Andy Bason - Newhouse Farm
Newhouse Farm is an 800 hectare farm near Winchester. Completely owned by the Cammack family since 1999. We are a LEAF Demonstration Farm and FC Woodland Ambassador, having 10 ha. of woodland creation and 10 ha. of agroforestry.
Our first Open Farm Sunday at Newhouse Farm was in 2019 when we invited 50 people
Our first Open Farm Sunday was in 2019, when we invited 50 locals to attend. The event has grown over the years as we have become more confident to host more significant events, and in 2023, we welcomed 1500 people to the farm on Open Farm Sunday.
Hosting Open Farm Sunday and other similar events is important to showcase what we, as farmers, are doing; it is a great way to show the public that making informed choices about where their food comes from matters. Now, there is a huge demand for knowledge about farming from the public. We, as farmers, owe it to our industry to maintain and fill the current knowledge gap.
My favourite moment is walking around the event and listening to the conversations and comments from the public, which are nearly always positive.
Our format for the day is having several stands showing the different aspects of our farm (woodland management, livestock, arable, cluster group). We also offer a 10-minute tractor and trailer ride, which drives around a section of the farm. This format works for our location and seems to cater to multiple people. Every year is the same, but it might slightly differ through different attractions.
When it comes to help and support from people, we always underestimate the number of people required as we host a BBQ with our own produce and have our own stands. The local young farmers support by helping to do the car parking and local businesses loan display machinery.
If you have never done an Open Farm Sunday event before maybe help at another event first to see how things are run. The Open Farm Sunday website is also a good place to find lots of tips and information.
Top tips: Start small, possibly invite only a local group or society. Then let it grow year on year.
Keen to take part and host an event this year? Register your event here.
Questions? Contact the Open Farm Sunday team: [email protected] or phone 07912 463151
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