SNOW= damage!

It snowed and was cold at my house for about a week. Last Tuesday, 12/23/08, I woke up to find a large pine tree through the middle of my alpaca's shelter. OMG...I hate the snow. None of the animals were hurt and since this event they have been chillin under the carport. No worries! Now its warming up and rain is in the forecast. Never thought rain would be a welcome sight, but it is.

2009 Breedings!

6 Cria for 2009:

Asire/Bogart
Brandy/Sun Tzu
Marshmallow Cream/ Paul Revere
Hi-Way/Artero
Mocha/Paul Revere
Zafiro/Glacial Storm

July (1) and Septmeber (5) I will be busy with cria hitting the ground!

2009 Sires!

I'm not 100% sure yet how many breedings will be successful for 2009. The window is closing quickly with Nov. 30th being the last breeding day. Here are the current stud males with successful breedings for 2009:

PAUL REVERE

SUN TZU

BOGART

GLACIAL STORM

2008 Cria

2008 started out disasterous with Pearl aborting twins. However it quickly became exciting with the birth of Blazer a full Peruvian Providence son with pedigree to burn. Then came Boots and Brunson. Finally I got the female cria I was wanting. I was sitting at 33%! Not too bad for year one. Firecracker was born 07/09/08. He is a 2nd generation Studmaster boy and has gobs of fiber. Firecracker is a bit on the small side, and I believe he will most closely resemble. Studmaster Impact in size. Next was Thunderstorm...a bay black male out of Glacial Storm. Finally after 4 boys and one girl, I had another female cria. Cocoa was born on 10/01/08 and was on the ground in less that 30 minutes. The pregnancy was flawless and she is a beauty.

BLAZER

BRUNSON
BOOTS
FIRECRACKER
THUNDERSTORM
COCOA

National Alpaca Farm Days

The last weekend in September, farms across the U.S. and Canada open their doors for National Alpaca Farm Days. September 27th is by appointment only, while September 28th is for family and friends from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please join me for refreshments and learn more about these animals. Just yesterday, 09/16/08, I had a cria...Thunderstorm. He is a bay black male out of MSA Peruvian Glacial Storm. Look forward to seeing you on the 28th. Any you never know, I might have my final baby while you visit.

Zafiro!

My newest female is a NWA, LTD Haldane daughter. She is pure white and will be bred to Glacial Storm for a 2009 cria. Look forward to the result!

2008 Fiber results.

This year I had all my animals shorn and sent the fiber to be tested at Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories in Denver, Colorado. The only animal not done at NWA was Brandy who is still in Astoria. I'm very excited to share that her Micron (fiber fineness) was 23.6. Now in the world of Alpacas, that is a darn good number, with the national average around 28 micron. It's also important to note, Brandy is medium brown in color which is typically more course than white animals.

To put it into perspective, Aspire, Cindy and Mocha are 30.2, 31.7 and 35.6 respectively. I would also like to share that these 3 mentioned animals are also 14, 13 and 9 years old compared to Brandy at 3 years old.

Moving on to some other animals of my herd:

Blazer (my 3 week old Providence boy at time of sheering) at 15.9 micron
Pearl (11 years old) and 24.9 micron
Marshmallow Cream (5 years old) and 25.9 micron

In reading this blog, you can see that my fiber results have quite a wide range, but the 3 females at or near the high end of the range are pretty primitive animals. These animals are bred to Studmaster males, which will improve the offspring compared to their mothers. I was suprised to see that two cria (non-Studmaster breedings) from both Aspire and Mocha, born in 2007, had pretty decent results at 21.6 and 21.3. Those two boy's aren't breeders by any means, but did produce about 11 pounds of medium brown fiber.

Some people are very secretive when getting their fleece results. I, however, want my future clients to be aware of the animals that I am producing.

Finally, I have two more births scheduled in Amber Shayda (Gacial Storm) and Mocha (Paul Revere). If Amber's cria is anything like Brandy I'll be happy. But as usual, healthy animals is the most important thing for me.

Next blog will update my National Alpaca Day dates and times. Stay tuned.

FIRECRACKER!!!

People might wonder on the name. I'm here to tell you it is fitting so far. Firecracker was born at 12:20 p.m. on 07/09/08. He weighed in at 11.8 pounds. Now in the world of alpacas that is on the small side. But not out of the question. Dr. Hunter (Alpacas at Tucker Creek's vet) drew blood for an IgG (Immunoglobulins= antibodies) reading and discovered the results were low. I don't have the exact reading, but above 800 is what we as breeders want. My boy born 06/14/08 was 2850 to put it into perspective. Soooo, Peggy Stevens (Alpacas at Tucker Creek), told me Dr. Hunter would do a plasma transfer.

The latest update...Firecracker gained 1 pound since yesterday and is running with his cria brothers and sisters. For me that is good to hear.

Firecracker has hit a few small bumps in the road, but he is a fighter which I translate into a potential herdsire!! Why you ask? Becasue I know!!

