Experience farming first hand this weekend, as dozens of farms across Kent open their gates to visitors as part of the annual Open Farm Sunday.

The event showcases all that British agriculture offers and delivers.

It’s a chance to see what happens beyond the farm gate and show your support for British farming. There are opportunities to talk to farmers and find the answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

As well as producing nutritious food, farmers also grow crops for medicines and clothes, as well as crops used for fuel and building homes. Farmers care for more than 70% of the countryside, manage vital resources like water and soil, maintain miles of footpaths and hedgerows and provide homes for wildlife.

The mostly free, Open Farm Sunday is also a chance for children to see how our food is produced as well as discover why worms are so important for the soil; why there wouldn’t be much fruit and veg without bees, and how farmers look after animals like cows, sheep and pigs.

You can also see demonstrations such as sheep shearing at Brockhill Farm, near Hythe, and there will be pony rides on offer at Karoben in Smarden. You can also see science in action, including how farmers use the latest technology to farm sustainably and maybe take a peek inside a state of the art tractor. On many farms you will be able to take a farm walk or tractor and trailer ride such as at Clock House Farm, Coxheath, where there’ll also be a bouncy castle.

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager said: “From the wheat for our bread, and the potatoes and pork for our sausage and mash, to crops for fuel, clothes and even cosmetics, it all begins on a farm. Farmers play a vital part in our daily lives. Open Farm Sunday is your chance to show your support.”

DETAILS

Farming’s national open day, Open Farm Sunday, will be held at farms across the county on Sunday, June 10. To find a farm near

you go to farmsunday.org