FARMING MATTERS: Visit Open Farm Sunday this weekend

It’s a chance for everyone to connect with the land and the animals.

Last year 375 farms opened their gates and of those, a third were taking part for the very first time.

One in five visitors last year had never stepped foot on a farm before and 85% reported learning something from their visit.

Ninety six per cent of visitors rated their Open Farm Sunday experience last year as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.

Many of the farms that take part provide refreshments and they usually all have activities or demonstrations under cover in case of rain.

There are usually lots of helpers, including the farmer and his family, workers and often memebrs of the local Young Farmers club, who will be happy to inform visitors about farming.

This is a chance for farmers to show the link between what they grow on their land and what ends up on retailer’s shelves. This can include beef, milk, fruit and cereals such as barley, wheat and oil seed rape.

Many farmers will talk about their own family and their long standing generational links to the ground they work.

So if you have always wanted to visit a farm, or would like the chance to speak to a farmer and his family, check out the nearest farm thsat is open to you this Sunday.

Full details on www.farmsunday.org