In an age where many school-aged children think chocolate milk comes from brown cows, allowing them the opportunity to see a farm firsthand, and learn where their food comes from, is critical. Not all families get to live the agricultural lifestyle, but thankfully, there are business owners who have recognized the importance of hands-on experiences and can bring that education to the children who need it most.
Holly Ford and her husband, Sean, are running a first-generation farm. For 10 years, their livelihood has been immersed in sharing their love of animals with the community in central California. What started out as a passion for livestock, turned into a mobile business that also educates families on the farming lifestyle!
“We started Ford Farms because we love animals and love sharing our animals with the community while educating them as well.” Holly mentioned they would have the animals whether or not they also had a business- their love for the farm life is too strong to not have animals. “We would have all these animals regardless if we had our petting zoo business or not. We love and have a passion for agriculture, the fact that the community gets so much joy out of it makes it even better.”
Both Sean and Holly have a background in Future Farmers of American (FFA), and Holly took college courses at the College of the Sequoias in animal husbandry and vet tech. In 2010, after their first daughter was born, the Fords bought rabbits and goats as a way to introduce her to farm animals. But, these animals aren’t free, and feed can be costly, so Sean pitched the idea of turning their love of farm animals into a business.
The Fords started offering pony rides and a mobile petting zoo but quickly decided they needed to add more animals and expand in order to create an even more unique experience.
Farm Animal Experience
What can you expect when you visit Ford Farms? The full experience of farm life and a petting zoo, all wrapped into one.
“They can feed chicks, ducks, pigs, goats, tortoises, alpacas, ponies, horses and even a zebra. We also do tractor rides around the property and pony rides for the kids. We are also mobile and can bring our animals to special events and schools.”
Holly and Sean offer various unique experiences on their farm, like Open Farm Days and birthday parties.
On the farm, which is over 80 years old, and located in Lindsay, California, you’ll get to see authentic livestock barns, old farmhouses, and enjoy the spacious outdoor area surrounded by all the animals.
“Our favorite part of running our business is sharing the love & education on our animals with other families. There are so many kids and adults that have never been able to experience animals on the farm and the farm life. We love seeing the joy and happiness the animals bring to people when they come out to pet and feed our animals.”
You can contact Holly at Ford Farms by checking out their website, visiting their social media pages, or calling at the number below!
Faceboook:Â https://www.facebook.com/FordFarmsPettingZooPonyRides/
Website:Â www.myfordfarms.com
Instagram:Â https://www.instagram.com/fordfarmspettingzoo
Email:Â info@myfordfarms.com
Cell: 559-577-0445
