The options to experience farm life in Alberta will be nearly endless this weekend.
Open Farm Days 2016 will take place on Saturday, Aug 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 with a record number of farmers, ranchers and agri-tourism venues swinging open the gates to their places in hopes that visitors will take a chance to see just how agriculture brings food to their tables. This is the fourth year the province is sponsoring Open Farm Days, which will see more than 100 host sites participating.
Ponoka area producers taking part include MSW Farms a short drive northwest and Rock Ridge Dairy located southwest of Ponoka.
Alberta’s minister of agriculture and forestry Oneil Carlier explained the weekend is about creating awareness and helping people appreciate farmings contribution.
“Alberta has a well-earned reputation for quality, thanks to the hard work and commitment to excellence of the more than 89,000 people who work in the agriculture and agri-food industry,” he stated in a release.
“Open Farm Days is a great opportunity for Albertans to show their support for Alberta producers, while learning more about how their food is grown and why our province’s agriculture businesses are thriving.”
Meanwhile, Ricardo Miranda, the province’s minister of culture and tourism, said the weekend is the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a staycation and enjoy the beautiful bounty rural areas can provide.
While a number of the province’s top chefs will be offering unique culinary experiences throughout the weekend at various locations, Sunday will feature agricultural producers across Alberta offering up various activities ranging from hay rides to on-farm demonstrations.
Admission to the farms will be free, however there may be some costs associated with some activities being made available.
To plan your trips and find out more information, head to www.albertafarmdays.com for a full list of events and participating farms with complete details including open times and directions.
Alberta Open Farms Days is a collaboration of the Government of Alberta, Ag for Life, the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, Travel Alberta and participating farms, ranches and local agricultural societies.