Local farms open gates to weekend of farming, food, fun

This weekend Vowgarve Farm, Ballymoney and Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle will be two of the 21 farms throughout Northern Ireland which will open their gates, fields and farmyards in a bid to improve understanding of our food, the farming families who produce it and the processes which bring it to our plates.

The unique initiative is part of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend – a completely free, not-for-profit event which runs from Sat 14 - Sun 15 June and is open to the entire community.... including those who are looking for a unique way to celebrate Father’s Day!

Vowguard Farm in Ballymoney is a thriving dairy farm which will offer visitors guided tours of the farm .

The aim it to highlight and explain the various processes involved in running the farm on a day-to-day basis.

Dairy processor Dale Farm will be on site to explain what happens to the milk once it leaves the farm, which results in an amazing range of dairy products in our shops and supermarkets.

The RSPB and a local vet will also attend the event to give talks about wildlife and animal husbandry. And the farmer will be opening the milking parlour to the public so everyone can get a first hand view of the cows being milked.

Charlie Cole, who runs Broughgammon goat farm in Ballycastle will present an amazing array of rural life including a farmer’s market and craft fair. There will be an outdoor barbecue, fete games, music and entertainment.

Food will be a major focus of the day – and the Coles will be serving up their famous ‘Billy Burgers’ and ‘Cabrito’ Fajitas – all made from their own goat meat. Guided tours and farm walks will ensure no-one leaves without a thorough understanding of life on this busy and productive farm.

Brian Knipe, Vowgarve Farm, 81 Vow Road, Ballymoney, BT53 7NX Tel: O7892495927. Open Saturday and Sunday 1pm-6pm. Charlie Cole, Broughgammon Farm, 50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6NP Tel: O7793485278. Open Saturday 10.30 – 5.30

Sunday 11am – 5.00pm