Marjorie Phipps - Secretary

Barnett's Creek Farm

My husband, Paul, and I purchased our first two huacaya alpacas in 2007 and as of Jan. 2013 we have 23. We started with a couple of white females and added more colors along the way. We now have a mix of white, fawn, brown and black. This year we are hoping to add some more black and possibly a grey (if that breeding took) to our herd. We live in very rural Liberty which is in Casey County in the south central area of Kentucky. Our farm sits on 60 secluded acres so we have lots of room for growth. Our granddaughter lives with us and loves to help out on the farm which we think is just a perfect place to raise her. I've always been a "crafty - artsy" type person exploring my creative side with paints, clay, wood and of course yarn. It was such a natural decision to get into the alpaca business so that I could grow my own yarn. In 2012 we started processing all of our fiber here on our farm. I'm a relatively new spinner and have found the activity quite relaxing and a stress reliever from the fast pace of my "day job." Paul takes care of the daily farm chores and we do herd health and everything else together including building barns and fencing. I'm the social networking, marketing, sales, halter training and showing part of the farm.

We joined AOBA and the KAA just after making our first purchase. We have also joined other alpaca organizations such as CIABA and United Alpaca. As KAA members we've been supportive in many ways through volunteering, silent auctions and donations. I love to attend the shows and I am usually found volunteering in the ring or as a gatekeeper. I enjoy the networking and learning activities available and it's always great to get out and see what other farms are producing.

In recent years the alpaca industry has struggled just like most businesses. I think if we are here to support and help one another there is nothing we can't do together. The KAA has a lot to offer prospective alpaca owners and I encourage anyone that is interested in or already owns alpacas to consider a membership and participation in our activities.