Over time, folks have visited Tucson Village Farm and asked “Where are all of the animals?” Since the farm opened in 2010, the team has been wanting more animals on the farm, and now in 2024, they finally have the space and the capacity to build the barn and launch their animal program.

Incorporating animals will allow the team to close the loop on their seed-to-table education and small-scale community-based farm model that they’ve grown from seed since 2010. Tucson Village Farm’s mission revolves around providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that promote healthy living, sustainability, and environmental stewardship among youth.

Adding farm animals would provide more educational opportunities, help kids build confidence and self-esteem, teach folks life skills (patience, for example), help with stress, and then promote mental well-being.

In 2024, Tucson Village Farm hopes to build an Animal Education Center that will house goats, chickens, sheep, a classroom, and more. However, all of that costs money and the team has some ideas on how to raise the funds.

“We’re currently in the process of fundraising for our animal barn, aiming to raise $324,000,” said Jess Luse of Tucson Village Farm. “Excitingly, we’ve already secured $10,500 — woop woop! This barn will serve a dual purpose as both an animal housing facility and a teaching classroom. While our goal is to achieve this fundraising target in 2024, it’s a sizable sum, so our timeline has to be a bit flexible.”

Once the barn is up, they’re planning to produce goat milk and goat cheese, in addition to the chicken eggs they currently sell at each Tuesday Market from 4 – 6 p.m.

“We will also use the wool from the sheep in fabric art projects with the teens,” Luse added. “Currently, we have around 20 hens at our Little Farm, but we’re expanding our flock at the Big Farm, ensuring an abundant supply of eggs in the near future!”

Therefore, the chickens are expected to get some company when the barn is built! Meanwhile, the fundraising has begun.

“While we have connections in the community for acquiring the animals, our primary focus right now is on fundraising,” said Luse. “We’ve got a few strategies lined up, including monthly Chicken Poop Bingo events at Tucson Hop Shop.”

Upcoming dates for Chicken Poop Bingo are Sunday, January 28 from 2 – 4 p.m., and then again on Sunday, February 18 from 2 – 4 p.m. Another fundraiser in the works is the Barnyard Trot on Saturday, March 2, which will be a “fun chicken-themed run with lots of community partnerships and collaboration.”

Additionally, if you can’t make it out to one of these events, there’s the option to donate online at your convenience.

Tucson Villager Farm is located at 2201 E. Roger Rd. For more information, call (520) 621-1006 or visit tucsonvillagefarm.org.

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