Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is one of the farming industry’s biggest success stories. Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, over 1600 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed 2 million people onto their farm for one Sunday each year.

It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food, enhancing the countryside and all the goods and services farmers provide.

This year on Sunday, June 10th, I visited Hopes Ash Farm in Hope Mansell, Ross-on-Wye, and Haygrove in Newent.

Hopes Ash Farm had a farm trail, machinery and animals to see, as well as a sheep shearing demonstration, cider tasting, a play barn with a grain pit, a bale climbing frame, face painting, and a craft table.

There was also the opportunity to watch the dairy cows being mechanically milked, and ask the staff at Hopes Ash Farm questions about the milking process. This was really interesting, and the cows were very friendly! You could also try some of their Arla milk produce.

I then visited Haygrove at Newent, which offered guided tours, with a tractor and trailer ride taking you around the strawberry, raspberry and blackberry fields. There was even the opportunity to walk through the polytunnels and pick your own strawberries - and there was a competition as to who could choose the biggest!

The staff were friendly and extremely informative, explaining their growing techniques, sustainability practices and community garden projects.

They showed a great understanding and passion for protecting the environment, and explained their aims to become carbon neutral, and have zero waste to landfill by 2023.

They answered all of the questions of my tour group, including questions about the on-site residents and their nationalities, the recruitment process, and how they will be affected by Brexit.

They also explained their fruit selection and packing process and how they work with the supermarkets on a national scale.

I was particularly impressed by the organisation at Haygrove and had a fantastic day at both farms.

The events are free and I highly recommend them. Next year I hope to visit a few more farms in the area!