By Erica Hoffman
Recently, I spent some time at Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy in the Petersburg section of Upper Township. As I stepped onto the soil of the sprawling 16 acres of land that is the only Grade A Dairy farm in South Jersey, I instantly felt at home. This is especially surprising because home for me is usually a salty ocean mist and views of the back bay. I don’t know if it was the herd of dogs running past me as I entered the gates, the soft echo of bleating newborn lambs or being greeted by an old friend, but I was home.
This is precisely what Bill and Barbara Simmerman, the hardworking duo behind Misty Meadow, were aiming for when they moved back to New Jersey several years ago after realizing they were not the “retiring in Florida” type. Since opening their post-retirement labor of love, they have worked relentlessly to make their dream of having a haven for families (theirs and yours) to gather, learn about the dairy process, and spend much-needed time reconnecting with nature. They do this in all sorts of different ways, but my personal favorite is their Lamb Camp.
During a lamb camp session, each paid camper gets to care for a newborn lamb—everything from keeping them company and cleaning them to bottle-feeding. The dairy just ended their first lamb camp weekend, which runs Fridays – Sundays from March 18th through May 14th and is $25 per one-hour session.
Things to keep in mind if you’d like to sign up for Lamb Camp:
Visitors are required to wash their hands after touching livestock.
Sessions are held in an outdoor ‘hoop’ barn (think an outdoor barn with a large arched ceiling) so make sure to wear closed-toed shoes.
Ages five and under must be accompanied by an adult/guardian. Only one adult/guardian will be allowed to accompany each paid camper.
Easter break sessions are available April 11–13.
Sunday 4pm times are reserved for 13 years and older only
Registration is available in advance at mistymeadowsheepdairy.com
In addition to the fantastic cheese and ice cream they regularly make and sell in their retail store, Misty Meadow Sheep and Dairy Farm is having a special event, Celebration of the Lambs/ Wool Fiber Art on Sunday, April 2 from 10a.m. – 4p.m. There will be a wide selection of vendors, food, drinks, beer, live music, pony rides, along with lamb camps, lamb selfies, & hayrides to the Easter egg field! As always visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic tables, playground and petting zoo.
I had such a good time during my short visit to the farm. It felt almost as if I was on a mini-vacation because I left feeling rejuvenated and calm in a way I’ve only felt after taking a respite from everyday life, and I can’t thank them enough for that
For more information on the dairy, petting zoo, barn rentals, outstanding selection of fresh cheese, and more, please visit their website mistymeadowsheepdairy.com or give them a call at (609) 701-0478
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
