Open Farm Sunday 2009 - some feedback
Come rain or shine, 425 farms all over the country threw open their gates and welcome140,000 visitors onto their farms to see for themselves what farming is all about and how their food is grown. Despite the heavy downpours in some parts of the country, lots of people braved the weather, pulled on their wellies and waterproofs, determined to have a great day out. To see some of the photos click here or to download a full report (5mb) click here
Farms of every shape, size and type got involved, with some farmers just hosting a small farm tour for people living in their local village. But others drew crowds into the thousands with tractor and trailer rides, farmers’ markets and activities for children, among the attractions. Heaps of other activities were organised as well like pig racing, sheep dog demonstrations, sheep shearing, hedge laying and nature trails – there was something for everyone.
A huge thank you to everyone who braved the weather and got involved in this year’s Open Farm Sunday and for giving up your time to give others a little taste of country life – here’s just a small selection of feedback from the visitors!
The host farmers are to be greatly applauded for their generosity and time.
We were visiting Devon on holiday, and managed to obtain the details of the nearest farm, through the Salcombe Tourist Info Office (having seen the event feature on BBC Breakfast TV). We visited Underwood Discovery Centre, near Kingsbridge, where we were made to feel extremely welcome by Mike the farmer. He was extremely interesting to listen to, and was clearly doing a fantastic job of implementing green initiatives. Well worth the visit, and we will certainly be looking out for the event next year. Many thanks
We visited Hampden Bottom Farm in Great Misssenden. Really excellent day and the enthusiasm and warm welcome to visitors by everyone involved was very warming - we really felt that we had arrived among friends. It was obvious that a lot of effort had gone into organising the day and there were many interesting things for all ages to enjoy. We really appreciated the excellent tractor ride and farm walk as well as the machinery and livestock on display. Fantastic initiative by our farming community to help us all remember what we owe to our country's farmers and food producers. Well done and many thanks to all at Hampden Bottom who gave up their time and energy so generously to entertain and educate us.
I come from a farming background, but many don't & in these 'dissassociated times' I think these events are essential to the core value of learning where our food comes from & to the understanding of animal welfare before slaughter. Well done! I will be bringing my Grandchildren again & again.
Took my 19 month daughter to Challow Hill Farm in Wantage and we had a fantastic time. Everyone friendly and helpful. Thank you.
Children really appreciated being able to get into tractors, feel real seed, jump off hay bales and do craft activities.
Excellent event for families - I would attend again.
Church Farm, Stratton on the Fosse - A big thank you to the organisers for a great day out. 2 Trailer rides, one long, one short - very informative all the way round, our children loved every minute. Loads to see for all ages and a great activities barn for the younger ones. Machinery talk was brilliant, we all went away near experts in food production thanks to the 2 farmers presenting. Ice cream, proper beef burgers, cider, cream teas and tilly the hand reared lamb on a lead.
I really enjoyed my visit to Fiveways Farm in Colchester - the team there were fantastic. Please pass on my thanks to them. I think all farmers should participate in this event to help with farming's image and our kid's understanding of where their food comes from
My husband is a agricultural contractor and we went to our local farm, the children had a great day and learnt alot. There should be more as alot of people we spoke to also had a great day, great for all ages!!! EXCELLENT.
It was good to see that the farms where reaching out into the local community and that townies take an interest in where their food comes from
Thank you for a great Open Day! Children from my wife's school (Dalmeny, near Queensferry) were involved in a Scotsman report at Craigie Farm; looking at the main website, your 'menu' was by far the most interesting, so we came in spite of mediocre Edinburgh weather. In the event, conditions were good, the organisation was excellent, a great range of things to see inside and out, Mike's walk round the fields was informative as were also your regular info panels. All good wishes as you produce our food and educate us as well. John & Ruth Binnington, Edinburgh
We visited the farm today - what a well organised, enjoyable and fascinating day. It kept three generations, ranging from 79 to 3 years old, entertained and informed, so thank you very much and keep up the good work! The tractor tour of the farm was particularly interesting for the adults and it was great to see some parts of the area we wouldn't normally be able to access.
