Our family has been farming in the El Monte Valley for more than 60 years. Gerrit and Gerry Van Ommering, grew up on dairy farms in the Netherlands and came to America in the late 1950s with a dream of building a dairy of their own.
In 1960, that dream became a reality when they established Van Ommering Dairy on the same land where our family still lives and works today. What began as a small family dairy has grown into a multi-generational farm rooted in hard work, tradition, and community.
In the early 1980s, local teachers began requesting farm tours, and soon schools from across San Diego County were visiting each year. During this time, Mrs. Van Ommering became affectionately known as “Oma,” the Dutch word for grandma—an identity that would later become part of the farm’s legacy.
As community interest continued to grow, we opened Oma’s Pumpkin Patch in 2000. We have continued adding new events and ways for families to get to experience our farm. Even after transitioning away from dairy cows in 2018, the farm has continued to thrive through seasonal events and family involvement.
Today, the next generation are continuing the family legacy at Oma’s Family Farm. We’re proud of where we’ve been and excited for what’s ahead.
We look forward to welcoming you to the farm.
Gerrit and Gerry Van Ommering grew up on dairy farms in the Netherlands before immigrating to the United States in the late 1950s to begin a new life and start their own family dairy.
The family built the milking parlor and established Van Ommering Dairy in El Monte Valley, where the farm continues to operate today.
Local teachers began bringing students to the farm, leading to annual field trips for schools across San Diego County. During this time, “Oma” became a beloved name in the community.
The farm expanded into seasonal public events with the launch of Oma’s Pumpkin Patch, welcoming families each fall.
A new holiday tradition began with the introduction of Christmas on the farm experience.
The dairy cows were sold, marking a major shift while the farm continued its legacy through seasonal agriculture and events.
Recess at Oma’s is a hands-on summer farm adventure where families can cool off on waterslides, climb aboard real heavy equipment, interact with friendly farm animals, and experience fun homesteading activities that inspire learning, exploration, and outdoor play.
On January 1, 2025 one of our founders, Brenda Van Ommering passed peacefully surrounded by her family after a 10 year battle with cancer. Her greatest joy was serving others – her family, her church, and her guests at Oma’s. Her love for service flowed from her love for Jesus, and His life, death, and resurrection was the focal point of her life. Brenda was competitive, silly, creative, vivacious, organized and compassionate. Her beautiful smile and soprano singing voice were trademarks of her joyful spirit. She left a legacy of humility, honor, and integrity. Through the peaks and valleys of her hard-fought cancer journey, she clung to the hope that the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, no matter the trials we face.
Now a multi-generational family operation, the farm continues with the Van Ommering family working together to carry the legacy forward.