Where a decade can take you....

Moonshadow Alpaca Ranch from our first 5 in 2002 to
a herd of 45 in 2012~

In February 2002 we were on vacation in the San Juan Islands and talking about our future, where we were going, what did we want to do, what would we change in what we were doing then?  As we were touring the island we saw these beautiful green rolling pastures, with white split rail fences and the coolest looking animals I had ever seen!  This was my first look at an alpaca or having even heard the word alpaca.  Deb, being much better read then I, said "I think those are alpacas".  The timing of cruising past this beautiful ranch, and having the conversation we were having at the time, set a ball in motion that I could have never imagined that day. 



Part of our herd of breeding females in 2012



It did not take us long to make the leap into raising alpacas.  It was really an exciting time in those first few years.  So many new people getting into the business, sale prices and auctions were breaking records, shows were growing in size and competition.  In the meantime, Moonshadow Alpaca Ranch was growing, showing, selling and evolving.  It truly has been a whirlwind now looking back at how much time has passed and all we've done.   At a largest our herd grew to 50+ alpacas, we generally maintain our numbers in the low 40's just due to space limitations.

Snowmass Matrix Principe

It seems now is the time to be looking forward to the next 10 years and refine our business plans and goals for the future.  It was very exciting to start off the new year with our newest Herdsire, Snowmass Matrix Principe.  Principe adds a whole new level in elite fiber quality to make significant improvement on the great quality fleeces we are already producing.  So our breeding program is on track, we are just limited in room to do all we want to do where we are currently located.  I always love how things can unfold when you really identify what you want to do and keep your mind open for those opportunities to make it happen.  Timing is everything sometimes and now we have the chance to move our operation to the Hahnel family farm in Bellingham, WA.  The foothills of Mt. Baker along the Canadian border, gorgeous country and scenery surrounding 49 acres to work with!  It really is like a dream coming true for Deb who has always wanted to get back to the family farm she grew up visiting.

The thought of rebuilding the ranch always scared me in the past.  Especially when it seemed like the projects building it never ended!  Now, we look ahead with great excitement at all the possibilities this move opens up in creating the fully sustainable ranch we have been working towards.  We will be working over the next 6 months to set up the new farm for alpacas and prepare for the move.  Will keep our progress posted here on the blog.



Hahnel family farm, established 1932



I have to say I am more excited now looking ahead to the next 10 years then I was 10 years ago when we bought our first 5 pregnant females.  That initial wonder and excitement of stepping into the alpaca world has developed into a sustainable plan based on the evolution of the industry and all those wonderful lessons learned...the good, the bad and the ugly!  The best part always in being part of the alpaca industry is the wonderful people you meet, network with, get to work with, support and learn from each other.  It is truly a community that spreads beyond local geographic boundaries!