Feature: Urban Encroachment a Challenge for Van Dam Farm Family in Southern California

March 21, 2012

Dairy cows in the populated areas of Southern California?

The Van Dam family never set out to have its dairy farm sit in a populated area when the Two B Dairy was started in 1966 in Ontario, Calif. At that time seeing a car go by was rare.

Now, this third generation dairy farm operated by owners Bert and Pat Van Dam and managed by their son BJ Van Dam have adapted to the changing times and surroundings. More and more houses have continued to sprout and the urban encroachment is one of the challenges they deal with everyday. With populated areas so far removed from farming and ranching there continues to be a lack of serious dialogue between urban and rural America.

One of goals of the Farm American project, spearheaded by Furniture Row Racing, is to bridge the urban and rural conversational gap when it comes to agriculture.

The Van Dam's get their biggest satisfaction from being proud of their family dairy tradition. Both Bert's and Pat's families immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands after WWII where their families had rich tradition in dairy production. The Van Dam's also are proud that they continue to produce a wholesome and natural food product for the people of the United States.

With the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visiting Auto Club Speedway this weekend in Fontana, Calif., the Van Dam family will be cheering for the No. 78 Furniture Row/Farm American Chevrolet, driven by Regan Smith.

"Talking to our neighbors and children in the local schools has been our focus." said BJ Van Dam "Furniture Row Racing/Farm American program, gives me the opportunity to talk about our farm to more people and reach a bigger audience, that is the cool part about it."

###