For those involved in the urban agriculture movement, the Big Red Farm at Fairview Farms is the highlight of the fair. There are numerous hands-on educational activities for everyone to enjoy.
Children in attendance may have the opportunity to cradle and feed a baby goat or sheep with Farmer Sky and his friends from Zuckerman’s Nursery at the exhibit.
A variety of dairy goat breeds are on display. Visitors have the opportunity to milk the animals while they snack on grain to keep them occupied. The does are amazingly cooperative despite being yanked on by inexperienced and clumsy milkers.
Milk can of course be turned into a wide variety of dairy products including cheese, which you can learn how to do at the Curds & Whey Barn.
The Petting Barn features 150 animals to pet, mostly goats. This is a must see to experience how truly docile, lovable, and friendly these animals are. Goats have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and make great outdoor pets for people who are allergic to dogs, cats, and other more common domestic animals. They are truly dual-use animals that can provide companionship even in an urban setting, as well as feed you if you have the time and inclination to breed them so that the mothers produce milk to be shared with you once their little ones are weaned.
It would be wise to research the many attractions available at the Fair before you go, lest you miss out on something of special interest to you. For example, at California’s Heritage Square, you can visit a 1920’s farm house and learn to spin wool. If only I knew. But the rides were calling my daughter, and I couldn’t disappoint her. At least we avoided all the Fair food.
Some proceeds from sales at the Fairplex contribute to agricultural education through donations to the California State University Pomona Foundation. Cal Poly Pomona is one of the few CSUs that offer an education in the field of agriculture. Cal Poly Pomona’s is particularly noteworthy, with seven departments in the College of Agriculture.
More Information
LA County Fair
1101`W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
General Information website
909-523-3111
Cal Poly Pomona
College of Agriculture
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
agriculture@csupoma.edu
888-2DAYS AG
website
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You might also be interested in Donna’s other work as Long Beach Urban Agriculture Examiner, National Food Policy Examiner, National Science News Examiner, and founder and director of Long Beach Grows™.
Copyright © 2011 Donna Marykwas; All rights reserved.
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