This month we meet 'Alpaca Joe' - From procurement and pensions to running Ireland's most successful Alpaca farm, Joe Phelan takes us through his journey. From a farming family, he knew traditional farming would give diminishing returns - and he came across the amazing Alpaca. He immediately saw the value within Alpaca farming but prudently researched for 2 years before he made the leap. This decision took him to Peru and he ended up living in Wicklow with 100 Alpacas ! He launched Alpaca trekking with Prosecco and it took off to make him a market leader. With over 10 million views from an early article that went viral - his fate was sealed, and he became 'Alpaca Joe' forevermore. With Alpacas having a calming effect he has now moved into the wellness sphere and built a village so you can stay with them. Their therapeutic work is now taking off with huge added value for those that are neurodivergent, stressed, anxious or non verbal. This is a gorgeous conversation and Joe is a delight to chat to, informative, entertaining and riveting how he has found his niche.
Fun Facts: Joe knows every Alpaca by name ! One of his Alpacas is notorious for biting bums (of the other Alpacas) and Alpacas smell like popcorn!
