Our People: Each day different on the farm

Rosemary Metcalf was raised in Hertfordshire County, England. She moved to Clovis in 1992. She is married to Ric Metcalf, who is retired from the United States Air Force after serving 30 years. Metcalf has been an animal lover all her life and always knew she would work with animals. As their retirement plan, Metcalf and her husband purchased their farm in 2000. Prior to operating her own farm, Metcalf worked at a dairy where she read a packet about raising alpacas that struck an interest with her. She sent off for further information and soon found herself traveling to Ruidoso for the National Alpaca Conference in 1997. By 1999, she purchased her first alpaca — a pregnant female. Today, the couple have two of three of their original alpacas. Metcalf is the owner-operator at Windrush Alpacas located south of Clovis.

What do you like about farming and raising Alpacas?

I love the lifestyle of farming. I enjoy being around pleasant animals. There is physical labor everyday but I enjoy it because each day is different.

What do you not enjoy about farming?

The shortage of water in the area which affects daily supply. The other side that's difficult is that I think alpaca owners tend to have more of a bond to their animals than cattle owners. So, it is a hard time when an animal dies.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

The work doesn't stop. But a perfect day for me is the weather being nice, not windy - and having a good break before doing it all again. Alpacas are interesting animals.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I wanted to be a veterinarian. I never played with dolls unless they rode horses. I knew I would work with animals one day even though I eventually changed my mind about being a veterinarian.

What is your favorite taste?

I know it is not the most popular in America, but I like fruit cake. My mother makes the best fruit cake.

What is your favorite smell?

The smell of a fresh batch of hay.

What do you do when you're not working?

I enjoy yoga and working out. I also enjoy spinning, weaving, crochet and spending time with my dogs.

Tell us about your pets.

We have Daisy and Lily. Daisy is a miniature Australian Shepherd. Lily is a puppy we rescued from the Portales animal shelter. Then there's Duke, who is a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog we've had since July. He's still getting used to the alpacas.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel.

I'd love to travel to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We go to England every year to visit North of London where I'm from.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I'll still have alpacas but probably fewer. I'll still be working the business at a reduced pace. We enjoy having people come out to the farm.

— Compiled by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield