Herdsires & Jr Herdsires for Sale ~ Female Alpacas for Sale ~ Special Offers ~ Investment
Alpaca Herdsires ~ Junior Herdsires ~ Show Results ~ News ~ Home

THE TAPESTRY, A DREAM IN PROGRESS

Joe and Diane Nelson Jerry Dunne

       After 35 years in the restaurant business, we (Joe and Diane Nelson) decided it was time for a change. Along with Jerry Dunne (who has been with us for the previous 20 years restauranteering), we decided to sell and get into ranching. By chance we happened upon alpacas and have never looked back. With a lot of dreams and sweat we turned empty and raw land on San Juan Island into what Diane refers to as "Joe's tapestry", a beautiful ranch highlighted by an exceptional herd of alpacas. What started out as a project and a way to ease into retirement, turned into a passion. Now, while Diane plans for the new Country Store (another project turned passion), Joe and Jerry continue to develop the new ranch, all the while, planning for the shows, making the breeding decisions and keeping in touch with their growing list of alpaca friends.

       A lot of people thought the three of us had lost our marbles when we decided to sell the ranch on San Juan Island and relocate. The islands are a jewel of the northwest and the ranch was fast becoming a favorite destination spot for both visitors and locals. A favorite spot not just because of the alpacas, but also because of the beauty and serenity that the ranch property provided.

       We had our work cut out to find or create such a property again. We believe we have done just that! With 140 acres of high desert, we are creating Joe and Diane Nelson's Tapestry II. One hundred of the acres will be used to farm alfalfa. The remaining 35 to 40 acres is home to show quality alpacas. Utilizing the over 300 Stoudt Juniper trees that reside on those 35 to 40 acres, we are creating a wonderland of ranch beauty.

       We've transformed the stark desert landscape into emerald green pastureland. We've dug a centerpiece one acre pond which will be used for aesthetics and irrigation. We've put underground irrigation throughout the entire ranch acreage. We've added a house and built a machine barn which will house all of the equipment. We've built a hay barn and a state of the art animal husbandry barn. We designed and developed a fleece room, conference room, several offices and a guest suite all in one master building. All of this is positioned to take in the wonder and majesty of the volcanic peaks that reside on the eastern side of the Oregon Cascades.

       We invite you to come "walk on the moon" with us to admire and acquire the alpacas of your choice. While you're here (depending on the time of year) you'll be able to experience world class snow skiing, or fly fishing or golf. You can also take a walk through the Cascades or enjoy a trail ride. This is huge horse country! Or, if shopping is your niche, how about a day in the Old West town of Sisters? While here, stay in our guest facilities and enjoy the peace and solace of the alpacas and the ranch, all the while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Three Sisters Volcanoes.

1. Because we're serious about alpacas! When we entered the alpaca business, it was going to be a retirement hobby for us. Our business has grown, however, and with it our commitment. So much so that we relocated our ranch so that there is easier access for our customers. Along with that, we acquired Accoyo Peruvian Legacy (2002 AAA Herdsire of the Year), and have since purchased Accoyo Peruvian Elite and Peruvian Chaccu. As well, our breeding program has produced one of the most noteworthy and decorated males in the country. Rayo del Sol. We have a lot at stake and our aim is to earn your business.

2. Support! Our staff is one of the best in the country and we pride ourselves on our ability to help you. Whether it is in the form of purchases, breeding, health care, pasture development, pasture management (and the list goes on) we have experience to share, and we enjoy learning from you as well. Most of all we want to help you succeed. Take that desire to help, add experience and knowledge and you have an exceptional recipe for support.

3. Fun! We are serious, but we are having fun. These amazing creatures have transformed our world and we love our lives with them. We enjoy helping others make the big move to alpacas as well. Our pledge to our customers is that we will be there with them every step of the way. Serving both you and your investment any way we can.

4. Integrity! It is imperatively important in both our personal and professional lives. It is the foundation we build upon.

5. Quality! We pride ourselves on top quality alpacas, and the betterment of those top quality alpacas is our goal. We believe lineage is extremely important especially when making breeding decisions. Whether it is Chilean or Peruvian, Accoyo or Chapoco, we believe all these lineages bring assets to the table. This mixture, frequently referred to as Hybrid Vigor, will create the North American alpaca. We have full Peruvian alpacas, we have full Chilean alpacas and we have Bolivian lineages, but without a doubt, our mixtures of these have produced the best results. Those results are continuously documented in the show ring.

6. Pricing and Financing! We deal in top quality bloodlines and are competitively priced. We offer financing packages to suit your needs. Each breeder brings a different set of circumstances with them and that is always our first consideration, your individual needs.

7. Guarantee! We guarantee what we sell. Whether it is breedings or individual alpacas, we guarantee each alpaca will be reproductively sound. We will work diligently to make sure the alpaca(s) you purchase today are exactly what you want. If something unforeseen happens we will be there to make it right for you in a manner fair to both parties.

Belle, Rachel, Abbey, Jerry, Tillie, Scott, Diane, Joe, Debbie

OUR STAFF

       Good fortune comes in many faces. That said, we would like to introduce you to our greatest asset, our staff! With a tremendous amount of experience we recognize that our staff is second to none and we acknowledge that we are blessed for them. So, let us put faces to the names and introduce you to the real Crescent Moon Ranch.

       Scott Miller - Manager. Having joined us in July of 2000, Scott is off and running with the whole alpaca lifestyle. Anyone who as had the opportunity to interact with Scott realizes he is one of our best assets! After recently completing the International Alpaca Judging School in Peru, Scott has developed keen insights into the world of alpacas which will be invaluable to the ranch going forward.

       Debbie Greene - Breeding, Health and Alpaca Husbandry. Debbie, a lifelong resident of San Juan Island, handles our alpacas from records to maintenance. Her extensive experience in the ranching and showing arena, along with the time she put in completing the International Alpaca Judging School in Peru, have worked to give Debbie a fantastic understanding and appreciation for the alpaca. Specifically, she can help you with questions about breeding, health, birthing and maintenance. We have come to rely heavily on Debbie's knowledge and touch. One conversation with her and you'll love her as much as we do.

       Rachel Goff - Customer Service. Rachel is often times the person you will speak with if you call or email us. She handles all of our computer and office work. The professionalism that she brings to our operation has been a wonderful addition. After you've had the opportunity to interact with Rachel, you'll know why we are so happy to have her on-board with Crescent Moon Ranch.

       Please contact us and arrange a visit to learn more about the wonderful world of alpacas!