Farming in Los Angeles

Horses and cattle grazing nearby, roosters crowing to wake you up at first light and chickens and goats running free. Does this sound like idyllic country living? Surprisingly, this serene country scene is in the middle of the city of Los Angeles, California! Situated less than a mile from the 91 freeway and from downtown, the 10-block Richland Farms neighborhood is zoned for agricultural use! Who would have thought you could "go country" in the middle of a huge city of like L.A.? Because it is on valuable land, Richland Farm residents have had to fight off developers for decades. They have managed to keep their land as it has always been: farms situated in the shadow of a city which encircles them. Residents who live in the Richland Farm neighborhood own horses, pigs, cattle, chickens and other farm animals. "Back yards" consist of barns, pens and chicken coops. Imagine living in one of the largest cities in the world and finding working farms in the centre of it! I hope the people of Richland Farms continue to win their battle against developers. I am intrigued by their community and think it is a great reminder to everyone that we all have country roots. Living on a farm in the middle of a city . . . it's a good thing!