By Jillian Hammell
Assistant Features Editor
A Slice of Heaven can be found only 40 miles away from the Bonaventure campus. This particular slice, found in Amish country, is full of furry, free-roaming alpacas.
Michael Bean, assistant director of custodial services, and his wife, Sue, co-founded A Slice of Heaven Alpacas in 2009.
Bean felt the effect of the recent economic downturn after he suffered a drop in his 401(k). He decided he would invest his paycheck into a growing business — alpaca farming.
He and his wife began to look into the alpaca farming industry after they performed chores at a farm two miles from their house — Major Mountain Alpacas.
“At the beginning, I did not expect to make much profit until a few years down the road,” Bean said. “However, by the third year, we were experiencing success. It certainly is a growing industry.”
According to The Journal News, New York State has experienced a 10,000-alpaca increase since 2003. The state is now home to nearly 12,000 of the animals. This growth has helped New York become the sixth largest state in the nation for alpacas.
Bean mentioned the high asking price of well-bred alpacas as a motivator.
“Arayna, our three-year-old alpaca, was sold for $250,000,” Bean said. “Also, an alpaca named Snowmass Matrix was sold for $675,000 in Colorado.”
While an alpaca may be worth more than an average house, the hard work that goes into raising a well-bred animal is a challenge, according to Bean.
“In order to register an alpaca into Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association shows, they must have a DNA blood sample to make sure there are no inbred participants,” Bean said. “The process protects the species. Without the test, they cannot be relieved by the veterinarian.”
Bean and his wife credited their growing interest in the Major Mountain farm as a major factor in starting their farm.
“After two years with Major Mountain Alpacas, we did our research and decided to establish our own farm,” Bean said. “We purchased our first alpaca, Breeze, from Major Mountain and built our business from there on. We now have 13 alpacas: 10 girls and three boys.”
When a newcomer walks onto the farm, they are given the opportunity to purchase from the 1,300 items in stock like socks, gloves and stuffed animals. They may also participate in a fleece spinning class. According to Bean, the classes demonstrate how to put together alpaca-made products such as carpets and scarves.
While at the farm, customers can learn more about the species as well as the care involved. Bean said the farm features all huacaya alpacas. Huacayas are the poofy, teddy-bear-type alpacas.
“We shave the alpacas once a year to maintain and collect their soft fleece,” said Bean. “At a showcase, alpacas are judged 50 percent on their body structure and 50 percent their fleece. Density, softness and protein are key when determining a good coat.”
More information about Bean’s farm and its up-and-coming online store can be found at asliceofheavenalpacas.com.
Bean said his job is most fun when the customers meet the alpacas.
Bean also said each alpaca at A Slice of Heaven has a name that customers can become familiar with, yet they serve a greater purpose.
“They are given names in order to keep track of their background. It helps to keep track of their relatives and avoid inbreeding, as it is important when admitting them into a show.”
Chill Factor, the farm’s renowned alpaca that is co-owned with Cinco C’s Alpacas, was named after the bitter cold day on which he was born. Bean said newborn alpacas tend not to survive harsh winters, but Chill Factor proved the elements wrong.
“He has traveled to places like Tennessee and Pennsylvania and has returned home with many awards,” he said. “He finished his show career with a win for first place fleece at the Pennsylvania Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Breeders showcase,” Bean said.
The farm also includes one-year-olds Miss Sheba and Halo, who will compete in the 2013 Northeast Alpaca Expo in early May.
The alpacas are treated with care and attention at A Slice of Heaven, according to Bean.
“We make sure to maintain their health as well as cleanliness,” Bean said. “I enjoy the business so much, as well as tending to the alpacas.”
Bean described the feeling as a wise investment.
“A Slice of Heaven Alpacas not only educates people, it brings joy to the visitors,” he said. “It is a rewarding feeling.”