Dear Wytham. We once again enjoyed an informative visit to the farm, and it was very interesting talking with the person at the pig pens about how they are kept. I seem to remember a notice said that Gloucester Old Spots are the oldest breed - but perhaps it said 'one of the oldest breeds' - Berkshires seem to have claim to being the oldest. But a plea (one I made last year) - please could the feet dip on the way in be brought to people's attention there - most people will not be looking out for one, and the first mention they'll have seen is the one on the handout - i.e., once they are actually in! Keep up the good work - a vegetarian friend is also very impressed by it! We really appreciate it (and also the open day - so that we can find out what new research, with its applications for stock husbandry, is being done). Best wishes, Jenny Gerrard
Thank you so much for giving us all such a wonderful afternoon at the LEAF Open Day at Wytham. It must have been a huge effort to organise, and everyone who we spoke to was fantastically helpful and informative, and we loved the tractor ride. As refugees from the Yorkshire Dales National Park, now living in urban Oxford, it was a very welcome breath of working countryside. Thank you all very much indeed. Kind regards - Alison PS Free range eggs superb
Hello Nick & family & colleagues - Just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed the Open Farm Sunday. It was very well-organised and extremely child friendly. Thank you for a great day out! - The Oliver Family
WE HEARD ABOUT THIS ON BBC NEWS NOT IN YOUR DROP DOWN BOX IT WAS AN EXCELLENT DAY WE VISTED TWO FARMS IN THE SLAIBURN / GISBURN AERA IT WAS WELL SIGN POSTED ONCE IN THE VILLAGES AND AN EXCELLENT DAY OUT FOR OUR FAMILY
We had a brilliant time. My 1yr old loved getting up close to all the animals. Please run more throughout the year.
An excellent afternoon at Manor Farm Conderton. Fab that we only spent money on icecream! - its usually milk the public for every last penny. The staff were very informative and lots to look at. My little boy would have liked to get closer to more machinery.
Our family visit to Offley Hoo Farm near Hitchin was brilliant. My ten year old daughter really loved all the baby animals and was enthralled by the explanations of the crops and the green initiatives. It was so well organised and friendly and a great day out as well as being informative and educational. Well done everyone at the farm for making us so welcome. Thank you!
Shabden Park Farm - Chipstead: A Fantastic Day enjoyed by our family (6 years old and 2 years old). Tractor Rides, stroking the animals - 4 days' old piglets and gosling, pony, shearing of sheep, feeding baby lambs from the bottle. The farmer and his family were friendly and very good in educating us about farming. My children were particularly inspired by the roles of the farmer's children - happy helpers to the farmer.
Keep up with the good work, LEAF, NFU and individual farmers.
I have booked the date in my diary for Open Farm Day 2010 already.
Visited my brothers farm in Suffolk. Whitegate Farm Ipswich. Suffolk Cheeses. Had a fantastic time. Hog roast,tractor rides, farm tours, cheese making tours, scarecrow making, cheese tasting and lots more!! Well done to all involved!!
What a great idea this is. We had an amazing day, and got to get into the countryside and see a whole farm - FOR FREE!
The farmers were so friendly, it felt like they really opened their doors for us all.
My 2 year old couldn’t get over being able to see the animals close up and being able to ride behind a tractor.
What a great way to teach people about where food comes from but to spend a day with the family and not come home poor!
Fantastic! What a treat. Wonderful for the children too.
A brilliant time had by me and my 2 young grandchildren in spite of weather, Probably would have been more stalls etc if it hadn’t been so wet early morning but we still had a good time
I do not think this event is publicised enough. I had never heard of it until my friend said it was mentioned on The Archers radio programme. Never realised it had been going on for four years. I then looked it up on the internet to find my local farm - Northney Farm, Hayling Island.
Visited Offly Hoo-saw how healthy and content animals appeared met the farmers who produce the meat we buy directly - learned how to make butter – lovely afternoon
More advertising needed to encourage more interest and to highlight where farm shops etc are located for those who do not already know.
We visited Hampden Bottom Farm - it was excellent - really informative - all of the people there were exceptionally friendly and the talks that they gave were very interesting and I came away feeling that I had learnt a lot whilst having an enjoyable time. They went to a lot of trouble to make the event a success and it really worked well - well done to them. I will definitely recommend this farm to friends.
We went to Days Farm, Royton, Oldham. We were made very welcome, every one was friendly. They were excellent with our Grandchildren and went out their way to explain things so the children understood. It was an great outing for everyone and we hope it will be repeated next year. The Childen are still talking about it and have made drawings about what they saw.
