Find your local farm participating at farmsunday.org.
Here’s 7 reasons to attend Open Farm Sunday this year:
1. Meet your local farmer
Open Farm Sunday is a great opportunity to learn directly from farmers about their role as food producers and custodians of our iconic countryside. Take a look around the farm, meet the animals and get involved in activities on the day.
1 in 5 visitors who attended an event last year had never visited a farm before, and 96% of visitors said they now have a greater appreciation of the work farmers do.
“1 in 5 visitors who attended an event last year had never visited a farm before."
LEAF research from Open Farm Sunday 2023
2. Fun for all the family
The family-friendly event is a great day out for all ages to learn about how a farm runs and where your food comes from.
One visitor said: “I came with my wife and 2 sons to see the true way in which dairy cows are farmed in Britain. We were blown away at how well everything is run and the attention to detail that comes with farming. All the staff are unbelievably helpful and knowledgeable in their trade. We will definitely visit again and pass on the good word.”
3. Something for everyone
Each farm will offer something unique, based around the farm’s individual story. You can find something for everyone - from small farms offering self-guided walks to larger open days offering a full range of family attractions and catering.
Activities differ from farm to farm and could include anything from a simple farm walk or nature trail to tractor and trailer rides, machinery demonstrations, pond dipping, activities for children, food tasting, mini farmers’ market, or a farm shop.
4. See how farmers are caring for the environment
Visitors will learn first-hand how farmers are committed to sustainability, biodiversity, animal welfare, and managing the countryside.
93% of visitors in 2023 said that the event gave them a better understanding of what sustainably produced food means, and 89% said that visiting a farm inspired them to buy more British produce.
“89% said that visiting a farm inspired them to buy more British produce."
LEAF research of visitors to Open Farm Sunday 2023
5. At the cornerstone of the rural economy
Discover how British farmers create a countryside that works for everyone, providing the raw ingredients for a food and farming sector worth over £120 billion and employing more than four million people.
6. Learn about the different jobs in farming and agriculture
From farmers to crop doctors, farm vets to agricultural engineers, by visiting a farm you can get a better understanding of the huge range of jobs that keep British agriculture running. 41% of visitors who attended an event last year said that somebody in their group is now considering a career in the sector.
One visitor said: “It was great to visit a working farm and see the farmer demonstrate the process of sheep shearing. He spoke so passionately about being a farmer and living his childhood aspirations as a sheep farmer. Getting up close to the lambs, pigs, sheep and calf was lovely. It was a very well spent afternoon in the sunshine, learning about British farming and the trials and tests of the farming lifestyle.”
7. Farms are taking part all across the country
Last year, over 250 farmers and landowners opened their farms across Britain, with over 170,000 visitors attending. Find your local farm participating at farmsunday.org.
'Seeing our work through fresh eyes'
Around 600 people attended the Open Farm Sunday event at Elm Tree Farm in Bristol in 2023. The farm takes care of a variety of livestock and grows a range of produce. They are also a Care Farm, providing support and training to adults with learning disabilities and autism.
As well as tours around the farm, activities in 2023 included food and music, crafts and play activities, and meet the animals sessions. Sitting in the tractor for a photo opportunity was very popular!
Farmer Lisa said: “People are genuinely interested in farming and are keen for their children to connect with nature and where their food comes from. Our favourite moment is the number of people saying they had no idea we did so much here. Seeing our site and our work through fresh eyes always leaves me incredibly proud of what we do here.”