There are plenty of occasions where you can head to an amusement park, mall or even the movies to spend a wholesome day with your family. But have you tried getting close to nature for a day instead? While you are bound to spend an eternity in the concrete jungle, here's an alternative that is both entertaining and educational for your family.
And for that, the Hay Dairies Goat Farm just may be the perfect place to try out. Far away from hustle and bustle of the city, this farm is all about keeping things old-school and the ideal way to introduce your kids to the lovely countryside on the island.
In fact, the Hay Dairies Goat Farm continues to be a strong attraction for families, especially children who want to meet animals and get the authentic farm experience in Singapore. Yes, get up close and personal with the animals, unlike the zoo.
What Is The Hay Dairies Goat Farm?
Located in the Kranji Countryside, the farm is one of the bigger attractions of the vicinity and was first established by the Hay family on December 22, 1988. Prior to farming goats though, the family reared ducks, chickens, and pigs.
However, the family soon switched farming goats at the property and imported their first batch of Alpine, Nubian, Toggenburg and Saanen goats.
While the farm started with 48 goats at the property, it now has a massive herd of about 700.
What To Do At The Hay Dairies Goat Farm?
If you are planning a trip to the goat farm, make sure to get there early so you can avoid the crowds. There are plenty of stations to see so you can get a head start and ensure a safe distance from other families at the farm.
Here's where you begin the farm tour:
1. Milking Barn
The first stop you make will be at the milking barn. Milking begins early in the morning before dawn and will continue till about 10.30 am.
That's why make sure to get there early to catch the milking process and also learn the basic facts about the goats.
The folks at the Hay Dairies Goat Farm will also tell give out interesting facts about goats and milk.
For instance, did you know that goat’s milk is alkaline? This makes it more adaptable for the human body as it can break down more easily.
To give you perspective, a cup of cow's milk will take up to four hours to digest while a cup of goat's milk will digest within one hour.
Check out the charts on display at the barn for more facts and figures. They are also displayed in the very cool form of stamps. That's because they come from the stamp museum's exhibition - Year of the Goat - Counting Sheep, Dreaming Goats.
The goats are also sent to local mosques just before Hari Raya Haji to be sacrificed while the farm does not allow slaughtering on the site.
2. Feeding The Goats
Once you've experienced the milking process, it's time to head back to the farm where the goats are visible in herds. This is their home and children have an opportunity to feed the goats.
Does your child have a fear of animals? Here's the place to safely encourage them to get acquainted with them. The Hay Dairies farm will sell you an Alfalfa hay pack for $5 that you can feed the goats.
Do remember, the goats in the front are usually the most fed and sometimes overfed by the overexcited tourists. Be considerate and head to the back of the barn and feed the goats there too.
And make sure to pet them as you feed them alfalfa. Every animal likes to get love and care and goats aren't any different.
3. Bring Home Milk Products
What's a trip to a goat farm without any milk products. The Hay Dairies Goat Farm will sell you some amazing milk products for you to take home. Head back to the milking barn and purchase pasteurised goat’s milk. It comes in bottles and you can either take it home or quench your thirst on the spot.
The folks at the farm will also pack the bottles in an ice-filled styrofoam box as long as you buy at least two large ones.
Make sure to also try out other dairy products like milk popsicles and soap made out of goat's milk.
Where Is The Hay Dairies Goat Farm?
Hay Dairies Goat Farm is located at 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4. It's open six days of the week and closed every Tuesday (and on public holidays).
Admission to the farm is free of charge that further sweetens the deal for many families. At the same time, make a day out of the visit by exploring more places in the Kranji Countryside. Other farms in the vicinity are as inviting as the Hay Dairies Goat Farm, so spend a day in the lap of nature.
Source: Littledayout
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