Fantastic day out!! Loved by my 3 children (and me) All 3 said thanks for taking us... Must of been good!!
Took my 4year old grand daughter who had a fantastic time & insisted on seeing all 60 cows milked. Would like 6month follow up if poss!
We really enjoyed our visit to Hanging Chadder Farm. It was well organised, informative and a very enjoyable afternoon.
Both myself and my husband are disabled and despite the fact my husband had a fall in the farms tea room were the farmer and staff were very good to him we enjoyed the day, we took our two grandchildren and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves as there were things we couldn’t do we did enjoy them having fun
Was glad to hear about it on breakfast tv. A great time was had. Any more?
Fantastically well organised and a very interesting for both myself and my children who thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Great idea - good for making the children aware of what goes on in the area around them and where their food comes from
GOOD AND INFORMATIVE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL WELL WORTH THE TIME SPENT
I am writing to say how much I and my 15 month old son enjoyed the Open Farm Sunday at Thompson's farm, Isleham near Ely, as did our friends who also brought their young children. The children loved the piglets, the puddles and most of all, the tractors (big and small!).
Made me realise how difficult day to day life for farmers really is
The rain was so heavy all day but that did not dampen our spirits. It made us appreciate even more that farming goes on whatever the weather. The welcome by the farmers was superb, we loved the tractor ride in a torrential downpour! The hot drinks, cake and burgers were lovely and we also bought lots of goodies from the farm shop. Thank you to Patsy and John at Park Hill Farm.
Well worthwhile, I'd like to do this again soon.
We had a great day out as a family. Really enjoyed getting to know where the farms are in the area. Will definitely visit again. I grew up on a farm in New Zealand and I want my son to know where his food comes from!
In spite of heavy rain the welcome was excellent . The talk most informative. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their faces. A good day out
We all had a fantastic time. The farmers had made a real effort, which we all appreciated. My children aged 9 and 11, had more fun then they imagined that they would. We enjoyed the tractor ride with the informative talk as we went around the fields.
We had a wonderful time visiting Annabel's farm. I was particularly moved and interested about the passionate explanation the farmer made regarding farming in general and overall profitability. we will now whenever possible buy from local farm shops. I also understand a lot more about organics and that it isn’t as local as I had previously assumed. It was a great day - I hope more people go next year
Brilliant, just wish our local farms did it.
Both farms we visited were fantastic and very welcoming. Brilliant, awesome fantastic!!!
We took 4 children mixed ages 2-5, they all found something they loved, even if the weather was against us, well done x
A most enjoyable day, my son loved looking at the machinery and being able to actually sit in the cab etc was fab.
I would actually be pleased to help publicise by putting up posters locally etc
We had a fantastic day out at Offley Hoo farm near Hitchin in Hertfordshire. They put alot of thought and effort into their day and made it really welcoming for all of us - heavily pregnant woman, my husband and our lively 3 year old daughter. They seemed to have got half the village to help with their day to make it run really smoothly. We bought some great lamb from them a while back but we'll be definitely back for more as it's great meat and also they made such an effort to make the day a success, we'll definitely be supporting their business too. Our 3rd farm sunday in 3 years and this was by far the best - thank you!
I went to my brother-in-laws farm in East Anglia for last years event and appreciate the effort that he puts in to teach people about farming because of his passion for it. Based on the great experience last year (along with about 800 others), yesterday we visited a local farm in Frocester in Glos. with my wife and two sons (3 and 1 years). I was disappointed that they had a £3 per person charge for adults (admittedly to go to charity). I would have been happy to donate money but thought that charging on entry was really against the idea of Open Farm Sunday. Whilst it is nice to see another working farm I didn't feel that it was as well organised and overall we left feeling disappointed. Next year we will be looking for a different farm to visit instead of returning to this one.
shame about the weather.............!
Hospitality, welcoming and sharing of farm life showing great care of animals. Educational and thrilling experience for children who perhaps have not encountered farm animals in a real life situation
We had a 3 hour tour of The Hutts Farm. This was very informative for us and the children liked the animals and tractor ride, but the length of the tour was a bit too long for the children.
