Open Farm Sunday

Fact or Fiction – the truth about LEAF Open Farm Sunday

With much of the UK population three or four generations removed from any connection with farming, even from knowing a farmer, it’s perhaps not surprising there is some misunderstanding and sometimes false perceptions about the agricultural industry especially amongst urban people. Farmers however, have the power to change this, to demonstrate all they deliver as food producers, custodians of the countryside and tackling climate change, as well as building loyalty for British food and encouraging some much-needed people into the industry.

A range of great initiatives have been helping to reduce the rural-urban divide - from Agritourism, Quality Meat Scotland’s Farm Kid Diaries and LEAF Education’s many outreach activities like Farmer Time and Farming Fortnight, which are bringing farming into the classroom. But one of the original, and arguably the most powerful initiatives is LEAF Open Farm Sunday. In one day, it gives thousands of people, across generations, interests and geographical locations, a genuine farm experience and opportunity to meet a farmer, ask questions and see farming at first hand.

It brings with it authenticity and provides a powerful platform to demonstrate to the increasingly conscious consumer what farmers are doing for the environment, a topic that is at the forefront of many current discussions.

Arable farmer and social media sensation, Ally Hunter Blair recently highlighted how far the perception of farming is from the reality on a LEAF Open Farm Sunday podcast.

“I think it’s important that people understand what happens on a modern farm. I’ve got a two-year-old daughter and as you go through her kids’ books, it portrays quite an old-fashioned model; it’s that nostalgic view. The reality of modern-day arable farming is linked to innovation, science and technology, and that is something that really excites me. On my LEAF Open Farm Sunday, I drew a big 2.5m circle in the grain store showing how accurate a mobile phone GPS is, so everyone could relate to it. I then drew another circle with a 50 pence piece in the middle and people couldn’t believe this massive tractor that was parked next to them, could drive itself within the diameter of the coin. Everyone now has a sat nav but they didn’t realise the level of accuracy – it blew their mind!”

Similarly, livestock farmer Grania Phillips, who has worked in the farming industry for over 30 years, feels the disconnect has been fuelled by misleading stories in the news.

“There is a real lack of understanding about where our food comes from, and what we actually do on farm. I think the public has all sorts of misconceptions fed to them by the media, particularly about carbon with the focus on cattle and methane. This is really to do with the large feedlots in other countries, not what we do here in the UK, so I really believe this needs counteracting.”

Both Ally and Grania strongly believe the best way to change consumer perceptions and attract individuals from non-farming into the industry, is to invite them onto a farm to see it in action.

National organisers of Open Farm Sunday, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) are encouraging farmers to open their gates to showcase all that the industry delivers. LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager, Annabel Shackleton, explained why LOFS is so important.

“The agricultural sector, like many others, is facing an employment crisis. We have more jobs available than individuals to fill them. In addition, LOFS is an wonderful opportunity for farmers to show the amazing work they do to produce nutritious food, preserve our countryside, and positively contribute to the environment.

“Visitors can ask questions and develop a greater understanding of the work that farmers do. Events don’t need to be large, a farm walk for a few people is just fine – farmers decide the type and size of event they want to hold.

“Every farmer who hosts an event becomes part of the LEAF Open Farm Sunday community, a network that is making a positive difference now, and in the future. If just one person from every event decided on a career in agriculture, that is several hundred new recruits. And with over a quarter of a million visitors connecting with farming each year on LEAF Open Farm Sunday, the power of collaboration really does have the ability to change perceptions.”

Hosting the public on farm can seem daunting, here we take a look at the myths and facts of hosting a LEAF Open Farm Sunday event:

LEAF Open Farm Sunday Myth Busting Myth – you have to own a diversification business to take part. LEAF Open Farm Sunday is open to any farmer who has a passion for sharing what they do, you don’t need a diversification business. Farmers participate to educate the public and build connections with their local community, and almost all events are free entry.

However, if you have a diversification business, it is a great way to bring in some extra income, awareness and build your customer database. If you are considering setting up a small enterprise, you could use LEAF Open Farm Sunday for market research. We do ask that you don’t charge more than £5 for entry.

Myth – you have to run a big event. Many farms open with a simple farm walk that lasts no more than a couple of hours. You can fully control where visitors go and what they see. You don’t need to bring in extra attractions, be confident that what you have already on the farm is new and interesting to visitors.

The LEAF Open Farm Sunday website is full of creative ideas, and activities to offer on the day without a lot of work. For example, there is a simple A-to-Z quiz sheet where children are encouraged to find something beginning with each letter… you might have to be creative with Z!

Fact – anyone can take part. All events must take part on a farm, croft or smallholding, but you don’t need to be a member of LEAF to participate and it is completely free. You must register your event at www. farmsunday.org. On registering you will receive a handbook with full guidance and top tips to help you plan your event, as well as access to lots of free resources.

Fact – LEAF Open Farm Sunday is on 12th June, but you can take part on another day. We appreciate farming is busy and not everyone can do the 12th June, so we also welcome registrations the week before or after, weekend or mid-week. We have some farms who keep their event small, less than 15 people, and a run a walk on the Saturday and Sunday, or consecutive Sunday’s in June. Others host a small event in the evening mid-week to tie in with a local community group who would like to visit, such as the brownies, guides or scouts. Others will open their gates to hundreds. All of this can be managed through LOFS’ free ticketing service.

Myth – my farm needs to be spotless and “perfect”. We are proud that those who participate in LEAF Open Farm Sunday are real working farms. Your farm does not have to be spotless, just an area that is safe and clean. You decide where visitors can go, avoiding areas where you would prefer the public not to visit! You could organize a self-guided farm walk, returning for a cup of tea and talk with the farmer in a shed with bales to sit on. Fact – livestock farms need to provide hand-washing facilities but a cold water tap is fine. If you have livestock you must provide hand washing facilities, but you don’t need to go to the expense of hiring in equipment. A cold running tap with liquid soap and paper towels is sufficient. The dirty water should go directly into a drain or collect in a container below the tap, and have a bin for paper towels. If you are offering catering, the handwashing should be located between the farm and catering area, so visitors wash their hands before consuming any refreshments.

Fact – it is never too late to take part. You can organise a farm walk with just a few weeks to go and invite friends or a local group to join you. You don’t need to advertise your event publicly, and you can keep the walk very simple. Registrations remain open throughout June, but you may not be able to get all the resources so the earlier you register, the better. And if you do decide you want to support LEAF Open Farm Sunday, but don’t have time to host your own event, why not think about supporting a neighbouring event which will give you a taste for future years.

Together let’s showcase British Farming - www.farmsunday. org