How did we get here?

We started thinking about alpacas in June 2008 while visiting Sunday River Alpacas farm in Bethel, Maine.  In September, 2008, we began thinking seriously about owning animals. We visited more farms in Ohio and ultimately bought 5 high quality females from Rita McGlone of R’AlpacaLand in December 2008. 

Since then we have visited other farms, attended numerous educational classes, attended shows and conferences, read everything we can get our hands on, and continue to learn the basics (and advanced methods) of handling and caring for the animals.  We had our first baby this spring and are breeding the females for more births next spring and summer.   

Currently, our animals are living at R’AlpacaLand in Marysville, Ohio, A & R Alpaca Farm in Williamsport, OH, Heronwood Farm in Fredericksburg, VA, and  Double "O" Good Alpaca Farm in Gainesville, VA.  

Mary Haller

Once a radical feminist, athlete, outdoorswoman, and backyard landscaper, Mary now feels the effects of 25 years working a desk job.  She yearns to trade her desk and computer for a rake, shovel, and feed bucket.  Currently Mary earns her living at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services working for the Ohio Medicaid program.  She has worked for and with many wonderful people ranging from Governors and elected officials to people needing help from public assistance programs.

Mary is also a devoted daughter to her 98 year old mother, Juanita Mehlhorn Haller, who passed along to Mary her love of the land and its produce, and the handiwork and creativity of sewing.

Mary holds dual Masters Degrees from the Ohio State University School of Public Policy and Management and the School of Social Work.  She completed those degrees in 1986.  

She has also been an avid supporter and singing member of the Columbus Women's Chorus for many years.

Susan

Susan presently works as a chemist for the Department of Agriculture where she routinely analyzes animal feeds, pet foods, foliage, and assorted commodities.  She has a PhD in chemistry, graduate degrees in psychology,  is a member of the American Chemical Society among other professional societies, and is an appointed member of several committees and boards in the scientific community.

One of her goals is to put the science of alpaca farming directly in the hands of breeders and farmers.