Rob, has always loved animals.
First sight of the alpacas, and both Rob and Raelene fell in love with them, in 1992.
At the time they were living on 2 acres at Hastings, Victoria and looking for something to make the land pay for itself.
Raelene was at home, with 4 children, and we thought that if we could do something with the land, that way Raelene would be able to help with the household income, and yet still be at home with the children.
The children all being severe asthmatics, we had to be also be careful with what venture we went into.
We looked at many other ventures, but as soon as we saw Alpacas, we knew this would be suitable for us.
They did not need any special fencing, and extra outlay, before we put them on our property.
They were very children friendly. As their fibre is allergy free, we knew they would be safe around the children with their asthma.
They are also children friendly, ad will not hurt the children.
.We never knew how much enjoyment that we would get out of farming alpacas..............and we never knew what a change they would make our life.
Now 10 years down the track, and three properties later, we now live on 100 acres at Nar Nar Goon, just out of Pakenham, Victoria.
We now agist animals for other people, and manage over 200 alpacas, and life is even better than it ever was before.
The beauty of farming alpacas, is that it is something women can do at home, they are safe and easy to handle.
The respond to kindness, and affection, and return it to those who give it.
They are not a messy or smelly animal, and can be farmed on small acerage.
We have sold many alpacas, and many people just want pets, which they are very responsive to kindness, and adapt beautifully as pets.
We have also sold many males to sheep, and goat farmers, for animal protection.
Again, the alpacas have adapted well to this venture also.
We are always in contact with the owners of the guard animals, as we usually see them yearly for shearing.
The alpacas are bought back to the farm for shearing. When we return them to their flocks, and they actually are missing the sheep, etc., while they are back on the farm.
When we deliver them back to their home, they get out of the car, and look for their herd they have bonded with and as soon as they see them, they run straight for the herd of sheep.
I am told by all we have sold males to that since they had the alpacas, they definately have made a difference to the lamb losses, they were experiencing prior to having alpacas.
We have also sold alpacas to people for investment, where they ask us to manage their animals for them.
They make a good regular income from the alpacas, with sales of their progeny every so often.
Alpacas, have been a great asset to our lives, both financially and emotionally.
We often go into the pddocks, and just watch the crias (babies), as they race around the paddocks, and play chasey.
We cannot remember what our lives were like before alpacas, but we can tell you we have a wonderful life with them, and our family.
Call in any time, and have alook at our farm, and herd.
We would love to see you.
Rob & Raelene Strong
Our Future-Elyse Junior Judge Champion National 2004