Until next time.

2 boys so far and 4 more births to go!

I wanted to update my blog and announce on 06/14/08 Marshmallow Cream had a phenominal all white boy! He arrived at about 11:20 a.m. and the afterbirth arrived by 12:30 p.m., I of course was sleeping when Studmaster Providence's Blazer was born, but I was glad to see no issues resulted in a flawless pregnancy. Marshmallow Cream and Blazer are back at Northwest Alpacas re-breeding to Pachacuti. My fingers are crossed.

Yesterday, 07/09/08, at about 12:20 p.m., Tucker Creek's Brandy Storm gave me a medium fawn boy. This boy is a 2nd generation Studmaster boy and I look forward to his growing process. Brandy will be re-bred to Sun Tzu. And as ususal I can't wait for that baby!

2 births down and 4 more to go... July 11th and 17th. September 22nd and October 1st. In the remaining 4 babies, 2 girls would be a successful 2008 after the rocky start with Pearl.

Stay tuned...

Shearing at Tucker Creek

Yesterday I traveled to Astoria to check on Brandy and help with shearing. I didn't realize how compact she really is. Just before shearing she was weighed at 127 pounds! Peggy said that was excellent based on previous weight issues just before breeding in 2007. So shearing begins and 8 pounds yes 8 pounds of fleece is removed!! Carrie Hull of Coarse Boards Inc. gave Brandy's fleece excellent remarks. It was bagged and I brought it home. I plan to send Carrie Brandy's 2007 fleece to get graded and sorted as well.

Today NWA sent me an email and it was agreed that Pearl would be bred to the Godfather for a May 2009 baby.

CRAP: Not such a great start!

Today, 06/05/08, I observed Pearl was very uncomfortable. She was up and down and rolling. I called Steve at NWA and he mentioned she might trying to move the baby around inside. Well I'm here to tell you that my Shepherd's eye was not wrong. Something truly was wrong with Pearl. When I arrived home, I did not check the field immediately, but decided to send an email to Dr. Jones of the Woodburn Vet clinic. After that, my gut told me to check the field. I went outside with a flashlight and observed an aborted cria in the field. I walked out to check it and low and behold there were 2. Pearl was carrying two Providence babies all this time. Now in the world of Alpacas, two babies is very un-common.

Sooo, I must share with you that even though this is a business... I'm kind of bummed out that I won't be having a healthy Providence baby! Hopefully today's event isn't a sign of what's to come.

Update: Today Steve and Jose brought over another girl that I recently purchased; Amber Shayda. She has adapted well. Steve, Jose and I looked at both cria and Pearl had both a boy and a girl. RATS!! Soo away went Pearl back to NWA for re-breeding and now I must decide who the lucky stud will be!

Next post I probably will be sharing a few birth stories. Brandy 06/16/08 and Marchmellow Cream 06/19/08 (M.C. give me a girl...Providence sire)

I now have animals on my property.

Here we go... Aspire, Mocha, Pearl, Marshmellow Cream, Anatolian and Stoney's Tuxedo all were delivered today. Let the real hands on Alpaca stuff begin. Thank you Jose and Steve for bringing the herd over.

Busy!

I closed on my house with 1.40 acres. It isn't a huge property, but it will work just fine! On the north side of the house, I have cut down 7 trees and the limbs will be chipped up soon. Today I visited NWA and all my animals had fecal exams done. The plan is for them to be delivered next Monday, May 26th. Wowzers! Reality is hitting very soon. I'll be back with an update real soon.

A busy 2008!

2008 has been busy as evident by how fast time is moving. I was promoted to the rank of Corporal at the end of February. I was selected as an EVO (Emergency Vehicle Operator) Instructor and just completed a 2 week school last Friday. It was awesome and many memories came from it... a good group of instructors. Yesterday I made an offer on a property that has a nice home and 1.5 acres attached with it. My website is almost complete with the tremendous help of David Stevens of Alpacas at Tucker Creek.

I also look forward to 5 cria in 2008...

June 16th: Brandy (Paul Revere)
June 19th: Marshmellow Cream (Providence)
July 11th: Pearl (Providence)
July 16th: Aspire (Brunello)
October 1st: Mocha (Paul Revere)

Finally this past week, Dr. Jones of Woodburn Veterinarian Clinic, agreed to be the vet of my herd.

I must thank all those that have helped me get my Alpaca business off the ground and running in the positive direction. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Stuff...

Feb. 2008 has come and gone...VERY fast! March is on the horizon and I am counting the days until June...2 births! I just finalized my business logo. You can see it on my blog main page. I sent some materials away to update my website. I am gearing up for 2008 births. Even though the animals aren't on my farm, my plan is to be active as possible. Finally, Tuesday, Feb. 26th I was promoted to the rank of Corporal. I am excited for this position and can't wait to hit the road. Until next time!