Childerley Farm Open Sunday (east of England) put on a really wonderful event. Informative, fun, stunning views and gardens with plenty of free reign for the children to explore, even young ones mine are 3.5 and 1.5. A huge thank you
We went to Shotford Hall Farm Harleston Norfolk. We had a fab time and learnt alot about what goes off on the farm. It was a great day and i have been telling everybody about it and how they must go next year. Please can you tell Tim Lewis this thank you
The crafts where we went were great for kids, but there was nothing much about the farm. the farm walk was an hour with the threat of rain - too long and hilly for a 7 yr old as part of the visit. No animals either. The people were very friendly too. A brew would have been welcome!
Only comment is that it should be publicised more. I only knew about it because I listen to "The Archers"! I didn't see any local adverts or information. The event itself was excellent.
"We would like to thank Offley Hoo Farm in Offley Hertfordshire for a wonderful day!
We had a fabulous time at five lanes farm in potterne. We had a look round the farm and did a quiz regarding the machinery. We followed a fabulous keepers trail learning about wildlife and different animals. The only other aspect I would like to have seen would be a tractor ride around the grounds and maybe a food related quiz ie where does milk come from for the children. We loved it and will be looking out for future open days. It is particularly useful in these credit crunch times that you dont have to spend a fortune having a lovely day out.
I just wanted to drop you an email to say congratulations. I took my 2 year old nephew to the Open Farm at Offley Hoo near Hitchin, Herts yesterday and we had fantastic day. He was so excited that he was unable to stand still whilst he was waiting to sit in the combine harvester and tractor. He also really enjoyed seeing all the animals, particularly the 3 day old piglets. Well done on organising such a great event nationwide.
Just wanted to drop you a note to congratulate you on the open day on Sunday. All my family had a terrific time, I thought it was a really well organized event and great fun. You must have been so pleased with the turnout after the threatening weather. Thanks for a lovely day.
We had a good day at the farm the hog roast was lovely, and my son loved riding in the tractors.
I had heard about farm sunday from an environmental management course I have been studying at the University at Hertfordshire. I went on their website and your farm was the nearest so thought we would pay you a trip.
Hi there, We had a great time on Sunday. We found out about your event through the Open Farm Sunday web site. Thanks for an enjoyable day – even the weather cleared up for the event, very well organised!
We bought some lamb from you a while back, are on your mailing list but my husband had never been to your farm to see where it all came from. We came along today with our 3 year old daughter intending just to pop in - we left 3 hours later having had a fantastic time. Your animals were great - what beautiful piglets and what perfect timing!!, we loved 'milking the cow', the colouring activity in the back of your 1st grain store was so simple and so perfect that it allowed us time to buy lunch without having a 3 year old swinging on our arms. We had a great lunch with musical entertainment which again kept the daughter happy with space for dancing - even outside in the puddles! We didn't manage to do a farm walk though - I'm heavily pregnant and felt that we would save this until next year! The field of tractors and other farm machinery was great - how could a father and his 3 year old not get excited here?!! We will be in touch in a couple of weeks after our baby is born to order some more meat.
Thank you for all the work you put in to the day. There was a really friendly atmosphere, all your helpers were lovely and smiley - thank you for a lovely day out.
Thank you so much for this afternoon! We visited the open farm day and had a wonderful time. Your staff were so keen to pass on knowledge to us and we found the whole day so educational and interesting. We particularly enjoyed the butter making and we are going to have a go at this ourselves. On the way out we purchased some of your beef burgers which we have just had on a barbeque. My husband said that they were absolutely the best burgers that he had ever tasted!! Thank you again for all of your time and effort which we know would have gone into organizing a day like today. We would all like to convey a very big thank you to you both and all of your staff and helpers.
"Really great initiative. Very important that our children understand about farming"
"Fantastic farm walk, great info and even better hosts, many thanks"
"I enjoyed the visit, Richard Bramley was very informative"
"Very informative and very pleasant people"
I think this is a great idea and I would certainly visit again next year. My children loved to see the animals and climb on tractors and combine Harvesters, buy local produce and generally have a fun day on the farm. The farm we visited was excellent and they put on a great day for the family with a band, local produce on sale. Hog roasts, ice cream and real ales, plus lts to find out about farming in general.
My children, 7 and 3, think its the best day ever!
