Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonny Van Ommering.
Hi Jonny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our family has been farming in the El Monte Valley for over 60 years. Dave’s parents, Gerrit and Gerry Van Ommering, both grew up on dairy farms in the Netherlands. In the late 1950’s, they immigrated to America with a dream to start a dairy of their own.
In 1960, their dream became a reality and Van Ommering Dairy came to be when they built the milking parlor and moved their herd of Holsteins onto the property where we still reside today.
In the early 1980’s, teachers began calling, asking to bring their classes for a tour. Soon, schools from all over San Diego County were coming for annual field trips and Mrs. Van Ommering quickly became known as Oma (the Dutch word for grandma) to the community.
Seeing an increase of interest from the local community to visit our farm, we started Oma’s Pumpkin Patch in the fall of 2000 and added Oma’s Christmas Tree event in 2010. The response has been tremendous and attendance has helped support our family farm, even with the sale of the dairy cows in 2018. We have always been committed to providing a fun, safe and educational experience for everyone who comes to visit us. We also made it a priority to raise and invest in our own children before opening up the farm more throughout the year.
Now, our 2 sons, their wives and our daughter are ready to work alongside us as we move forward into the future as Oma’s Family Farm. We look forward to seeing you soon!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our founder and my mother, Brenda Van Ommering passed away this year after 10 year battle with cancer. Through it all, the support of our family farm by friends and family has been incredible and truly a blessing from the Lord.
We’ve been impressed with Oma’s Family Farm, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Oma’s Family Farm is an agritourism destination where families can experience the charm of country life in a safe, fun, and educational environment. Oma’s offers a wide variety of hands-on activities that bring guests of all ages closer to nature, agriculture, and each other. From seasonal pumpkin patches and school field trips to engaging animal encounters, tractor-drawn wagon rides, and playful farm-themed attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are always looking for food vendors (Food trucks specifically) to partner with during events that we host! Along with that, we have different themed events throughout the year aimed towards kids and families. Those are great opportunities to show case other businesses and partner with them to create an even greater experience on our family farm.
Pricing:
- General Admission – $16.50
- Goat Gobbler Package – $20.64
- Pumpkin Package – $21.67
Contact Info:
- Website: https://omasfamilyfarm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omasfamilyfarm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omasfamilyfarm
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@omasfamilyfarm
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/omas-family-farm-lakeside
- Other: https://omasfamilyfarm.ticketspice.com/omas-pumpkin-patch-2025
Image Credits
Saman Dadafshar
