December 2003
BOSTON GLOBE
Herd Mentality
Staff
After 30 years as a construction engineer, Bob Hebeler and his wife, Louise, an EMT, opened Acorn Alpaca Ranch in 1998 in Millis, with six alpacas and one guard llama. Five years later, they have 100 alpacas, three guard llamas, and a much less stressful life. Having grown up on a farm, Bob Hebeler had always dreamed of starting one of his own someday. But he knew his animal-loving wife could never bear to raise anything that would have to be slaughtered. Then Hebeler came upon a brochure for raising alpacas and knew immediately he had found his "crop". "They're neat, lovable animals that are fun to be around," he said. Though the farm started as a sideline, Hebeler said his family was so taken with the alpacas, "it snowballed".
ARGUS LEADER (Sioux City, SD)
Alpacas Make Unusual Friends: Couple raises animals for wool and pleasure
Jennifer Rezac-Leither
Barb Koth walks out of her rural Canton house and calls the names of Rocky, Miss Wednesday, Sparky and Charm. And the four-legged friends come running. Each Suri alpaca has its own personality, long locks of hair and is about 36 inches high. Each also weighs about 150 pounds. Koth and her husband, Clint, have owned alpacas, a cousin of the llama, since 1999 when a small advertisement in the back of a magazine caught Clint's eye. The couple bought their first two alpacas from a breeder in Sioux Falls. Their herd has grown to the point where they sold their first male alpaca in November. The Koths raise alpacas for their fleece and to show, as well as for enjoyment.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS & LOCAL WIRE
Couple forgo retirement for farming divergent crops
Linda McNatt, The Virginian-Pilot
Alpacas may one day roam the range like reindeer on the tundra on a small farm near Zuni, a tiny town in the U.S. 460. The alpacas are slated as another future farming enterprise for Shirley and Ronald Nelson, co-owners of the Zuni Tree and Alpaca Farm. Right now, there are just two of the creatures. Desperado is a dark brown extrovert, and his pasture buddy, Picasso, a flashy paint in a wooly black, white and gray coat. For now, the animals are simply another attraction on the 35-acre farm with 2,000 white pine Christmas trees for plucking. The Nelsons, both employed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, were looking for a place in the country in 1999, a retirement home, when they came across the tree farm. "When we got out here, there were people walking all over the place," Ronald Nelson said. "I told Shirley we'd better snap it up." They did, without a hint of how to tend to Christmas trees and no idea that alpacas would join the scene.
November 2003
PORTLAND PRESS (Maine)
For Buxton family, home is where alpacas range; The animals are relatively inexpensive to maintain and provide soft, dense fleece.
Katie Gallagher
Raising alpacas wasn't the first thing on Marcia McDonald's and Desmond Williams' minds when they moved from the Caribbean to an old dairy farm in Buxton. But the couple soon found that alpaca farming was profitable and enjoyable.The family bought the 200-year-old farm off Route 22 two years ago in hopes of restoring the property and saving it from being destroyed.They anticipated plant and vegetable farming on the land, but the work was tough and the seasons short. With 10 acres, an old farmhouse and an attached barn, McDonald and Williams wanted animals, and the South American fleece-bearing alpaca seemed to be the perfect solution. "With old farms rapidly disappearing, we decided to buy this one," McDonald said.
SAINT PAUL PIONEER PRESS (Minnesota)
Alpacas more than just a fluff course
Eric Hagen
The young St. Croix Academy students ran up to a chain link fence Friday and stuck their fingers through to touch the two alpacas huddled together."It's like a big fluffy pillow!" one student shouted. The students were taking a break from class at the school in West Lakeland Township, but this interaction was educational. The Farm Program is part of the Montessori school's focus on connections between humans and other creatures.
"Montessori learning has a huge environmental interconnectiveness between all beings, not just human beings," said Kathy Anderson, head of the school. Each class will have an alternating two weeks to work with the alpacas, interacting and nurturing the animals.
"It helps students understand how we're all connected and we have to care for each other," Anderson said. Dean and Kristi Mattson, whose 7- and 3-year-old children attend the school, donated the alpacas.
DAILY PRESS (Newport News, VA)
A Pack of Alpacas: Local Warm up to Raising Furry Critters
Patti Rosenberg
The furry creatures grazing in their pasture look more like something you'd expect to encounter in a Disney movie, not a short drive from Williamsburg. A bit like if you crossed a pony with a lamb and gave him a mop of shaggy hair on his head, along with an especially guileless expression on his face and a short, puffy tail. The names their owners have bestowed on them underscore the fanciful quality. Pretty Penny is the newest one, a 17-pound baby born a week earlier to Peaches & Cream. Aladdin, Early Dawn, Lady Princess and Sir Silverado are some of the other members of the clan. They're not cartoon characters, though. They're alpacas, kin to camels and llamas and native to the Andes Mountains in South America, where they have flourished for thousands of years. They were first imported to North America about 20 years ago and have received a warm reception. To hear alpaca fans talk, the animals are just about the world's greatest discovery since fire, the wheel and sliced bread. The same folks say the animals represent a business opportunity.
October 2003
THE SEATTLE-POST INTELLIGENCER
A Dyed-in-the-Wool Success with Ranches in Washington and Chile, Couple 'Can't Think of a Better Scenario'
Dan Richman
It's far cry from your typical business story. Twenty-something Yukon woman working construction in Antarctica meets young Chilean man on the southernmost tip of South America, they fall in love, start alpaca ranches in Chile and on Camano Island, with sales into Japan. Then they have triplets, whom they will raise on a bucolic 150-acre ranch among the soft, gentle animals that are making them wealthy. Karen and Hugo Ulloa savor their unusual story and know they have it good. "I can't think of a better scenario," Karen said. "This is a perfect place for kids. We just do our work and raise them at the same time."
THE POST STANDARD (Syracuse, NY)
There's Real Yarn in Fabius; Springside Farm, Home to 30 Alpacas, Opens its Doors to the Public
Kevin Conway
A visit to Springside Farm in Fabius might surprise some people. Instead of the expected bevy of cows, sheep and other farm animals, a herd of interesting llama-like creatures, called alpacas, are the main attraction. Owners Ed and Paulie Drexler opened Springside Farm to familiarize the public with the animal that they have come to love so dearly. "I'm surprised commercial agriculture missed out on alpacas for as long as they did," said Paulie. "They're such lovely animals." She continued, "We watched our stocks go right down the tubes...We closed up our stocks and put the money in alpacas."
THE POST AND COURIER (Charleston, SC)
Clothes Make the Man
Mindy Spar
Alan Davis, owner of A.J. Davis a men's and women's clothing store, sees a strong interest in luxury fabrics. Two fabulous pieces of outerwear from A.J. Davis are the alpaca wool reversible car coat in black and brown and the bomber jacket that reverses from a solid gray to a gray windowpane pattern. Both are by Barry Bricken and soft enough to use as a baby blanket.
September 2003
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Breeders Want to Compete with Cashmere
R. J. Cohn
Alpaca: the rage of the high-end garment industry. According to Julie and Don Skinner we're not too far off. The Skinners are alpaca owners and firm believers that the luxurious fiber will soon become the Cadillac of breeds. Said Julie, "Over the last eight years we've collected alpacas of the highest genetic diversity in the world that will eventually become the ultimate breed...We know the money is in genetic stock, and what we have in our pastures is a top-of-the-line breeding market."
TIME MAGAZINE
New Versions of Three Electronic Encyclopedias Battle for Supremacy
Anita Hamilton
Learning about alpacas is fun and even easier with The Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2004 DVD. This handy on-line reference is a comprehensive reference tool with more than 100,000 entries and includes everything, including alpaca.
THE BALTIMORE SUN
More Farmers Turn to Internet, Technology to Market Products
Jamie Smith Hopkins
Years ago, farmers didn't think twice about owning and maintaining a website. Now, it's a necessity. At least for alpaca farmer, Kate Perez who says that her website is a primary communication tool for running her business, buying and selling alpacas and alpaca products. Perez uses the internet to post vital information: photos of her animals, details about sheering and breeding, and alpaca-fiber spinning. Visitors simply click on links to obtain wanted or needed information.
THE CONNECTICUT POST
Alpaca Farmers Don't Get Fleeced
Pam Dawkins
He got his chance. Former insurance employee, Steve Gallagher, left a job behind a desk and made a lifestyle change. Gallagher became an alpaca farmer who now owns alpacas. He even owns a male that could potentially sell top-of-the-line. Said Jerry Forstner, alpaca owner and Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) Board Member, "They [alpacas] have genetics that people will pay to breed to." Not only does Gallagher enjoy raising these wonderful animals, he also has more family time.
BURLINGTON FREE PRESS (BURLINGTON, VT)
Alpaca Farming Growing in Vermont
Andy Netzel
Alpacas are becoming more popular in the New England countryside. In fact, the alpaca population has tripled over the last five years. David Sanderson, spokesman for the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association said, "We find people who are in agriculture get into alpacas as a non-risky way of diversification...People are intrigued by alpacas and we get breeders from all walks of life."
