Breeding Alpacas Can Sell For Thousands Of Dollars
This interview/broadcast took place "live" on the 6pm KMBC TV News channel 9, in Kansas City, and played again at 10pm.
STILLWELL, Kan. -- With the volatile stock market and shaky economy, the Swikard family said they are glad their 401(k) comes on four legs.
"They're just gentle, curious, fun-loving animals. (They're) safe around children," said Dave Swickard of Lonesome Dove Farm.
If you spend a little time around Swickard's herd, you'll understand why he's sold on alpacas.
"You can see it's compounding without any more initial investment," Swickard said.
Swickard started three years ago with four breeding females. The Swickards now have 18 alpacas and two guard llamas.
"Breeding stock is where the profitability in the business is at," Swickard told KMBC's Bev Chapman.
Females sell for between $10,000 and $25,000. Stud-quality males have sold for six figures.
"You feel that density; you feel that fineness," Swickard said, referring to the quality of the animals' coats.
Swickard's goal as a breeder is to produce the thickest, softest fiber possible for a yarn that is lightweight, warm as wool, and non-allergenic. He'd also like to invest his money in something relatively safe.
"For about 3 percent of the value, you can insure the animal against theft, mortality or loss when you cannot insure your stocks portfolio from going down," Swickard said.
When Swickard isn't out tending to his animals, he has another job.
"Mortgages," Swickard said.
Alpacas are one of the oldest domesticated animals on the planet. Their history dates back to the Incas of the South American Andes.
While the investment is not without risks, it is on the upswing in the United States.
Click here to view a video of our interview.
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