Welcome to Mimosa Springs Alpacas
We're new to alpacas, using the previous pastures from our families thoroughbred horses, and not wanting to have to cut the grasses, looked for a green "lawnmower" alternative. Immediately after our local election that I came in a very respectable 2nd to the incumbent for mayor, my wife and I thought a few more then the 3 alpacas we had would make them all happier. Now up to 9 alpacas, a mini pony mare, and TB mare, and a percheron TB mare, we've grown our herd in a divergent manner. 2019 will be our first year of shearing, potentially breeding, and deciding the direction we wish to go - if the alpacas will just be big fluffy pets, or pets that earn their keep.
At the same time we are looking to get the old apple and pear orchards back into shape, and we've reintroduced plums which were a staple of the orchard 35 years ago. And our youngest has laying hens, but as he is currently 3, he does what he can to help, but mom and dad still do all the heavy lifting.
2019 will be a big year for using - deciding how involved in farming we will get, or whether we are just going to raise crops for our family. But I'm pushing for more alpacas, a few pigs and cattle, and if my wife agrees, maybe a few geese for this year's Christmas dinner.
Intentions to restock the ponds with rainbow trout, expand the vegetable garden, and just keep the property maintained is a little ambitious, but to be as close to self sufficient and at the same time have a little positive income for our efforts would make 2018 a huge success.