We had a great time. Would go it again. The farmer was great at Shabden Park and he was really informative about farm life. 3day old pigs AHHHHHHHHHH
I loved my visit to Boyton Farm. I took my four year old and she really enjoyed feeding the lambs, seeing around the farm, learning about where sausages and bacon came from and that the fields of wheat (long grass in her eyes) contributed to making biscuits!
We visited Coombe End Farm, Whitchurch Hill, Pangbourne (2 adults, 3 children). Thank you for a great day and the wonderful information that we received as we went around the lovely farm - we learnt loads and they really took care of the children. It was an excellent event that was done in a very nice manner. Even free tea and cakes!
The event seemed to be geared mainly toward families and children. However, it was nonetheless informative and enjoyable.
Farm shop great - not much of my cheese left that I bought!
Visited College Farm (Russell Smith's) in Duxford (2nd or 3rd year in a row). Fantastic afternoon, enjoyed by all (especially the children)! Very informative to both adults and children. Lots of free samples of production. Gets better every year. All the farmers made us feel very welcome! More of these events please!
Visited Markwell Farm Landrake, excellent day out with our 3 year old granddaughter.
The staff on the site had made a real effort and were very welcoming and friendly. It was obvious that a great deal of effort was put into making the event a success.
I think it is a great shame that events such as this are necessary to show people where food actually comes from. I also believe we should be ashamed that so many farmers cannot make a living without subsidy, while at the same time we import much of our food.
We visited Walk Farm, Gare Hill, Somerset and were made exceptionally welcome. It was a perfect day out with so much to see and do. Many thanks to those who made it all possible.
I visited the Crichton Royal Farm at Dumfries and it was a brilliant day out with staff very helpful and detailing everything for us.
We visited Shotford Hall Farm and it was fantastically organised and a great insight into farming. Really enjoyed the day.
Would like to have seen butchery demonstration or more about food production.
I attended the Saltby estate open farm. They had gone to a lot of trouble, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable but the weather ruined it. Well done otherwise.
We have just visited Markwell Farm in Landrake, Cornwall - what a brilliant afternoon. It was well organised and a treat to have the opportunity to visit a "real" working farm - my six year old daughter loved the lambs and calves and I found watching the sheepdogs working fascinating - Lesley Andreassen
When asked what eats crops, a young girl confidently called out combine harvesters! - Niky Drewett
It was a very well organised and popular event. Great fun.
Tractor tour was excellent for the children to see the whole farm. Could get falconry demos, more craft/trade demos. Overall very enjoyable.
"WE HAD A LOVELY TIME AT A LOCAL FARM..ENJOYED TRACTOR RIDE AND FARMER VERY FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE! CAME HOME WITH YUMMY GOODIES FROM FARM SHOP!"
We had an excellent day. I particularly liked the fact that the farmers were in attendance and very friendly and helpful. Also, the 'real' farming experience was far more insightful and enjoyable than what is available from farms that open their gates to the public everyday. We will certainly be supporting this much needed event in the future. Thank you!!
"Fantastic - a great opportunity for children (and adults!) to see farm animals up close, machinery and to learn about farming and our food.
The farm we visited included tractor rides, quizzes, info about animals and wool production, great food and very well organised.
I thought the day at southend farm near Chichester was enjoyable and I learnt a bit about farming salad leaves.
A wonderful day out for all the family I came away being more grateful for the wonderful land, farmers and animals which we so take for granted in our busy lives
So grateful that the farmers gave their time to organise such an informative event. Our sincere thanks.
I want more of these events through out the year please, especially in the spring/summer.
This is a truly brilliant event! The farmers are so welcoming and share so much about their work. It really does open your eyes and encourages a real interest in how food is produced and the care that is taken with the environment.
My two sons, aged 7 and 5 thoroughly enjoyed visiting Hornbuckle Farm, near Maidenhead today. They thought the tractor ride was excellent, the displays were very interesting, and particularly enjoyed their burger and hot dog lunch! A great day out!
I was very impressed with the whole experience, I visited Days Farm Royton and thought they did a great job, we only live yards from the farm and it was good to be able to take the children around and see the work the farmers do. I would go to future events.
The Knowes Event was first class, well done to all involved.
Great to see so many people enjoying a great day out and learning. Edutainment!
Visited Overbury farm on school trip this wk, enjoyed it so much that I brought husband & other son to visit. School trip was much more informative & detailed than open farm
My 2 year old daughter thought it was brilliant. Especially the tractors and the rides!
