CONTINUED... by Incan royalty, now spinners, weavers, knitters, textile artists and discriminating shoppers can have access to the natural alpaca fibers with their color variety, warmth, beauty and drape. Vickie Liske spins alpaca wool and sells alpaca products in the farm’s new store. I spotted a sweater and purse that I am putting on my birthday wish list. The Farm Store carries a wide variety of unique
products crafted from premium, quality alpaca fiber including scarves, shawls, clothing, hats, blankets, gloves, purses, toys, fleece, yarn and more. Products made from alpaca fleece are hypoallergenic, waterproof and insulating. Alpaca garments are comfortable in any season. There is tremendous interest in our fiber products, and sales are strong. In addition to fiber production alpacas are used for
breeding stock, show competitions, companion animals, pet therapy, pets and 4-H Club activity. Children and alpacas seem to have a natural bond. The Liskes’ grandchildren enjoy caring for Outstanding Dreams Farm alpacas, and several alpacas have been sold to families for pets. Much of the Liske business comes from breeding and selling alpacas, often to guests who attend their seminars. The Liskes also show their stock and have placed in several competitions. On May 28, the Liskes received some exciting news.
They closed the deal on the sale of three of their “girls.” One of the attendees at the Fall Open House was the purchaser. She had stayed in touch since the fall,
attended their follow up seminar, and was present when Annie’s Oakley was born. That was the “aha” moment for them! The Liskes look forward to working with her in the future to help her succeed in her new venture! The Liskes are not only in the alpaca breeding business because they love the animals and they are cute. It is a business. It makes a profit and quickly. They have had 12 births at the farm and sold ten alpacas in three years. They hope to grow the herd to 40 and continue to breed and sell. In addition to the Farm Store, they have the annual Festival open to the public and conduct seminars for prospective alpaca buyers several times a year. They stress customer support and offer financing options. Phil is an animal lover. Vickie enjoys a variety of crafts.
Together, they like to share their skills with others. They said, “Alpaca farming meets our interests and our goal to be profitable with income from several sources. Our focus is on producing quality alpacas at a reasonable price and providing personalized customer service after the sale. We are deeply dedicated to helping our customers and their farm caretakers care for their alpacas and succeed in business! This is a nice retirement business and a good investment. Our seminars cover all aspects of the business including startup costs, expenses, health care, feeding, housing, taxes, capital gains and general advice. And we deliver!”
The Liskes’ annual Festival is coming up in just a few
weeks, September 17-18th. The event will feature their growing herd of Huacaya alpacas, products in the gift shop, farm tours, fiber arts demonstrations, food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and Phil and Vickie will be sharing their knowledge of the benefits of raising alpacas. (I’ll be the lady with her arms wrapped around Annie’s Oakley, the new cria.)
SL
Outstanding Dreams Farm is located at 24480 Pinetown Road, Preston, MD 21655. To arrange for a visit contact Phil or Vickie Liske at 410-673-2002 or 410-829-4492, or email them at
pvliske@OutstandingDreamsFarm.com. More information is available at
www.OutstandingDreamsFarm.com.
The writer, Bonna L. Nelson, though she loves the alpacas, finds that she has her hands full with a golden retriever, a Springer spaniel, her grandbaby, Isabella, and a newly retired husband. Maybe in her next life?
76 THE SHORE LIFE 1-4 | subscribe at
theshorelife.net
Left: Alpaca wool and products for sale at the Farm Store.
Right: A blue alpaca rug woven by Vickie.
Bottom: Buddies Annie’s Oakley and Mercedes’ Ben gaze at visitors.
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