On Sunday, June 11, LEAF Open Farm Sunday (LOFS) will offer an opportunity for farmers to showcase their work to the public, highlighting and celebrating British agriculture.
Since 2006 over 2,000 farmers across Britain have welcomed people through their gates for the industry’s annual open day, improving the perception of agriculture and inspiring the next generation.
With consumers now more interested than ever about the environment and how their food is produced, the day provides a chance for farmers to share their own farming story and build consumer trust in British food.
Oliver Lee, founder of How Now Dairy based at Ladywell Farm near Ugborough in South Devon, operates a small dairy farm producing organic milk from his 50 pedigree Ayrshire cattle. He took part in LOFS to meet his customers, but wanted to ensure he was not overwhelmed by visitors.
“Cows are milked three times daily through a robotic milking system,” he explains. “They each produce nearly 21 litres a day, supplying a customer base of 1,000 homes within ten miles of the farm. We have our own team of delivery drivers taking milk direct to doors, so LOFS provides existing and prospective customers with an opportunity to meet the cows and see where they graze.
“The day gave me a chance to explain more about the farm and we get to enjoy hearing how much they value our product. They can see milk being processed into our compostable milk pouch, something we are extremely proud of as we are the only farm in the country to be using these. The compostable pouches aid in our carbon negative journey by turning packaging into grass.”
Oliver’s first event was ticketed, using the TryBooking system recommended by LOFS, drawing 160 visitors at various time slots. This allowed for tours in small groups, generating plenty of interaction and questions.
He explained a change of tact for 2023: “This year we are opening the farm from 8.30am until 5.30pm, with no need to book. Visitors can see the robotic dairy in action and cuddle calves. A highlight is seeing parents’ faces when watching children petting animals, creating lasting memories and allowing them an experience they may not otherwise have access to.
“We will also take small groups to the field to learn about soil structure and its contribution to our carbon-negative status, and we have invited a number of other local producers who will have stands offering refreshments at the event, from bakers, butchers, a café and our own stand selling farm produce.”
Keen to do something extra special this year, Oliver will be hosting a ‘Supper Club’ after his LOFS event. “When cows retire from the milking enterprise, they add value as an alternative to prime beef. The meat is full of flavour, and extremely versatile when slow cooked.”
The first event is fully booked with over 130 people being catered for using local produce, with further events planned later in the year.
LEAF Open Farm Sunday is the industry’s annual open day and Oliver believes it is easy to take part. “For someone considering hosting for the first time, I would recommend they start small and only offer what they would be happy to show people. You don’t have to open up the full farm.”
For further details, to register an event or receive free support and resources, visit www.farmsunday.org.
