Living Loco?

Hubby and I have decided on what type of ranch we want to have when he gets back. We've been racking our brains trying to come up with a business we can do together and we agreed on a ranch cause we love the lifestyle. He has worked with animals off and on all of his life and I've had several family members that raised horses and cattle. But...where is the money?

We both love horses and eventually would love to train roping horses. And we want to raise a couple of Black Angus for our own personal meat supply. But, not long ago I saw an interesting article about Alpacas. Huh?

Well, *clearing throat*

They look like mini-Camels...without the hump, because they belong to the same family. I started researching investment opportunities and what was involved in raising a herd, the herd management and where the money was. I was pleasantly surprised.
Not only are they well-tempered and very low maintenance, but the feed costs are comparable to a large dog. You have to shear them once a year and the fiber is sold, which will cover the cost of their yearly maintenance. The fiber can be milled and is soft...better than cashmere and just as expensive. I've seen blankets going for $2,000!

Now that we've made our decision I have started visiting and talking with local ranches. They are soooooo adorable. (The animals, not the owner.) They don't smell nearly as bad as other livestock and weigh only about 100-150 lbs. SO it will be possible for me to handle by myself. We had already found the acreage needed and the process will begin by the end of the year after our Suburban is paid off and we buy the land. Then...there's building a house, barn and animal sheds...oh boy.

Are we crazy or what? Hard part is getting everything lined up and going as the money comes in. Hopefully by the time hubby is home we will have a working ranch. Or am I the crazy one?

I hope ya'll have a great, relaxing weekend. We will if we can avoid more tornadoes.