Planning on attending Open Farm Day this year? Whether you are a first time participant or returning visitor keep these few tips in mind to get the most out of your Open Farm Day experience!
1. Check out the farms: The most up-to-date farm profiles are available by visiting www.openfarmdaymadisoncounty.com. Read each farm's profile to get a snapshot of what each stop has to offer. There is a wide variety of farms this year and with 38 farms participating there is definitely something for everyone!
2. Pick a lunch location: There are multiple farms offering lunch options this year! Where do you plan to be? There are lunch spots located all throughout the county. In the North region visit Greyrock Farm or Ridgeville Farm. If you are out in the East Region stop by New Moon Farms. In the Southern part of the county visit Endless Trails Guest House for burgers. Farms in the West Region serving lunch include: Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co., Dizzy Lizzie's Farm, Empire Buffalo, LLC., Meadowood Farms, and Skanda!
3. Plan your route: Don't miss out on some of the special scheduled activities that will be running at different farms throughout the day. Interested in seeing a milking demonstration on a sheep farm? Stop by Meadowood at 3:00pm! Try to catch a milking demonstration at one of our participating dairy farms. Check out New Moon Farms', Durfee Farm Stand & Tuscarora Dairy, LLC, and Red Gate Farm's profiles for more details. You never know what you are going to see at Open Farm Day! Our Farm will have Boris the giant catapult, launching watermelons every hour on the hour., starting at 11:00AM. Interested in learning more about how a grass-based dairy operates? Stop by Red Gate for one of their scheduled pasture walks. Of course there are lots of special and fun activities that you can only see at Open Farm Day. There are so many new and returning farms all with great experiences to offer the hard part is choosing just a few!
4. Bring a friend: Open Farm Day is a great day for all. Adults and children of all ages will find activities perfect for them! So grab a group and make an entire day of it! All participating farms are open for visitors from 10am to 4pm!
5. Pack a cooler: Last, but definitely not least, do not forget to pack your cooler! There will be many farms with products for sale. On what we hope will be a beautiful and sunny July day you won't won't to turn down the chance to keep your raw milk, cheese, or vegetable samples fresh!
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