Ballymoney and Ballycastle farms to take part in Open Farm Weekend

The Ulster Farmers’ Union recently announced the names of the nine County Antrim farms taking part in this year’s event which will run on the 14th and 15th June.

The initiative will see 22 farms across Northern Ireland open their gates to show the public how their food is produced and to demonstrate the health and diversity of the farming sector in Northern Ireland.

The number of County Antrim farms taking part in this year’s event remains the same as last year but the line-up has changed with two new farms taking part in the initiative in 2014.

Barclay Bell, Deputy President of the UFU explained: “We’re delighted to see seven returning local farms taking part in our event this year and to see two new farms who will help give a totally new experience to farm visitors. While many people in County Antrim have links to the countryside, The Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend always presents a fantastic learning opportunity for young children to see how the food they eat is grown right here in their home county.”

William Thompson, Agri-Manager with event sponsor Bank of Ireland UK added: “The Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a free fun day out whilst learning about life on the farm and how our food is produced. Anyone can pick up leaflets or view information about the initiative and their local participating farms in Bank of Ireland branches in Antrim, Ballymena, Glengormley, Lisburn and Belfast.”

Last year’s event saw a dramatic rise in visitor numbers with 10,000 visitors attending an open farm event in comparison to 5,000 in 2012. This year the organisers are hoping for another boost in visitor numbers for this popular free family day out. More information on all of the farms taking part across Northern Ireland can be found on www.openfarmweekend.com and the organisers will be posting interviews with each farmer on social media in the lead up to the event.