Be a Host Farm or Ranch for Alberta Open Farm Days

Farmers and ranchers are invited to share stories, educate and expand their markets as hosts for Alberta Open Farm Days, August 18 and 19, 2018.

Alberta Open Farm Days is a province-wide, two-day event that showcases agriculture, local food, and ag-tourism by inviting the public to come out and directly experience the farm.

“Open Farm Days benefits both host farms and the visitors,” says Colin Gosselin, senior project coordinator with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Albertans gain a better understanding of where their food comes from, and host farms make a direct connection to new customers.”

Leaman Exchange participated in Alberta Open Farm Days for the first time in 2017. Madison Sharman found the weekend was well worth the effort for her family’s farm. “We were able to promote ourselves to people who we wouldn’t normally be able to reach out to, so it was fantastic event for that.”

“I feel like lots of people want that genuine connection now. To talk with somebody and learn with your hands how to do something, or to actually touch the chicken, see the eggs, see where all that stuff comes from. We wanted to share that and what we love,” she adds.

“We met so many wonderful people in our area and connected with other farms,” says Sharman. “It’s not only bringing people from the city out to the farms, but it’s bringing other farms closer together, too.”

Alberta Open Farm Days Host Farm Registration is open until May 31, 2018.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry produced three videos to help out farms that may be considering participating in Open Farm Days, but may not know where to start. “These videos are a great resource because they profile some of the different types of farms that have opened their doors to Open Farm Days in the past,” adds Gosselin. “They give a quick overview of participants’ experiences, along with tips for hosting an open house.”

• Humphrey and Terry Banack operate a conventional grain and oilseed farm near Round Hill.
• The Jungle Farm is an established ag-tourism business.
• Daniel Chappell of Country Thyme Farm is a local food producer with a Farm Box Program.