Open farm days coming to Strathmore

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The third annual Alberta Open Farm Days is coming later this summer to the Strathmore area on August 22 and 23.
“Open farm days is an opportunity for urban and rural people alike to understand and get to know rural Alberta, not only what’s being produced and by whom, but also seeing the terrain and being able to tour the country side in other communities,” said Tim Carson, CEO of Alberta Association of Agricultural Society in a phone interview.
This will be a great opportunity for people to be educated on day-to-day operations of farmers and ranchers.
“We have the opportunity across the province to have people who are producing products on their land. Everything from bison and cattle ranches to traditional farms, crops, oil, seeds and even stables, petting zoos and organic operations to market themselves and bring awareness to what their producing across the province,” said Carson.
“The agricultural industry is stewarding the land and probably making some of the best food in the world.”
He added that this event always has the possibility of expansion.
“I believe here, it’s a real opportunity to grow as an event. We had a little over 60 farms last year that participated and had totaling farm sales at $40,000,” said Carson.
“I believe there is an opportunity to grow that economic base on tourism and market sales.”
Carson is hopeful that they will exceed the $50,000 mark this year.
The Rocking R Guest Ranch in Strathmore will host the culinary event called the ‘BBQ in the Badlands’ this year and there will be plenty of activities planned.
“We had no participation in the past. We’re currently in the process of building a wedding venue at the ranch, so by the time Open Farm Days happens, our new tent will be in place,” said Terri Kinsman, owner of the Rocking R Guest Ranch.
“We thought that would be a good opportunity to participate in Open Farm Days. We know how important culinary tourism is and attracting people to Alberta,”
Kinsman says this will be a greatest way to showcase the area’s food producers.
“It’s a good opportunity to showcase Strathmore, perhaps putting Strathmore on the map in the future,” said Kinsman.
“It is a chance to highlight local food producers and Tera (Spyce of Community Futures in Strathmore) is doing a great job to attract those people.”
She also stated that if a producer had donated product, that there would be the possibility of a trade show that they can showcase their crop at.
Other events could include live entertainment, roping sessions, hayrides and putting a local winery in the spotlight.
The barbeque will begin at 4 p.m. on August 22.
The deadline for farmers and ranchers to register is May 30 and can find more information at albertfarmdays.com.