We visited a farm that alternated salad veg with cereals. It had owl boxes, ponds and ditches for watervoles and encouraged wildlife. There were lots of activities for children and helpful information stalls.
My husband and I and our 3 year old son had a lovely couple of hours this afternoon seeing the animals and walking round the farm.
Went to Hornbuckle near Maidenhead, found event by accident on the day, it was on BBC breakfast news. More publicity would be good. We'd love to go again before a year is up, if farms could bear to do this a couple of times a year, and they could charge a small admission fee. Tractor ride was sadly too long for a very small child but there's always next year.
We visited Blackbrook Farm, Somerset (2 adults 2 children) we had no idea what to expect. The whole day was packed with things to see and do and we learnt much about the farming world. Many thanks to the organisers and hosts for a fantastic day
Explanations of high tech methods now being used probably not appreciated by general public, also assistance to wild life, birds etc.
"We went to Burrells Farm, Tadley, Hampshire with my daughter who is nearly 2 and we had a fantastic time. The people and helpers were so friendly and you could see that the farmer had put in a lot of effort and this made it even more enjoyable. I cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks"
A map of the site with the brochure would have been useful. It would have helped if the helpers and others associated with the event could have worn lapel badges, to identify themselves.
My family had a really enjoyable day at South Fields Farm
Saw it advertised this very morning on breakfast TV. On the website straight away and found the most local farm. Took two children. Spent 2 1/2 hours till the rain started. A really good day. Mainly good for letting the kids see different animals, ride on horses, feed chickens. A great spontaneous day. Thanks.
I visited Southend Farm, Donnington and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Very renewing and fascinating to learn more about modern farming.
A really enjoyable few hours on a working farm. We loved the tractor ride and meeting the livestock. We had an interesting chat to the resident beekeeper and enjoyed the food particularly the organic ice cream.
We visited Fletchers Woodhouse Farm. It was really well organised. The cost of the food/produce was very reasonable. The entertainer was good, free balloons and trailer rides, bouncy castle and kids play area. Everyone working on the farm was friendly and informative. Plenty of free information on issues such as free range eggs, milk production and L.E.A.F etc. Really lovely afternoon. Would go again.
Really impressed by the informal relaxed and friendly event put on by Sherbourne Farm.
The kids loved it and we'll be visiting again!
The farm we visited was excellent, they had made allot of effort to show what, and how they produce. The only disappointment was the weather but never mind we all enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one. One more thing we heard about the open day in the asda magazine and had we not picked one up we would never have known that the farms were open.
Tried to attend Norwood Farm at Norton St Phillip but could not find it and when asked for directions at another farm was told it had been shut for over a year!!! Went to Potterne instead - Ok - no tractor ride for the kids. Felt £2 for the farm trail was expensive - would have been nice for kids to have got something small at the end for completing it.
Will attend again next year but a different farm.
Better local advertising needed (did not see any) and much better signs when looking for venues.
Good fun day out with the children. Lovely tractor ride with interesting info on farming.
We visited Ellenden Farm, Evesham. We had an excellent afternoon. Lots to do and fun for all ages. Thanks
Really good idea - gives those with no understanding of farming how much work farmers do to produce food in an acceptable way and how they look after the environment. If they were not doing such a good job the countryside would not look as it does. It might also show that all farmers are not 'raking in' money and doing nothing for it!!
Had a brilliant time, have a 3yr old & 15mnth old who loved the piglets and tractors.... I loved the hog roast & band!!! Offley Ho Farm
We went to Barrington Court and the tractor ride to the local farm was brilliant - the actual farm visit was really good for both us and the children! Thank you
We really enjoyed our visit to Hazeldene Organic Farm (the burgers were great) and are already looking forward to next year's Open Farm Sunday!
Heard about it in the morning on BBC news and was thrilled at how brilliant the day was - my 2 yr old loved it
We visited Church Farm in Stratton on the Fosse and it was a great day. The tractor ride was good (except for some unruly and unsupervised children) and the crafts were great for our pre-schoolers. We saw on the web site that Norwood Farm was going to be open but it wasn't.... a wasted journey.
My granddaughter aged 5 who previously lived in an arable farming environment was enthralled by the farm animals
Very good day out, our3 year old Andrew loved every minute of it especially the tractors and other farm machinery. Very Friendly farmers and helpers. We were made to feel very welcome.
