Nestled at the end of a quiet neighborhood in Traverse City, you’ll meet some unlikely neighbors. Cherryland members Bob and Becky Sanford, along with their 25 alpacas and one llama, have called Rainbow Valley Family Farm home for almost six years. Those six years have certainly been an adventure for the Sanfords, but their joy and connection with the animals make it clear there is nowhere else they would rather be.

In the back of their minds, Bob and Becky had always dreamed of owning a farm. When the farm they drove by every day, just down the road from their family home, came on the market in 2018, it seemed like a sign. After purchasing the farmhouse, along with many discussions, they agreed an alpaca farm would be the perfect fit for them. By the fall of 2019, their “piece of paradise” gained nine new residents—eight alpacas and one llama.

The farm started with a steep learning curve, but Becky and Bob rose to the challenge and continually educated themselves to care for the animals in the best way possible. From birthing classes to reading up on possible infections, Becky is always learning something new. Thankfully, the alpaca-farming community is very welcoming. Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm in Frankfort helped Bob and Becky get started, including selling them a few alpacas to start their herd. When they heard about a local llama who had recently lost her mate, there was no question on what to do next. Rainbow the llama joined the pack and has been a dutiful protector and mother figure to the now 25 alpacas that call Rainbow Valley Family Farm home.

Becky or Bob are often first to greet guests as they arrive at the farm, before going up to the fences, visiting the store, or exploring the farm with a tour. They prefer to keep the tour groups small so the tours can be highly personalized. Becky and Bob know which alpacas are the best to visit with and feed. “There are certain ones who are better with people; there are certain ones who can be impulsive or pushy. Some I can have around kids and feel comfortable; others we separate because they get too excited around food,” Becky explains. The Sanfords spend their days with the animals and genuinely know the personality of each one. Becky said, “We want to honor them for who they are.” She continues, “We want people to see them in as natural of a state as they can.”

The Sanfords have worked hard to make the tour a true experience for all who visit. The farm has recently become Autism Certified, so their regular tour guides are well-versed in interacting with adults and kids of all abilities. “I just want people to come experience the alpaca world. It’s just so peaceful and calm. I think everyone gets something from the animals,” said Becky. As a former teacher, Becky is always thrilled to welcome school groups to the farm and see the kids from Silver Lake Elementary watch the alpacas from their playground.

Once guests have met all the alpacas and Rainbow the llama and said hello to the chickens or barn cats, they can stop in the gift shop before leaving. Becky has created a beautiful gift shop full of heart with alpaca products and local treasures. All the yarn in the shop comes from the alpacas on their farm.

In fact, every year, a group of men from Montana make their way through the state shearing alpaca at every stop. Then, the fiber goes off to a mill, where it is woven into yarn and returned to the farm almost a year later. This yarn is sold at the gift shop, but it is also used by a group of local knitters to create gloves, scarves, and hats. Every item made from the fiber of the alpacas at Rainbow Valley is labeled with which alpaca’s fiber it came from. Visitors can then meet the animal who grew the fibers that created the surely treasured item they get to take home. While visitors can also find some local jewelry and other pieces featuring alpacas, the yarn and wool clothing pieces stand out among the rest, since alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, much warmer and softer than sheep’s wool.

Bob and Becky enjoy their life on the farm and love caring for all their animals. While the farm life is not without its share of heartbreak, “It’s been a journey of love. Ups and downs, we keep moving forward, as they say, the journey is what it’s all about,” said Bob. Anyone who visits can see the joy on their faces and passion in their hearts when they are with their animals. Bob and Becky continue to look forward and are excited for the future of their neighborhood farm.

If you want to visit or support Rainbow Valley Family Farm, you can schedule a tour (May–
August) Wednesday through Saturday; (September & October) Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Or visit their store on their website, rainbowvalleyfamilyfarms.com. They also invite you to join them in celebrating National Alpaca Farm Day on Sept. 28 at their open house!