Amber Gurko's love for science, particularly genetics, has always been a guiding force in her life. In high school, she dreamed of pursuing a career in genetic engineering. However, life had other plans, and while she didn’t end up in a lab, her passion for genetics found a new outlet in an unexpected way—through alpacas! Over 20 years after high school, her husband Chris discovered advancements in the alpaca industry and decided to surprise her with a small herd. This thoughtful gift rekindled Amber's passion for genetics, and it has been a joyful and fulfilling experience ever since.
The idea of raising alpacas had been on Amber and Chris's minds for a while. In 2019, Chris and their children attended the Buckeye Show, and the seed was planted. However, their plans were delayed when Covid hit. Initially, They focused on agritourism, starting with donkeys and chickens, then adding ducks, sheep, and even a couple micromini cows. In the spring of 2022, everything changed when Amber came across a sweet yearling alpaca for sale on Craigslist. The family fell in love with her picture, and she came home to Fulcrum Farms that very evening. As she quickly bonded with the other animals, it became clear that this alpaca needed companions of her own kind. What started as a simple addition to their farm soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion for alpacas. This led Amber and Chris to shift their focus from agritourism to diversifying herd genetics, improving fleece quality, and aiming for the best colors in roan, appaloosa, and harlequin.
Fulcrum Farms, located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a testament to Amber and Chris's commitment to excellence. Their journey began in 2019 with 47 acres of monocropped and wooded land, which they have been revitalizing through regenerative agriculture and biodiversity. Their efforts have transformed the property into a healthy ecosystem, with some pastures still in progress, expected to be fully revitalized by 2026. The acquisition of their first alpaca in 2022 marked the beginning of their venture into the world of alpacas, and they have been dedicated to improving fleece quality and genetic diversity ever since.
Amber’s passion for alpacas extends beyond simply raising them. She is deeply involved in the fiber arts, supporting several local small businesses that use alpaca fiber. She also processes fleece herself for personal use in knitting and weaving. Recently, Fulcrum Farms won 10 pounds of fiber processing, which they plan to use for their appaloosa fleeces. Additionally, Amber is committed to giving back to the community, donating to upcoming shows and always happy to send fleece to anyone starting out in the fiber arts.
One of the most memorable moments at Fulcrum Farms was when their first alpaca, Brownie, came into their lives. Brownie has been a constant source of joy, always excited to see Amber and her family, prancing, jumping, and tossing her head with delight. The family’s love for alpacas has only grown since then. Recently, their son purchased his first alpaca to start his own breeding program, and the excitement on his face when he brought her home is a moment they will never forget.
For Amber and Chris, being part of Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) has been invaluable.
As new alpaca owners, my advice is to be patient and take the time to learn about these wonderful animals. Join organizations like the AOA for access to resources, education, and support from experienced breeders. Find a veterinarian skilled in alpaca care to ensure a healthy and thriving herd. Finally, NEVER hesitate to ask for help—fellow alpaca owners are always happy and willing to support you in your journey!!
While Fulcrum Farms is currently closed to the public as they focus on enhancing their pastures and ecosystem, Amber and Chris remain active online, sharing their journey through their website, Instagram, and Facebook. They also encourage others to get involved in alpaca shows, connect with fellow owners, and continually educate themselves about their herds. For Amber and Chris, the journey into the world of alpacas has been filled with passion, learning, and a deep commitment to excellence in everything they do.
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