Diversification
has always been a major theme of WoodsEdge Wools’
philosophy. From the early days of breeding
purebred sheep, we chose to strengthen our market position
by raising
two breeds—compatible, but each with a slightly different
target customer.
Success led us to expand into llamas in the early 80’s;
then into alpacas in the late 80’s. The multiple streams of income
worked well and made
our full-time family farm operation even stronger.
In 1995, changes in our lives caused us to focus on
diversification on a
personal level. Splitting time between the care of a
husband with terminal
cancer, the needs of a high school son, and the creation
of newly defined
personal and professional life, I found I had to spread
my time and energy
efficiently in multiple areas. The experience broadened
my horizons and
my perspective. Once again, diversification made life
stronger.
I have since become adept at including life
balance in our diversification
philosophy. That balance helps maintain a healthy business
and a lifestyle
that works for me. In order to grow the business, periodically
I have to
step back and redefine what will give me the best blend
of business
success and personal balance.
Today, I am able to successfully blend a new passion
of living on the
ocean with being at our beloved farm; thus avoiding burn
out and
renewing my commitment to our business. Who knew a girl
from Iowa
would ever be so drawn to the ocean? With Brent now Director
of
Operations at the farm, a competent farm staff, and a
diversified herd
of alpacas and llamas, I have found that dividing my
time between settings makes the whole operation stronger.
This
issue of The Leading Edge highlights diversity
as a progressive direction in our business. Having
several routes to success, including diversifying
our herd and our lives, has proven itself to us!
Is diversification in your herd and in your business
philosophy a path to success that could work for
you?
Diversification
has always been a major theme of WoodsEdge Wools’
philosophy. From the early days of breeding
purebred sheep, we chose to strengthen our market position
by raising
two breeds—compatible, but each with a slightly different
target customer.
Success led us to expand into llamas in the early 80’s;
then into alpacas in the late 80’s. The multiple streams of income
worked well and made
our full-time family farm operation even stronger.
This
issue of The Leading Edge highlights diversity
as a progressive direction in our business. Having
several routes to success, including diversifying
our herd and our lives, has proven itself to us!
Is diversification in your herd and in your business
philosophy a path to success that could work for
you?
