Lifestyle

Benefits of Alpaca Ownership

I'm sure we'll be adding to this list as time goes by, but here's an impressive list for beginners! If you want to get a serious handle on the benefits, be sure to check out the AOBA website at www.alpacainfo.com. They'll send interested people an alpaca info kit. Inside the kit is a great booklet entitled: "Alpacas: Financial Aspects of Alpaca Ownership." The booklet details various options for owning alpacas and spells out the benefits. Here I have listed those benefits we have personally experienced so far in our alpaca adventure.Click here to read more about how alpacas have changed my life. You may also want to read my newest update about alpacas and what they have brought to my life, so consider reading "Alpacas and Dragonflies."

If you are working your way through our website, here is hint #2: contact an accountant experienced in doing business with alpaca farms. We highly recommend this approach, as these accountants are very knowledgeable about the unique tax laws that can be applicable when owning this type of livestock investment. We had our accountant do our taxes the year before we purchased so he could get familiar with our current tax situation, which also allowed us to run decisions by him as we began making our farm purchases. Now, to the benefits!

.. You meet many wonderful people in this business, and all of them are extremely helpful and willing to talk "alpaca talk." They are not your competitors; they are fellow adventurers who, I understand, may turn out to be your best customers. Alpaca owners are also alpaca buyers, and since the number of alpaca mini-farms, farms, and ranches seems to be quadrupling in this country, that means a lot of business for everyone.

.. Alpaca shows are fun! If you haven't visited a show yet...yes, there are alpaca shows...and are really interested in these animals, go to one. It's a nice way to spend the day with your prospective "farm mate" and your children.

.. Since I am leaving the teaching profession, beginning our farm is an excellent way to pay myself at tax return time for taking care of my animals. While we exist on Dan's salary, the tax return money we can expect will be substantial due to some very nice tax laws. Please contact AOBA or an experienced accountant to see what might be in store for you.

.. I get to spend all day every day with these remarkable animals. As much as I loved teaching, I am now enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle. I truly hate leaving the farm. Who knew? If you are ready for a lifestyle change, alpacas may be the answer.

.. My husband and I are animal lovers, but how often we have longed to be able to claim vet bills, feed, and all those animal related expenses at tax time, since those animals were just like children. Now we can because all our alpaca related expenses are the cost of doing business. And the animals are fully insurable!!

.. I love the fiber, and alpaca fleece has opened up a whole new world for us. I am studying fiber, learning to spin, making roving, and renewing my relish for knitting and crocheting...and I have the TIME to do it!

.. I doubt there is anything that can solidify a marriage better than putting up fence and building a barn!

.. Dan and I spend a lot of our time together talking alpacas, setting goals, discussing what we have read in alpaca journals, and just building a true partnership in every sense. It's FUN!