August 2003
WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY
Cinzia Rocca, an international designer makes, among many other items, tailored coats in specialty fabrics including alpaca. The fashion-designer sells their line in high-end stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom's, and Marshall Field's.
THE CAPITAL (Annapolis, MD)
15 acre Kent Island farm home to a herd of alpacas
Mike Driscoll
"Now, instead of dealing with lawyers and the government, we deal with farmers and it's a lot nicer community," noted Mr. Lumsden. The Lumsden's, Tom and LuAnn, began in 1997 with two animals and several acres of land. Both wanted a simpler lifestyle, a change from their fast-paced corporate careers. The Lumsden's breed and raise alpacas for their fine fleece. Since their beginnings, their herd has grown and they have pocketed the profits. Tom attributes their success to their on-going enthusiasm. "It all depends on what you want to put in and what you take out."
THE WASHINGTON POST (MAGAZINE)
The Invisible Man; From Lima to Washington, the powerful seek Don Nazario's Knowledge. But do they really understand him?
Don Nazario is a man of many hats. He's a husband. He's a father of five. He's a panelist who speaks at colleges and universities about the many uses of coca leaves. On top of all this, he's also the proud owner of alpacas rising well before dawn to tend to his herd.
THE TORONTO STAR
Ontario: Yours to Discover
Mitchell Smyth
Smyth, a freelancer, discovered the unexpected. Along his three-day escapade he came across alpacas. Intrigued by his discovery and yearning to learn more, visited a nearby farm and ranch.
July 2003
ALPACAS HIT THE AIRWAVES AGAIN!
Danny Bonaduce, who played Danny Partridge on the 70's popular family sitcom, The Partridge Family, called an alpaca contact to briefly gab about these lovable, curious creatures. The live conversation aired on a top-rated Los Angeles radio station.
THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS (Birmingham, AL)
Florence-Stilskin Woman Raises 17 Alpacas, Spins Their Fiber into Yarn for High-End Fashions That Sells for as Much as $1,000
Kathy Seale
"But something told me I should do it. I knew it would change my life." For Erika Rosenberg, "it" was purchasing a spinning wheel, one that she couldn't afford. And, no doubt, it did change her life, for the better. Rosenberg is now a fashion big wig. But that wasn't always the case. She can vividly remember a time not long ago when she was pregnant, for the fourth time, and her husband had recently graduated from medical school. Money was tight. Was this the right decision? Was this the right time? Yes. Her leap-of-faith paid off. Rosenberg now has five contractors that turn her fiber into yarn for scarves, baby blankets, and sweaters that sell at high-end retail stores like Ron Herman (LA) and Jeffrey's (NY). Rosenberg first began spinning sheep and angora rabbit fur. That was short-lived. Wool was too coarse and angora did not yield enough fiber. Rosenberg sought an alternative. With her move from Seattle to Florence, came an alpaca and her answer: alpaca fiber. Said Rosenberg, "It's just a beautiful thing [spinning alpaca fiber] to do."
THE OREGONIAN (OR)
City Folks Invited To See How Farm Folks Live Ryan Frank
City meets Country. A weekend tour that featured several rural sites included the Pedroza family farm. The Pedroza's began their ranch as many in the industry have: as an investment. They imagined that their animals' fleece would soon profit. It did. Now, Barrie and Mario Pedroza are the proud owners of 45 alpacas. The Pedrozas belong to a co-op that spins their fiber into fabric for clothing. They currently breed and sell their alpacas.
HULL DAILY MAIL (UK)
Alpaca Still Standing for Star
The world has two. Eltons that is. Recently a baby alpaca, born in East Park, was named after the British pop star. The alpaca, Elton was named after the rock star, after the pop icon performed in the city, Hull. Steve Scott, customer services manager for the city council's park said, "Alpacas are very appealing and amicable creatures. Elton is unbearably cute and fluffy." Looks like Sir Elton will have to share the limelight with his curious, furry friend.
June 2003
THE COURIER JOURNAL (Louisville, KY)
Exotic animals provide rewards
Scheri Smith
Owners say they reap more than profit from business. Breeders at the 12th annual Alpaca Owners and Breeders National Show at the Kentucky Fair and exposition Center share the benefits of breeding alpacas.
