures,
such as the Incas of Peru, and today Alpacas are the sustaining
economic force for millions of South Americans.
History has validated the value of the Alpaca. "Livestock,"
or animals raised for profit, was an investment long before financial
stocks were sold on the New York Stock Exchange. The richest families
of ancient times counted their wealth by the size of their flocks
of sheep or herds of cattle. Today, wealth as a result of livestock
ownership is not as common, but tending to a graceful herd of
Alpacas can also be an exciting way to earn a substantial cash
flow and live a rewarding lifestyle.
Alpaca breeders enjoy nurturing their animals every bit as much
as receiving the profits they provide. The man who created the
"Beefmaster" cattle from imported Limousine stock made
the following observation: "I know alot of doctors and lawyers
who would like to be cowboys, but I don't know any cowboys who
would trade places with them." A retired doctor who is now
a full time Alpaca breeder had this to say: "I would rather
raise Alpacas than anything I've ever done. Breeding Alpacas is
a labor of love and very profitable." Since 1984, Alpacas
have appeared, almost simultaneously, in several countries where
they had never been seen before. The U.S., Canada, New Zealand,
France, Australia and England have all acquired the foundation
animals for national herds. What makes this animal so desirable?
Bottom line: Alpacas are both profitable and enjoyable.
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