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AlpacaNation Q&A with Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC
Trina Schaak & Larry Wendt
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4418 County Road 91, International Falls, MN 56649
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218-285-7499
AlpacaNation: How did you become interested in alpacas?
Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC: While researching miniature sheep breeds online several years ago, with one of my daughters, we discovered ALPACAS!
I had this idea in my head for a long time that I wanted to spin animal fibers into yarn. So, that's why we were looking at the mini sheep breeds.
Fast forward several years...
After retirement, my partner Larry says one day "We should get ALPACAS!"
AlpacaNation: What unique challenges do you face as a small, mid-size, or larger breeder?
Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC: As a small breeder of alpacas in Minnesota, our biggest challenge so far is our remote location! Living on the MN / Canadian border, we are far from the hub of the alpaca community. Traveling to shows, or other breeders farms, or educational opportunities, involves many hours of travel.
We enjoy traveling and exploring new places- I highlight all the alpaca farms we discover on our atlas.
So,a one day event for some breeders, is a three day trip for us- and we plan accordingly.
AlpacaNation: How did you decide on your farm name? Is there a special meaning behind the name?
Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC: Our ranch is named 'Riverdale' because we are located on a portion of the land that was the historic Riverdale Dairy Farm along the Rainy River.
As a young girl, I used to snowmobile ,and slide down the hills on giant inner tubes,down the snowy ravines with my family. So, when I found this land for sale, and looked at it ( covered in snow) I knew I was Home.
AlpacaNation: What do you love about being an Alpaca owner and breeder?
Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC: OK- I will probalbly need a list here-
The best part for me is , I get to be at home! My favorite place !
I am my own boss--not always easy, but, very nice!
I get to be outside every day for as long as I want. (rain or shine)
I LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY! Alpacas are facinating creatures, and can teach us many things if we pay attention.
The best part is sharing my alpacas and what I know about them with others. Especially the young children. To see the looks on some of their faces as they get to pet an alpaca for the first time , It doesn't get any better than that!
AlpacaNation: Do you have a favorite Alpaca? Why is it your favorite?
Riverdale Alpaca Ranch LLC: OOh this is a tough one. Alpacas are kind of like children to me. (except they can't read) Each one of them has a special place in my heart, for different reasons. They are all "Favorites"
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