bUSINESS AGRI
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CORN SEED SHORTAGE? Anxieties over a predicted shortfall mostly unfounded here. PAGE C7
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
the appeal of
ALPACAS Couple trade dream home for dream of running an animal farm
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HEN Juvonda and Ed Jones first considered raising alpacas, they wanted to do their research before buying the first
animal. “We visited probably 25 alpaca farms,” said Ed, who gives the same advice to others leaning toward the unconventional farm animal. “You need to do your research and find a farm to mentor you.” The Joneses visited large and small alpaca farms, saw a range of farming styles and locations before deciding how to approach their venture. They have been raising alpacas for almost two years and have 16 animals, but it’s still a parttime business that they hope can become more. Ed, 52, works full time for North Vernon Beverage and Juvonda, 55, works 20 hours a week in the office at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Seymour. Their 26-acre farm sets in the far western portion of Jennings County, not far from the Jackson County town of Reddington. The Joneses say they gave up their dream home to buy the farm and build a barn so they could raise the alpacas in a setting with a large, fenced-in pasture, pond and guard dogs to protect their investment. “We fell in love with the alpacas,” Juvonda said. “This is what we want to do.” The Joneses liked the idea of having a small farm together in their retirement and raising the alpacas that are lovable, easy-to-care-for animals. They found the alpacas to be docile and curious. Ed and Juvonda can step into their pens and
the alpacas will gather around, nudging them or softly humming, the only noises they make. Daily work includes about an hour in the morning and hour at night feeding and watering, plus general cleanup and making sure the animals have clean bedding and surroundings. They are sheared once a year and need occasional medical care, shots and nails trimmed. When babies, called crias, are born, the mothers might need assistance. The crias also might need to be bottle fed for a time. Tom Flanagan, president of the Indiana Alpaca Association, said the recession brought down the price of buying and selling alpacas, but the industry is still growing. Indiana has about 125 registered alpaca farms with about six in the Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Brown counties. Nationwide, about 225,000 alpacas are registered, and Ohio has the largest number of farms with 1,700, Flanagan said. Flanagan, who lives in Fortville and raises alpacas, agrees with the Joneses that doing research upfront is essential before starting an alpaca farm. “Visit as many farms as you can and be absolutely clear about your business plan,” Flanagan said. Alpacas have a growing appeal for many, Flanagan said, especially now with the sustainability movement since alpacas are easy on the environment with soft, padded feet and manure that can be used for fertilizer. Their fiber also can be used for many textile products. The Joneses see several options for making
See ALPACAS on Page C10
By Brenda Showalter, bshowalter@therepublic.com z The Republic Photos by Andrew Laker
Top: Ed and Juvonda Jones sold their dream house to start Hoosier Heartland Alpacas near Reddington. The couple have been raising alpacas for almost two years and have 16 animals. Above: Bo the cat rubs noses with one of the alpacas; Phil the alpaca snakes his head into the upper portion of a feed bin to get at more hay; Juvonda, 55, visits with one of her curious animals. She also is a spinner and weaver and can turn alpaca fiber into yarn.
INSIDE: FARMERS DON’T FLINCH OVER PROJECTED DECLINES, PAGE C6 >> CALENDAR OF EVENTS, PAGE C7 >> MADE IN USA?, PAGE C9 DID YOU KNOW?
NEW LEASE ON LIFE
RESTRICTIONS
FEMALE FARMERS
FARM TO FORK
Program helps people with disabilities work in agriculture industry
Proposal aims to improve safety but would restrict young workers
More women own and operate farms and are seeking agricultural careers
Businesses say national movement toward local ingredients lasting trend
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Landowners soon will receive a survey that will ask if they are farming, in order to determine which people should receive the 2012 Census of Agriculture later this year. The National Agriculture Classification Survey asks for basic farm information, and is required by law as part of the U.S. Census of Agriculture. People should respond to the survey even if they are not farming. The Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years to get a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches, and the people who operate them. Information: agcensus.usda.gov.