Led by the Ulster Farmers’ Union with Bank of Ireland as title sponsor, this year’s programme features 18 working farms across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on crucial issues such as food poverty, sustainability, and farm safety.
Throughout the weekend there is expected to be upwards of 15,000 visitors eager to participate in a diverse programme of free activities. Some farms will open to schools on Friday, June 14 with 14 welcoming the public on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16.
The Open Farm Weekend welcomes visitors of all ages to enjoy a variety of engaging activities. It aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, providing an opportunity for people to gain insight into the agricultural sector and experience the local farm to fork story.
Here are the farms open to the public:
Farms open on Saturday, June 15:
Armagh Apple Farm, Portadown; Ballylagan Organic Farm, Ballyclare; Beatties Glenpark Farm, Omagh; Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry / Londonderry; Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle; Bullsbrook Farm, Dromore; Castlescreen Farm, Downpatrick; CAFRE Greenmount, Antrim; CAFRE Enniskillen Campus, Enniskillen; Churchview Farm, Castlewellan; Donagh Cottage Farm, Donaghcloney; Jubilee Farm, Larne; Laurel View Farm, Templepatrick; Lislagan Farm, Ballymoney.
Farms open on Sunday June 16:
Armagh Apple Farm, Portadown; Ballylagan Organic Farm, Ballyclare; Beatties Glenpark Farm, Omagh; Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry / Londonderry; Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle; Castlescreen Farm, Downpatrick; CAFRE Greenmount, Antrim; Donagh Cottage Farm, Donaghcloney; Laurel View Farm, Templepatrick.
For more details, go to: www.openfarmweekend.com
9. Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry / Londonderry
In 1856, the estate became the home of the Gilliland family who has maintained and developed this landscape through six generations to the present day. This has included planting one of the finest arboretums in the Northwest of Ireland, specialising in its collection of conifers, rhododendrons, magnolias, and camellias. Over the past 30 years, Brook Hall Estate & Gardens has led the way in researching and promoting energy, environmental, and landscape management strategies to succeed in true sustainability and inspire behavioural change, becoming the first farm in Northern Ireland to be measurably carbon positive. Photo: McAuley Multimedia
10. Beatties Glenpark Farm, Omagh
Beatties is a family farm near Omagh that is owned by Richard and Selina Beattie. Richard is a livestock auctioneer and has lived on the Glenpark Road his whole life, moving from his childhood home to live in his own family home. The farm is well-known for its picturesque surroundings and range of pedigree sheep and cows. During the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend the farm will have lots of activities for visitors and also an LMC cookery demonstration. Photo: Released on behalf of Beatties Glenpark Farm
11. Ballylagan Organic Farm, Ballyclare
Ballylagan is a fully organic 120-acre family farm in rural south east Antrim owned by Patricia & Tom Gilbert . The farm has two self guided trails on the farm for visitors and customers to enjoy. The walks are open all year round and the farm has spring foraging walks and trails. The farm produces beef, lamb, pork and vegetables and these are sold through its on-site farm shop. Photo: Released on behalf of Ballylagan Organic Farm
12. Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, Portadown
The Troughton family have been growing apples here for five generations since 1898. The family farm has also been home to a hugely successful sport horse breeding stud for over 20 years. Since 2006 they have been leading the way with innovative apple products and created award-winning, natural and hand-crafted cider, apple juices and most recently flavoured tonics made with the spring water on the farm. Photo: Released on behalf of Armagh Apple Farm