Our Alpacas Cedar Glen Farm added alpacas to the mix in 2010, and now have 14 alpacas. The alpacas are located on a farm only a few miles from the Dearden's farm, where they co-op with another family on a farm property that was no longer in use. Altogether, there are now over two dozen alpacas and two llamas on the farm. The alpacas produce beautiful fiber, which is processed into high quality yarn and rug yarn at Echo View Fiber Mill in North Carolina. The Dearden's alpaca business is now called "Hooked on Alpacas"! Lisa is now qualified to teach weaving classes using The American Peg Loom and weaves beautiful rugs from her rug yarn, as well as scarves, pot holders, place mats, table runners, etc. from yarn.
Today, Lisa runs a business focused on sustainable agriculture and food. ChiknEGG Productions, and it's sister non-profit, RVAg, Inc. manages a large scale farmers market and offers ag-themed educational classes, workshops and special events. She also owns and operates the Cook 'N Nook, which is a commercial kitchen that is for rent by the hour for food entrepreneurs and caterers, where they also offer cooking classes. Husband James runs his own engineering firm, Dearden Consulting Group, and is now semi-retired. Together, the Deardens somehow manage to offer their animal husbandry skills to their menagerie of animals and are always delighted to share their adventures with others. They grow much of their own food, including vegetables, fruits, herbs and berries and have a small herd of dairy goats, a few rabbits and a flock of chickens.
