heifer farm

Heifer International is a long time international charity which provides farm animals for people in resource constrained settings along with help with farming practices. This farm has about 10 examples of different types of homes from countries where Heifer Int'l works or has worked and some of the associated animals including yaks and goats. Although it was mid winter and hence no tours, in the summer there are opportunities for children to attend a day camp. Each hut/home had explanatory signs describing the people and their customs. A nice gift shot was at the end where you can purchase items made by some of these groups.

We are regulars at Drumlin Farm, but decided to check this out when our church made a field trip there in May 2014. The tour started with a movie featuring the villages Heifer International supports, which really helped the kids relate what we saw on the farm to what happens in the world. The animals and land are well cared for. The view was incredible, up on a hill with rolling hills as far as the eyes could see. The kids (and adults!) got to gather eggs, pet goats, card yak fur into yarn, milk goats, and all kinds of other fun stuff. It was a very hands on experience, which made it fun for all ages. There was a lovely shaded picnic area where we brought our own lunches, free of charge to use. Prices at the gift shop were very reasonable.There was no plug to donate at the end, which is what I was expecting. There was actually little connection between what we saw and what the international mission of the organization is.To nitpick, I had two minor complaints. Our tour guide knew a lot about the animals on site, but didn't tell us much about the villages or international work. He wasn't very good with young kids. He also just dumped us at the gift shop at the end without any kind of closing remarks. But he definitely knew his animals well.My other complaint was that there are a few trailers where staff work and live around the farm. I am sure that is the most cost effective way to do what they do, but it took away from the pastoral theme.Bring your bug spray, sunscreen, lunch and an extra layer. It gets cool up on the hill.Including lunch and the tour, we were there for 4+ hours. All ages had a great time here, learning while still having fun. I highly recommend it.

We found the Learning Center at Overlook Farm quite by accident and spent two happy hours there, even in the heat! You can wander on your own or take a guided tour. We started by watching the informative video about Heifer International in the reception center (where you can purchase some beautiful handicrafts made abroad and support self sufficiency at the same time). From there we toured several barns and were introduced to a variety of animals and then took the self guided Village walk. From there we headed over to the one acre organic garden. We enjoyed talking with volunteers/employees throughout the afternoon. I recommend this center for any one wanting a glimpse into how others live simply on this earth.

I grew up 10 minutes from this farm and never knew it was here until last week. I took my 1 year old daughter to see some farm animals and was really pleased with the experience. It was a simple, rustic farm tied to a great world orginazation. We were able to get a guided tour given by a volunteer. She showed us the animals and told us about them. We learned their names, when some were born (since it was spring), breeds, and info about the countries that raise the animals. They have chickens, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, alpaca, llama & guinnea pigs. On the property is a self guided Global Village with a good many countries represented. Each country has a house built in the style of the region & farming essentials related to the country (for example in Peru there was a terraced garden, pasture for alpacas & a Peruvian style hut with outdoor kitchen). The Global Village was just getting readied for the warmer weather so we didn't see it in full funtctioning form but it still was interesting. Come to see the animals. Older kids can learn about world hunger & poverty related to farming. They accept donations for their tours. There is a small store that sells meat from the farm & items from the various countries that Heifer International works with. Composting toilets. Picnic tables for BYO lunch, plenty of parking. This is not Davis Farmland and has none of the bells & whistles but is a fun place to see animals.