Baby Animal Day at the Suffolk County Farm

By Robert Chartuk | May 11, 2024 | Local

| Credit: Jenny Latham

Youngsters and their folks got to see a real farm in action at a recent open house at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. It was a sunny Saturday for visitors strolling among agricultural exhibits, food trucks, and all kinds of activities, including a hay ride around the spacious grounds.

Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension, the “Baby Animal Day” festivities connected the community with its agrarian roots. Kids got to pet goats and pigs and even go on a pony ride. County assets were on display, including emergency vehicles and the heavy equipment needed to run a public works department for a sprawling municipality.

Doubling as an education center, the farm hosts thousands of visitors yearly to provide residents with hands-on and research-based learning. In addition to agriculture, themes covered include animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills in a unique year-round learning environment. The Farm's vision is to connect people to Suffolk’s agricultural heritage and “pave the way for a bright, healthy, and sustainable future.”

The century-old Farm offers unique educational programs for children Pre-K through 12th grade, summer day camps, showgrounds, special events, a butterfly house, a certified Nature Explore Classroom, and much more.