A recently discovered alternative to the indoors, going "outside" offers adventurous explorers exposure to things such as wind, sunshine, and the naturally occurring mazes found in corn fields. Leave the indoors with today's Groupon: for $9, you get two adult admissions to a tour at Bakerview EcoDairy on Sumas Way (a $18 value).
One of Canada's first demonstration farms of its kind, Bakerview EcoDairy engages the public while practicing sustainable, animal-friendly farming on 80 acres of land in the picturesque Fraser Valley. Founded by Bill Vanderkooi, a lifelong dairy farmer with a master's degree in animal science, Bakerview EcoDairy gives the public a glimpse of a modern, working dairy farm—complete with an interactive learning centre, animal exhibit, food market, bovine volleyball court, and more. Cows and goats live the luxurious life at this farm, where the milkers nap on mattresses and the goats climb and play Snakes and Ladders on the roof. Visitors learn about the farm's efforts to treat both the animals and their environment kindly through sustainable practices—such as using salvaged building materials and using manure to create electricity and organic fertilizer—and meet friendly farm animals, including Angel Cake, a miniature pony.
Reviews
The Bakerview EcoDairy was featured by CBC News, News1130, and the Globe and Mail:
- A preacher for healthy living, Mr. Vanderkooi saw the commodity businesses of eggs and milk and knew there was no way his own brand could succeed without some marker of difference. Using his own feed products, he developed free-run eggs and milk infused with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid linked to a variety of health benefits, including some cancer prevention. And to further distinguish himself for sales to stores in the Lower Mainland region, Mr. Vanderkooi started his own brand, Vitala, on the premise of “natural, healthy and local.” – David Ebner, Globe and Mail
- You can now show the kids where milk and eggs really come from, as Canada's first eco-dairy demonstration farm opens up in Abbotsford – Tamara Slobogean, News1130
EcoDairy in partnership with Science World
At EcoDairy in partnership with Science World, kids learn about animal farming and sustainability in an actual working dairy farm. The main draw is the farm's Vitala cows, who together produce 12,000 gallons of milk a year. Visitors can meet the noble creatures face to face and experience a day in their life.
The Barn: Take a look at what staffers call "five-star accomodations" for the dairy cows: plush mattresses, a climate-controlled environment, and an automated brush for the girls to groom themselves with.
Milking the Cows: In the observation room, visitors watch Robbie the Robot, who can milk a cow in just six minutes
Hands-On Exhibits: Visitors can see how it feels to milk a cow, test out how comfortable the cows' beds are, and even attempt to lift a day's worth of cow manure
Take a Break: In the summer, you can try some ice cream made fresh from the dairy cows; behind the market, a park serves as a great picnic area
Souvenirs: At Nature's Pickin's Farmers Market, select some local produce or take home a gallon of the dairy's fresh milk
-
1