AlpacaPedia

Alpaca Related Basic Education and Information

Created and maintained by Dianna Jordan, Alpacas of Somerset Farm

Suggested Questions To Ask During Ranch Visits

Ranch visits are the best way to find out about alpacas, the opportunities associated with an alpaca business, and information about the alpaca owners who may be your mentors.  Whether you are just curious or seriously considering the opportunity there are certain questions that will help you make your decisions.  Remember to record the answers in your notebook for reference.

 When and why did you start an alpaca business?

 What are some things you like most and least about the business?

 Where do you see your alpaca business five years from now?

 What can go wrong and what’s the best way to avoid those pitfalls?

 What are some common illnesses, diseases, and congenital defects?

 What are some of the basics regarding proper feeding and husbandry.

 What can you tell us about livestock insurance?

 Are you available to provide guidance regarding proper feeding and husbandry care?

 What are your breeding goals?  Have they changed over the years?  If they answer with "we breed for fiber and conformation," ask for specifics.

 How did you go about selecting your initial herd?  Would you do things differently now?

 How do you determine the alpacas you offer for sale?

 Tell me about your mentors and the support you have received from other breeders.

 Do you participate in alpaca shows…why or why not?

 Do you have examples of sales contracts you use?

 What guarantees do you offer?

 How long can we leave our alpacas here before you start charging agisting fees?

 Do you offer client discounts?

 What are your “breed back” policies?

 After the Visit

OK, the visit is over and you are headed home.  Now is the time to ask yourself or discuss the following:  

 What is your impression of the farm and the owners.

 In general, how did the alpacas behave?  Did they seem relaxed and comfortable around the owners?

 How did the owners interact with the alpacas?  Where they calm?  Did they seem to enjoy the alpacas?

 Did they answer your questions directly and with candor or did they try to skirt some questions?

 Was there a sense of rapport between you and the owners?

 Do you feel comfortable about the support and long term guidance you would receive from them?

 Do they have an open door policy so that you could visit on short notice?

 Do you feel you could visit often, hang out and assist with doing jobs on the ranch to get your feet wet?  

 Would you feel comfortable calling them with questions or concerns even if you haven’t purchased from them?

 Would you feel safe having your first cria born at this farm?

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