ALPACA BREEDER IS FEATURED ON TELEVISION
Alpaca breeder, Sands Bellizzi, is featured on the Fine Living Television Network. Catch her on Radical Sabbatical: June 23, 2003 10:30 AM EST, June 27, 2003 11:30 AM EST, June 28, 2003 4:00 PM EST, August 3, 2003 8:00 AM EST, August 7, 2003 4:00 PM EST, and August 9, 2003 4:00 PM EST.
May 2003
WESTERN DAILY PRESS (London, Great Britain)
Beasts of the Andes Wool World of Fashion
The fashion world loves them as does the Royal Bath and West Show. They are not super-models but alpacas. These lovable animals and their luxurious fiber made their competition debut for the first time in 226 years. The show ran competition classes for alpacas. Entries were abundant. Show secretary Tracey Hull said: "We are delighted to be the first major agricultural show in the country to hold classes for alpacas. They are becoming more and more popular, and we are always looking at ways of improving the agricultural content of our show."
LEWISTOWN MORNING TRIBUNE (Uniontown, Pa)
Alpaca Ranchers Show Off Their Shaggy Charges
Joel Mills
Leslee and Dale Miller changed their ways. While they had a successful business remodeling homes, they were simply burned out. They needed something less stressful and more peaceful. "We just needed a big change. We were working so hard,"says Leslee. "We had over 300 clients in 13 years." What did they do? They bought an eight-acre farm near the outskirts of Uniontown and remodeled the old farmhouse. Still, something wasn't quite right. Something was missing. The Millers were searching for a special animal or crop they could raise at their new home. What satisfied their search was none other than the curious, docile animal, the alpaca. "We saw and ad for an alpaca breeder and that's where it all started," says Leslee.
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD (Freelance, OK)
Alpacas Take Over Noosak Family Farm
Linda Shindrunk
It's a dream fulfilled for Linda and Alan Bylsma. Linda once worked for a title company before retiring and Alan an architect considered opening a nursery with their farm. A persuasive advertisement changed their minds. They fell in love with alpacas and now raise them on their ranch. The Bylsmas are more than fond of their alpacas and their long-term plans are to open a small store on the ranch so that Linda can sell her products. In the meantime, Linda is content to sell her fiber products that include scarves, hats, socks, sweaters and more at local festivals. Said Linda, "I think I was meant to live on a farm. I'm finally pursuing my dream, and I'm so fortunate to be doing it with such an adorable little animal."
EL PASO TIMES (El Paso, TX)
All About Alpacas: NM Retiree Invest in Andes Native's Fleece
David Peregrino
For many, the livestock is just and rough industry of crazed beasts. This isn't entirely true as Bruce and Jerry Beatty can attest. They for one find it attractive especially since raising alpacas. The Beattys now have about a herd just slightly two-dozen and enjoy their freedom from retirement. Since adjusting to this new wonderful world, they are now seriously marketing the gentle creatures native South America. Said Bruce, "It's an investment no doubt. You have to do your business plan right." The Beattys investigated the business carefully because they didn't want to become victims of the crazed exotic animal phase that fizzled after the initial interest faded. Bruce saw the inherent strengths in the United States market that included a low supply of animals, a demand for quality stock and an existing market for the alpacas' soft fleece.
THE MARYLAND GAZETTE
Breaking from the Herd
Elizabeth A. Shack
Five years and 60 alpacas ago, the Padgett family didn't have as much as a dog on their seven-acre lot. But today they consider farming as a relaxing second job. The Padgetts, Neil and Jo, and people like them have made small farms in Maryland the fastest growing segment of agriculture. Said Jo, a former management consultant," [People] are looking for a different-paced lifestyle from the high-tech, high-push, 70 hours a week in the cubicle, and they want to get out and smell green and scoop poop." The Padgetts had no farming background yet they found raising alpacas was easy. It allowed them to spend more time with their 11-year-old daughter. More over, they didn't have to kill alpacas to raise them. Neil, an internal specialist, found raising alpacas and learning about the business relatively easy. His background as a doctor has made it so. Attending neo-natal classes and a neighbor who raises cows also helps. Every day the Padgetts learn more about their curious creatures. Said Neil, "It's an ongoing process."
April 2003
ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Startup alpaca farm here getting national attention
Victoria E. Frerile
"For me, the hardest part is selling them [alpacas]," Helen said. "I'm dreading it. It'll be like giving up a member of the family."
THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE
Wooly Comforters Alpacas Must Have Company
Lane Kramer
John Tolley was hooked. After watching a late-night television advertisement he never looked back. Said Tolley, "It struck me at the time and hit a curious nerve. The more I studied them [alpacas], the more curious I got." Since then, Tolley has embraced the relaxed, peaceful environment the alpaca lifestyle brings.
MORNING CALL
East Penn man will ask zoners for variance to raise more alpacas
Jeff Christman
To say that Larry Griffith enjoys watching his four alpacas wander on his East Penn Township property is an understatement. He enjoys them so much that he is proposing to add a few more. Said Griffith, "They grown on you...I could sit and watch them...They're interesting. They're really nice animals."
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Style and Culture
Booth Moore
The fabulous fashionable fiber a hit again! Was there ever any doubt? Not for a west coast fashion designer who ended a long day of shows with a grand finale collection of flannel pants, blanket striped skirts, and Peruvian-style alpaca sweaters.
NEWBURY STREET AND BACK BAY GUIDE
Boston Design Student Wins International Fashion Design Competition
Alissa Smith, School of Fashion Design (Boston) student, placed 1st in the first ever Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) all alpaca Student Design Competition. Said Smith, "Only one garment could keep you protected from the winter's chill and look absolutely fabulous...a lovely alpaca dress! It's sophisticated and elegant, perfect for the evening's soiree!"
THE SAVANNAH CHRONICLE
Accolades
Savannah College of Art and Design senior, Kevin Dopp, tied for third place in the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) Student Design Competition. AOBA invited more than 200 design schools in the United States and Canada to compete in the first-ever student design competition to use exclusively alpaca fiber. Said Dopp, "I see its paradox of softness and strength finding a niche in many designs long into the future."
THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION JOURNAL
Author mines home area; Gwinnett gossip, innuendo spice tale
Rebecca McCarthy
Highly praised up-and-coming Southern author, Haywood Smith, of "Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch" suffers the challenges of daily pain. Still, Smith finds comfort in none other than alpaca, specifically an alpaca rug. Said Smith, "the first thing I would feel [in the morning] was something soft," she says. "I would try and focus on something positive."
UNIVERSITY CITY MAGAZINE
What's up with the Alpacas? BelleauWood Farms Open to Visitors, Shoppers on Ridge Road
Lee McCracken
Have you ever turned your head to look at the alpacas on Ridge Road and wondered, "What's up with those things?" Turn into the driveway at BelleauWood Farms Alpacas, and you'll find out the wooly animals might be just as curious about you. Last month I stopped in at the farm to meet owners Steve and Erin McCarthy, and (luckily) I wasn't dressed up. Usually I meet with people in their office or at their kitchen table, but at BelleauWood we sat down on lawn chairs inside one of the alpaca pens...Four years ago, the McCarthys, including daughter Megan, were living in San Antonio, Texas. Steve was in the Air Force and Erin worked for USAA Investments. The family was raising show rabbits in the city - 105 was the final count. "We decided it was time to move out into the country and raise animals the way we wanted to," Steve said. While surfing the Internet searching for the perfect livestock, Erin happened upon alpacas. "I fell in love with them from the first photo I saw," Erin said.
March 2003
CNN:
Farmers See Alpacas as Stable Investment
Former cattle farmer, Paul Doran notes,"The future is unbelievable with the alpaca," Doran said. "When we get calls from stockbrokers I tell them the only thing I invest in is livestock"
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/Midwest/03/12/alpaca.farms.ap/index.html
USA Today:
Alpaca Farmer Forcing New Economic Territory
How serious is a former Oklahoma oil industry employee and hardware store owner about raising alpacas behind her house? Serious enough to try...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-02-15-alpaca-farmer_x.htm
THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE, Shinnston, W. Virginia
Couple's Unique Farm Adds to Alpaca Ranks as Market Matures
It seems like Mike Harnett has worked at a little bit of everything in his 58 years: electrical contractor, general store owner, banjo player, bottled water franchiser, land sub-divider--the list goes on. But it's his latest venture that he feels is his greatest: alpaca farmer.
SAN DIEGO TRIBUNE
All About Alpacas: Odyssey Showcases Animals Known for Their Luxurious Fleece
"Organizations such as The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association provide a wealth of information," Lisa Shimeld said.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20030302-9999_m1m02arts.html
"The Batchelor"
"Even Top TV Show Can't Resist These Lovable Animals"
ABC's hit reality series "The Batchelor" featured Andrew Firestone on its March 26th episode. Firestone, of the Firestone Winery in Santa Ynez, CA, has a sister who raises alpacas on the winery. Alpacas were featured in the show's opening segment.
