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Grazing Isn't Just for Cows Anymore

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Grazing Isn't Just for Cows Anymore Natural Resources Conservation Service Judy Hoepker Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch Union County, IL Grazing Isn’t Just for Cows Anymore animals from other alpaca farmers who were going out of business or retiring and pretty soon they were off and running. According to Steve, “We had some 60 or 70-year old fence and we used other junk and a lot of redneck ingenuity to create a spot for everyone.” It didn’t take long before Judy and Morgan had a small herd and a few fainting goats as well. The pair of rookie alpaca herders say they had a few mentors who advised and guided them early on. For the Judy and Steve Hoepker had a business and day jobs most part, Judy and Morgan are self-educated in their running a trucking company. Judy’s daughter Morgan operations. They have attended seminars, workshops and was interested in knitting and grew fond of working with other fiber events to gain knowledge. alpaca yarn. Because finding the yarn to purchase was difficult, they toyed with the idea of generating their own alpaca yarn and, guess what? The Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch (R.O.A.R.) was born. This venture quickly took Judy, husband Steve, and daughter Morgan and son-in-law Tom into another— completely different—line of work that has brought them a new lifestyle, new friends, and a fun and profitable niche market business. The business? Alpacas and the harvest and creation of hand-made, quality hypoallergenic wool and yarn products. They live and work outside of Anna, Illinois. The property included 10 acres, partially wooded. There wasn’t much fence or established pasture, but they started taking in Helping People Help the Land January 2017 Natural Resources Conservation Service “We learned pretty quick that the alpacas could pay for Judy called the USDA office in Anna, Illinois and was themselves,” Judy says. However, looking at the land they introduced to the Natural Resources Conservation Service noticed erosion problems and recognized their need to with all their conservation program options, including grow their own grass and hay. Judy knew they didn’t have technical and financial assistance for small livestock the funds to do it all on their own and do it right. They operators like herself, and Soil Conservationist Sarah needed better fence to protect their growing herd. They Wilson. They became fast friends and Judy and Steve needed a steady source of forage and a way to rotate and became NRCS’ new customer—and their first alpaca manage those resources. “We wanted to create a process farmers. NRCS works with private landowners of all kinds that was truly sustainable. That was my vision from the on a voluntary basis. beginning,” Judy says. Wilson is more accustomed to working with landowners Health issues with the herd was a new challenge for who have livestock like cows. But she quickly acclimated the start-up company. After going to local veterinarians to the new four-legged grazing animals in order to assist who were more familiar with cows, cats, and dogs the Hoepkers with their land and resource issues. than alpacas, the ROAR team began pitch-hitting in self-taught doctor skills as well. As luck would have it, “It’s no surprise that alpacas have the same needs and Judy’s daughter, Morgan, was working on a biology issues as any livestock. They need food, water, and degree. Morgan also loves working with animals. It was fences,” says Sarah. “And NRCS conservation programs are only natural that she stepped in and became ROAR’s designed to address erosion and water issues on all kinds farm manager. “Morgan had the scientific background of operations, including those with alpacas.” and knowledge that’s become invaluable to our whole operation,” Judy explains. Things were moving along quickly and issues with herd management, more herd health and safety concerns continued to mount. There were onsite resource issues on the farm’s steep and eroding slopes, unanswered questions, and mounting livestock and grazing system expenses that became a growing concern. Luckily, Judy had a friend who suggested they get in touch with USDA who could offer some help with all the livestock issues and fencing headaches they were up against. Establishing quality fences and gates for access and Different parts of the animal’s body produce different traffic was the first order of business. Digging a well and grades of fleece. The ‘sweet spot’ is typically along the installing a hydrant and watering facilities was next. The back and main torso. Fleece harvested from alpaca legs, west side of the acreage needed a grade stabilization chest and belly tends to be coarser. The neck of some structure to control water flow and stop erosion. Once animals can also be of better quality and able to use the application for the Environmental Quality Incentives in production. The industry establishes different grade Program (EQIP) was finalized and approved for funding, levels ranging from the finest (Grade 1) to thick/coarsest plans were developed and work began in July 2014. (Grade 6). “All alpaca fleece is soft, but it is key to know Because the land adjacent to theirs may be available and the difference because it directly affects value, pricing, for sale soon, the Hoepkers are hopeful they can acquire and how you will use the yarn.” Both Judy and Morgan it to allow more grass rotations, more grazing options, studied the grading/sorting/classing process and are and more alpacas. working to become certified in making fleece grade assessments. This is a crucial skill to have, as all fleece Judy’s energy level and excitement about all she’s learned inventory must be evaluated and sorted in order to price over the last 5 years is evident from the smile on her face. and sell. “I can’t tell you how many things we’ve tried, learned, and made mistakes with,” Judy laughs. “But we keep learning ROAR has been in operation long enough to learn more. We’re getting smarter, more efficient at what we the realities of animal value, risks herd relations, and do, and we’re more capable of handling things on our compatibility. They’ve already owned a few male alpacas own now. We’re actually helping others involved in similar who are territorial, combative, and who exhibit fleece start-ups. It’s amazing,” Judy says. and personality traits that are not helpful or profitable. There is a market for alpaca meat. “I suspect that with our When you raise cattle for beef, the end product is meat. growing herd, at some point, we will explore that as an When you raise alpaca, the ongoing end product is the option,” says Judy. fiber, or fleece. “Shearing alpaca is probably a lot like shearing sheep. I’d never done either before. It’s an art. And it’s a lot of work.” Judy is happy to show off her friendly and fuzzy alpacas Even the generous amounts of alpaca poop generated and demonstrates some of the simple, hands-on tools on Hoepkers farm has value. They compost it and offer and processes used to treat and prepare fiber for use. The it to local gardens. Requests for yarn continue to roll in. fiber can be dyed or used in natural colors. Even higher- Demand for products sold at craft shows is growing. grade alpaca fiber is super soft and very warm. And all According to Judy, this is the right time to be in the alpaca fiber is naturally hypoallergenic. Products ROAR animal fiber business. creates and sells include: The family is eager to see their new company’s business • Yarn • Rugs and vision come true. Sharing their experience, telling • Scarves • Hats others about what they do, and passing on all they’ve • Socks • Shawls learned clearly gives them joy. They all hope to offer the • Baby coats • Fleece-wrapped goat milk soaps ranch as an agri-tourism site and also plan to offer it as • Wine bottle holders an outdoor classroom for FFA, 4-H, or interested school groups. Judy reported in mid-November that the newly-seeded pasture looked lush and green. “All the grass is coming According to Sarah Wilson, “This is a unique farm up, but our herd won’t get to graze on it until next spring. operation and a special business enterprise. With some It needs time to establish good roots and healthy soil.” financial and technical assistance from NRCS, they’ve Their Alpaca will only graze pastures during daylight turned 10 rough acres that was unused into a thriving hours and never remain in pastures after dusk due to the business where they create natural and sustainable risk of predators.” We bring them together every evening products. I’m glad to be a part of such a great local for protection in the dry lot. The risk is too great to leave success story.” them out.” If you have a grazing operation or have soil and water resource concerns on your farm, call NRCS to see if we can help. Or visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov to learn more. www.il.nrcs.usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender..
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