Joyce and her sister Jean Padron of San Antonio, TX inherited their Parents, John & Helen Van Driel's farm in Ada, MI upon their passing. With hopes of returning the farm to it's former working status, John & Joyce, knowing of their children's love of the farm as well, decided to enjoy their retirement with their children and grandchildren. They spent many hours researching how they could make their dream come true!
John had the idea of raising buffalo as a way to make it a productive working farm. After careful research and field trips to a buffalo farm nearby they came to the conclusion that although selling buffalo products could be profitable it wasn't a good fit for their family as buffalo are a dangerous breed, especially where their grandchildren were concerned.
After reading through a Country Living magazine they found an ad about Alpacas which piqued their curiosity. Upon more research they decided to visit a local Alpaca Farm in Walker, MI with their children and grandchildren to see if this would be something they would be able to make a go at.
They met Tim & Jane Talbott of Grand Alpaca Company and their herd of more than 150 Alpacas and fell in love not only with the Alpacas, but Tim & Jane as well. After working with Tim & Jane along with their daughter Debra Cole for almost 6 months learning about not only the daily care of Alpacas but also the ins & outs of the Alpaca Business they decided to take the plunge.
Thus Cannon Creek Alpacas and a new family legacy was born.
Cannon Creek Alpacas now has 7 pregnant females and 5 male Alpacas. Four of the females are expecting babies, known as Crias, this April/May 2013 and three crias are expected to be born in the Fall of 2013.
