February 2010:
All content has moved to http://drbexl.co.uk.
With
the growing interest in locally produced foodstuffs, do
you know how the food on your plate is produced? There
was an opportunity to find out at Shotford Hall Farm near
Harleston on Sunday 10th June, which opened their farm
as part of a national event 'Open
Farm Sunday'. Hosting such an event for the first
time, Tim Lewis, Tenant Farmer, had no idea whether to
expect 30 or 300 visitors, and in the event had over 500
coming through the gates. Clearly finding the day enjoyable,
many visitors stayed for several hours, with much to see:
machinery could be climbed on, animals (calves, cows,
sheep, chickens, and a bull) could be seen, egg-production
was explained, information about crops grown (wheat, barley,
sugar beet, maize, vining peas, oil seed rape and grass)
was provided. One highlight of the day was the opportunity
to watch the milking in progress. Another was the opportunity
to take a tractor ride around the farm, which included
information on the crops produced, an insight into conservation
and farm management practices, and beautiful views across
the Waveney Valley.
After all the excitement of all
these activities, there was a chance to sit down, relax,
and enjoy some home made food, with a hog roast, cream
teas and cakes, local ice cream and smoothies available.
Visitors gave much positive feedback, describing it as
'the perfect free day out for the family'. Tim was keen
to stress that the day was not a money-making exercise,
and that any profits would be given to
charity. The purpose of the day was to demonstrate the
links between food and farming, the efforts farmers make
to work and care for the countryside, and to give visitors
a real insight into farming, rather than the myths and
half-truths that surround the industry. The event was
staffed not only by friends and family of Lewis Partners,
but local farmers and businesses who worked together to
ensure that a wider variety of exhibits was available.
Businesses to which the farm supplies products, including
Dairy Crest, Birds Eye, and Silver Spoon, also provided
information packs to demonstrate the steps between farm
and plate.