In Style Magazine
"Alpacas in Style"
In Style magazine features famous celebrities such as Kid Rock and Jennifer Love Hewitt who reside in the up-and-coming trendy Manhattan neighborhood, Chambers. What completes a stylish abode? Alpaca accessories, of course! Their stylish interiors feature alpaca couches, among other items.
February 2003
Alpacas Featured on National Cable Channel
Fine Living Network's "Radical Sabbatical", an increasingly popular show, is currently featuring an AOBA member's perspective of the benefits and lifestyle change of owning and breeding alpacas.
LAS VEGAS BUSINESS PRESS
Alpaca ranchers raising success
Deanna Upson and Kristina Kolk
Amid a struggling economy, an obscure industry has enjoyed amazing success. The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA), at its recent trade show at Sam's Town, outlined the industry's success. Over the past year, start-up operations in the industry were up 61 percent, according to Rick Evans, a spokesman for the association. "We started out with two alpacas two years ago...we now have 50," said John Ellis of Mt. Vernon, Wash. "They are so cute we just had to have more," said his wife and partner, Shannon. As a business opportunity it [alpaca industry] is attracting attention. "I challenge anyone to find such a high economic investment on such a small acreage," Evans said... Erin McCarthy of Belleau Wood Farms Alpacas in North Carolina noted, "We are very excited about the future of our industry. Alpacas are an incredible investment that offer a lot of tax advantages. I've seen farms where the grandchildren are now running what their grandparents started."
BUSINESS FIRST
Changing Lanes
Lying underneath an alpaca and directing her milk into a baby bottle is a position Josiah Blackmore, the former president of Capital University, doesn't recall ever having been in before, but he wouldn't trade his new career for anything. Now owner of 17 alpacas and two guard llamas on his Blacklick farm, Blackmore has joined a growing number of workers opting to pursue a new career either late in life or after retirement. The rewards these second careers offer are many, enriching life in valuable new ways. "People aren't fully retired the way their parents were," says Kathy Keller, spokeswoman for the Ohio office of the AARP, the advocacy group for Americans over 50. "Sometimes, however, those who can afford to retire decide that they aren't enjoying retirement as much as they thought they would, so they're pursuing another career that matches their interests."
HOME TEXTILES TODAY
International, P'tex cuddle with blanket, throw biz
By Don Hogsett
Maintaining a profile in the blanket and throw business, even after selling off its former Beacon blanket division, Pillowtex Corp. has signed a sales and marketing pact with a new company. International Home Fashions will source, market and sell blankets and throws under the Cannon, Fieldcrest, Royal Velvet and Charisma nameplates. Among new items in the International pipeline for sale under the Pillowtex brands include an all-purpose terry throw; a Charisma Select baby alpaca throw in knits and wovens; brushed cotton print blankets.
January 2003
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
York Woman Making a Living Raising Alpacas
Art Hovey
Deb Weideman might have been a stumper for Bennett Cerf, Arlene Francis and the rest of the "What's My Line?" prime-time quiz show panel of the 1960s. One clue to her occupational obscurity four decades later is the quizzical looks Weideman often gets when she tells new acquaintances about it. She owns only 13 breeding alpaca herds in Nebraska and one of only three that produce colored fleece. "Some people have heard of them," she said. "A lot of people don't know what it is." ...How serious is a former Oklahoma oil industry employee and Deshler hardware store owner about raising alpacas behind her house? Serious enough to try and make them the sole source of her income. Serious enough to believe she can retire some day on the basis of selling breeding animals...
THE PLAIN DEALER (Cleveland, OH)
Cashing out, plus conserving the land; Newbury farm avoids development
John C. Kuehner
Cheryl and Albert Laufer wanted to stay in Geauga County, buy a farm and raise alpacas. Fred Scott needed to sell 180 acres in Newbury Township to settle his mother's estate. Scott and his sisters wanted top dollar for their family's land, which developers offered to pay, but the heirs preferred that the meadows and fields remain as open space. Like a matchmaker, the Chagrin River Land Conservancy brought the Laufers and Scotts together last fall. The Laufers bought the property from the Scotts for $906,700..."Some people feel their legacy is putting in a fabulous development," McKenzie said. "But most people, when they realize there's an option to preserve their land, it's the option they choose." The Laufers are happy with their decision, which they call Turning Point Farm because it has changed the direction of their lives. The Chester Township couple set aside 15 acres that they can build on, such as for their proposed log home and a barn for their herd of alpacas.
