It's certainly not your typical career path: French literature studies in college, no agricultural background, mother of three. For Tamara Miller, the decision to start
Via Verde Farm in 2009 and raise alpacas has been a source of joy.
"I was interested in farming and looking for animals easier to raise than horses," explains Miller, who decided on alpacas not for only their "serenity and gentleness," but the business opportunity.
With 16 alpacas on her farm near Ada, Miller describes the business of alpaca farming as multifaceted.
"Alpacas are raised for both breeding stock and fiber," she explains. "Our breeding stock is listed on
openherd.com, which includes prices and the attributes. Our fiber products are listed in my
Etsy store."
Miller is content to keep between 10-16 alpacas at her farm, managing the workload by herself with a little part-time help. Besides the daily chores, she also attends two breeding shows and four fiber shows annually.
"I did not grow up on a farm but I love the lifestyle," she says. "It is very much hard work and I love the connection with the animals."
Source: Tamara Miller, Via Verde Farms
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor
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