Barber Family Farm

       Special times call for special measures. Please take a moment to read and share. Seems time is one thing we have a lot of right now.
 
     We are faced with some pretty special circumstances that had no foreseeable onset. 


     We are Barber Family Farm  in Lancaster, Ca. We operate a farm animal rescue, who is self supported by doing educational events, petting zoos, pony rides and pumpkin patches through out Southern California.  We not only rescue, rehab and re-home farm animals but we also provide tactile therapy to our community members who are dealing with such things as anxiety, PTSD, depression and autism.


     The current state of affairs with the COVID19 pandemic has us in a bind.  Those that know me already know that I will do what ever it takes to continue providing these animals safe harbor and to continue sharing them with the community.  I will make it through this but it doesn't hurt to ask for a little help.  Even with out the COVID19 this is still a huge task for 1 family whose only income is Veterans Benefits and the money the animals earn.  Unfortunately animals cant earn unemployment in these times so it leaves just the VA benefits to run the household, farm and business.


     Here is a brief and not all inclusive list of our monthly cost that up till now has been self supported. (the amount we put on title was just a random number but is an approx for 3 months)

     Hay - 90 bales ($14.99ea)                                                         $1364.20
     Feed - 80 bags ($10.99 avg ea)                                                 $879.20
     Rent for aux property -                                                                 $600.00 
     Farrier                                                                                                     $300.00
     Labor                                                                                                     $1500.00
     Veterinarian fees                                                       (varies $200.00 - ?)

Here is the current residents of the farm. Keep in mind it was just spring so our numbers are up due to a lot of babies.

7 ponies
2 mini donkeys
4 mini zebus
2 emus
4 alpacas
16 piggies
4 sheep
15 goats
4 horses
9 chickens
3 bunnies
4 doggies
3 kitties


These are only the farm side of the monthly bills and not including any utilities such as power for lighting and heat, water, garbage etc.  We still have a household to maintain.  This was not an issue three months ago before all this, but now with every event cancelling and either being refunded or rescheduled we have been left to pick up the pieces with out the means to do so.  I wish I had the capability to go back to work in Aerospace but my brain surgery does not allow that at this time. Even when we are brought off lock down we will still not be able to bring in new money for many months due to rescheduling and our booking cycle is usually 60 to 90 days out.  This pandemic will effect us well into fall.  


     So what we and more specifically me is asking for is donations, it could be calling the feed store (Hemme Hay & Feed , Lancaster, Ca.) and reserving some hay or feed for us, it could be the simple act of sharing this fundraiser on Facebook or too friends or business associates you know who have the means and heart to help. Or simply just pledging a couple of dollars.  I am surrounded every day by an amazing community of friends, family and animals and know what can happen and that our animals and those they heal will be ok and make it through this ordeal.  One way or the other I will make it happen.  So please at the very least share this as a post or email and help get the word around.


     When this is all over I hope and expect to see you all over here loving on and being loved by the furbabies.  They have missed you all so much.


Respectfully,

Herbert Barber