From 1966 to 1969 Bob Baker served in Vietnam, Texas and California for the United States Air Force.
Now in Huntingdon, he Runs Terrace Mountain Alpacas, a family farm providing a different kind of service.
“We sort of feel proud that we can be doing that,” Bob said.
The Bakers raise alpacas, then sheer their wool and make products like scarves, socks, and yarn.
Sandy Baker, Bob’s wife, said she’s proud to produce products for the local economy.
The farm is “PA Preferred,” which means it relies on other Pennsylvania businesses for resources they may need.
And Sandy hopes they can recruit others to do the same and keep it local.
“The factories are moving out instead of moving into Huntingdon County and there’s a lot of farm ground in Huntingdon County that needs to be used for agricultural,” Sandy said.
They’ve also joined the Pennsylvania Veteran Farm Trail.
The program encourages veterans to meet their fellow servicemen and learn about opportunities in agriculture.
“There is something out there for them to do. That they can relax at doing this and have a fulfilling life with it,” Bob said.
And alpacas aren’t the only option.
“It could be dairy cows, it could be beef cows, or it could be agriculture and growing vegetables and stuff like that,” Bob said.
On Saturday the alpaca farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bob and Sandy hope they can inspire future farmers and give veterans hope.
“They need an outlet for their anxiety and so forth when they come back,” Bob said.
“They’re heroes and they need to have something to do,” Sandy said.
There will be 8 veteran farms on the trail this weekend:
Bucktail Farm, 2266 Mountain Road, Richfield 17086; 11 am- 3 pm; Hops growing operation
Fertile Valley Farm, 345 Carley Brook Rd, Honesdale 18431; 10 am-1 pm; Dairy
Green”er” Acres Farm, 747 Buttermilk Hollow Rd, Claysburg 16625; 8 am to 5 pm; High tunnel produce, , beef and pork production, a co-op of local
Heritage Farms, 426 Old Route 21 Road, McClellandtown 15458; 10 am- 3 pm; Galloway cattle, heritage breed hogs, Leicester longwool sheep
Hope Hill Lavender Farm, 2375 Panther Valley Road, Pottsville 17901; 10am- 3pm; Farm store and visits with horses, donkeys, & chickens
Jamboree Farm, 798 Pleasant Hollow Rd., Alum Bank 15521; 6 am – 6pm; Pony rides
Pleasant Lane Farm, 231 Phillips Road, Latrobe 15650; 9 am to 3 pm; Multi-generational family dairy farm and beekeeping/honey
Terrace Mountain Alpacas, LLC, 7110 John Bum Rd, Huntingdon 16652; 10 am – 4 pm; Meet with the alpacas, visit farm store with alpaca products from USA and Peru.