WE VISITED 3 FARMS TODAY 1 FLETCHERS FARM GT AYTON AND IT WAS BRILLIANT THE OTHER 2 WERE JUST TO MAKE MONEY WITH LITTLE INFO AVAILABLE
Please keep it going!
My children and me really enjoyed the event at our local farm, it would be nice to visit again and other farms. My daughter loved seeing the cows being milked and the short quiz.
Would like to attend these sorts of events in the future. Should have more of them.
I thought it was brilliant and I would like to go every year.
I think it is a good scheme to educate people about what is going on local farms and how they operate.
Brilliant event - my children loved it! A full day and worn out children!
We went to west stoke farm, stoke charity. Very well organised. Excellent guided tractor tour. Really had a great time, thank you!!
What an absolutely wonderful day, the kids thought it was brilliant and loved be able to see the animals, climb on the tractors and ride a pony, and generally run around in the fresh air.
Very well organised event by the farmers who don't organise events as a career.
Loved the relaxed approach of the owners. My daughter loved feeding the lambs, the pony ride and letting the horse lick her hand. The food on offer was also excellent. I think the owners had done an amazing job organising everything - I'm not sure how this is financed and think they could definitely have charged a small entry fee for all the work they had done. I think the only thing it lacked was maybe some information about the farm itself. I came away not knowing what type of farming they primarily undertake, what working life is like for them, whether it has been in the family for years, who they sell to, what challenges they face etc. It would have been interesting to find out a little more about the farm. However my daughter thought it was fantastic!"
We took the family along to a local farm and had a wonderful time. The children loved seeing the animals so close and we came home with some chickens! Shame it's only an annual event!
Great experience my 19month old son loved it! Moor Farm Baschurch Shropshire - Fantastic!
Very good event. Farmers very friendly and informative.
Tractor ride round farm very good. Children loved climbing on tractors and combines.
Excellent idea called in at farm which I pass frequently but had no idea until today that they had a farm shop and sold home produced meat and cheese and sold milk from they jersey herd which we have now tasted and bought delicious. will be telling lots of friends also I am organising our local village fete and show in wetheringsett just down the road from farm visit and have now asked the owners if they would like to come along and promote there shop and sell some produce which they said would be great. Also I cook at the village primary school and I also asked if they will be doing school visits which they will be so now our local primary school will benefit and be able to see milk production and what can be made from it so I think a very successful venture for farmers and hope that it happens again soon regards sue stannard,
"Hampden Bottom Farm near Great Missenden brilliantly organised and lots of fun!
My only negative comment is that I would have been happy to see more info on farming issues e.g. cost of shearing a sheep and loss farmers make on sale of fleeces on a display board. And how we the general public can support our local farms.
Visited a Forceleaf farm at Newbottle estates today. Was a great day out. My lad loved the tractor ride and seeing the cattle close up.
We enjoyed the tour of hook farm near Swindon the farmer’s wife explained in detail the running of their dairy farm and answered all our questions with a good degree of patience. They are dedicated and believe in the work they do for the animals and the environment. We shall certainly visit other farms when the opportunity arises and June 13th 2010.
"Visited Markwell Farm, Landrake, very interesting, knowledgeable friendly people and willing.
Would like more info by farmers stating the obvious, like what is silage, is business profitable (what is profit in the farming world).
In a group one feels a bit of an idiot, thus don’t need to be told what a cow looks like but need just about everything else, only learn about farming from the Archers!
Keep up the good work, if poss make more of these days during the year."
The co-operative farmers where all very friendly, helpful and informative. The additional displays were also very informative and interesting.
What a lovely idea, shame it was tipping it down. We had great fun although it might have been better if the farmers wore something so we knew who to direct any questions but other than that we had great fun feeding the chickens and looking at the piglets.
My husband and I took a 4 year old who absolutely loved it, particularly the huge tractors and machinery. It was excellently organised with a wide variety of interesting things to do and watch - very hands on.
It was useful when the farmer had written a short extract on the website - we could see what to expect and what time the farm was 'open'.
All the farmers we met (Wysipig at Ellis Hill Farm RG2 9JG, and Row Farm RG42 6NG) were welcoming and friendly. We had a lovely day. Thank you.