Marshmellow Cream

Yesterday, 02/18/08, I visited NWA and ended up buying Marshmellow Cream (Hemingway granddaughter) with Steve Johnson of NWA. Steve and I partnered in the purchase of Marshmellow Cream and we both look forward to the outcome in June 2008! Give us a Studmaster MFI Peruvian Providence baby girl!

Slideshow and property

I added a slideshow to my blog today prior to work. Tonight my recruit is in checkout. He will do just fine and then will transition to Shift 4 thurs, fri, sat off. I'm actively hunting for proerty. I need to get these animals to one place. I think the Gaston property is doable, but not for $249K. Sellers Rd. property is more, but I think could be bought at a lower price. 4.16 areas isn't bad. The property would be work, but nothing sweat equity couldn't handle. Taxes were e-filed last week and the return should be here by a week from tomorrow. Finally, looking at another Volvo. My current payment is way too high. Lowering payment would free up more money.

MARCH 2008

WOW...as I'm sure you can see I'm bored waiting for my recruit to finish a report. March 14, 15 and 16 I will be a NWA attending three separate classes:

1. Getting Started
2. Taxes
3. Neo-Natal

You can never get too much information.

A few goals for 2008.

As I look back to August 2007, when I bought my first Alpacas, I also analyze the future and wonder what it'll take to be successful. Some of my 2008 goals are as follows:

1. Always be honest and do the right thing when dealing with clients.
2. Buy a property for my business.
3. Breed for the future.
4. Surround myself with good people that can make this business grow.
5. Buy 2-3 pregnant females.
6. Research, learn and immerse myself in Alpacas.
7. Create a website more like ATC or NWA.
8. Most importantly: Have fun!

Snowmass Alpacas.

I received a catalog from Snowmass Alpacas in Sandpoint, Idaho. WOW! They have a yearly auction that takes place in Feb. 2008. I believe there are 60 some lots and last year's auction generated about $4M. The stud males listed on their website are quite phenominal. Taxes are almost done and I'll have them mailed by Sunday.

My current recruit is finished Wed. 02/06/08 and next week get another recruit back. Since my last blog I was selected as an EVOC instructor. There is also potential for a Corporal promotion.

Random thoughts

I have been slammed at work not only because it it busy, but also because I am teaching a new recruit. Because police work is my career, I have to talk about it on my blog. My recruit came to me about 6 days ago. His over all skills are good, but his report writing needs so much help. I had a English teacher in High School who said I didn't have insight and significance. Boy could she see me now!!

I have made a few close co-workers aware of Stoneberg Alpacas, LLC and truly believe they will be future clients. I by no means know all about alpacas, but do know that getting in this business was a very wise choice. My friends at Alpacas at Tucker Creek www.alpacadigest.com and Northwest Alpacas www.alpacas.com have been very helpful with all my questions and lack of knowledge. Both farms are truly my guide into success.

Because Don Julio Barreda was "The Man" I wonder myself if I will ever create Alpacas that reach the "20 and 20" that he talked about. Guess we'll see! How about a starting goal of 20 and 15!! Is that attainable? I'm confident it is.

2007 Taxes!

Well it appears Section 179 does in fact help with taxes. Without giving too much away, I will be getting a return of 5 figures. I have my paperwork very organized anticipating the IRS to take notice. I don't like to be negative, but realistically my 2007 tax return is 20 times more that 2006!

I've also been busy looking at a few properties in Washington County. I've found 1.42 acres on Laurelwood about a 15 min drive to work. There are a few issues to consider, one of them being the remoteness. Although it really isn't that far, I do consider it the country. However, I must also add the property is what I can afford. Start small and work my way to big!! I learned that lesson the hard way not too long ago!

This Friday, Jan 11th, I am heading to Astoria to check on Brandy and to meet with Peggy and run through my 2007 taxes. As mentioned above, it appears a nice return is in order which will go directly back into Stoneberg Alpacas, LLC.

It's very hard for me at times to imagine how successful Stoneberg Alpacas, LLC will be. Will I sell a lot of alpacas? What if I don't sell any? What if in 2008 I get all boys? I have prepared myself for these outcomes, but also am driven to succeed. I do realize that alpacas are not an over night get rich scheme, but do understand breding is important for my success.

As I have made trips to Northwest Alpacas, I have observed Stud males that stand out... Impact, Zegna, Glacial Storm and Soprano I am hooked on. Also Brunello was at the farm last week transitioning to the next shareholder that he belongs to. I will breed with him again.

So as I look at 2007, I am glad I took the plunge into Alpacas. I have heard many times before that without some risk there is no reward. I don't believe Alpacas are a risk and I definitely can see a huge reward.

In 2008 I'm looking at the following breeding schemes:

1. Brandy=Sun Tzu
2. Marshmellow Cream=Soprano or Zenga
3. Aspire=Bogart or Juan Pablo
4. Pearl= Brunello or Gallent Deed
5. Mocha=Glacial Storm

And I'm also looking to purchase an animal(s) due in May and August. 5 isn't enough!! :-)