Holding an Open Farm Sunday event – your questions answered

LEAF Open Farm Sun­day (LOFS) takes place on 12 June 2022.

If you’ve wondered about getting involved but are not sure whether your farm is suitable, our guide to agriculture’s annual public ‘open day’ should answer all your questions.

See also: Calls for farmers to open their gates for LOFS 2022

Do I need a diversification business?

You don’t need a diversification business to take part. The event is open to any farmer who has a passion for sharing what they do, regardless of size or sector.

Many farms participate to build connections with their local community, and almost all events are free entry.

There is always a story to tell, whether it’s about livestock, cereals, or farming for the environment.

However, if you do have a diversification business, it is a great way to create awareness and bring in some extra income.

Or if you are considering setting up a small enterprise, you could use it to test interest. LOFS just asks that you don’t charge more than £5 for entry.

Do I have to run a big event?

Many farms open with a simple farm walk that lasts no more than a couple of hours.

You have full 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 engaging to visitors.

The LOFS website is full of 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.

LOFS also offers a free ticketing service so you can monitor and limit numbers.

Does my farm needs to be spotless?

You do not need to have an immaculate farm, just an area that is safe, clean and tells a story.

LOFS is proud that participants are real working farms, so it’s understandable if there is a particularly muddy spot or an area where you would prefer the public not to visit.

You can limit where visitors go, or provide maps for a self-guided farm walk, returning for a cup of tea and talk with you in a shed with few bales to sit on.

© Leaf

What should I talk about?

For those who don’t have the opportunity to visit farms, learning about what is involved in rearing livestock, the tech behind their breakfast cereal or how grazing helps soil health is all new and interesting.

Many visitors will guide the conversation with their questions, and you know the subject better than anyone.

Be confident in what you do and don’t want to talk about, but often explaining the tricky subjects is good for greater understanding.

Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf) has plenty of cribsheets on how to explain different aspects of farming.

The most important thing is to make visitors feel welcome, to be authentic, and keep the language and stories in terms that non-farmers can relate to and enjoy.

Can I only take part if I’m a member of Leaf?

You must have a farm, croft or smallholding to take part, but you don’t need to be a member of Leaf to participate, and it is completely free. All you need to do is register.

On registering, you will receive a handbook with full guidance and tips to help you plan your event, including health and safety and activity ideas, as well as access to free printable resources.

Can I host a LOFS event on different day?

Farming is busy and not everyone can do the second Sunday of June (12 June in 2022), so Leaf welcomes registrations the week before or after, weekend or midweek.

Some farms choose to keep their event small, for as few as 15 people, and host a walk on the Saturday and Sunday.

Others host a small event in the evening midweek to tie in with a local community group which would like to visit, such as the Brownies, Scouts or Rotary. Others will open their gates to hundreds, maybe thousands.

Dates and numbers can be set and managed through the LOFS free ticketing service.

Do I need to provide hot water for washing hands?

You must provide handwashing facilities, but you don’t need to go to the expense of hiring equipment.

A cold running tap with soap and paper towels is sufficient. The dirty water should go directly into a drain or collect in a container below the tap, and paper towels in a disposable bin.

If you are offering catering, the handwashing should be located between the farm and catering area, encouraging visitors to wash their hands before consuming any refreshments.

© Leaf

Is it too late to take part on LOFS?

There’s still time. Obviously, the earlier you register the better, to allow for planning and receiving all the resources – especially if you would like to host a bigger event.

However, registering on the website remains open throughout June and many visitors will check for local venues the fortnight before.

You can easily 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, sharing your stories and local knowledge as you walk.

Equally, if you do decide you want to support LOFS, but don’t have time to host your own event, why not think about supporting a neighbouring farmer, which will give you a taste for future years.

For all enquiries or to register an event, see farmsunday.org