A working college farm is preparing to open its gates to the public as part of the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday.
Myerscough College will welcome visitors to Lodge Farm, on St Michael’s Road, Bilsborrow, from 10am to 3pm this Sunday.
The event will give families the chance to see the college farm in operation, meet animals and learn more about farming, food production and agricultural careers.
Attractions will include a countryside trail, sheepdog demonstrations, agricultural machinery displays, children’s activities, trade stands, food and craft stalls, a barbecue and refreshments.
Visitors will also be able to watch robotic milking machines in action and see Level One students present a Hereford cow show, after spending several weeks preparing and training livestock for the event.
The day is part of LEAF Open Farm Sunday, run by the sustainable farming charity Linking Environment And Farming, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
The national campaign encourages farmers to open their gates to the public, share their stories and put farming centre stage.
Andrea Gardner, farm director at Myerscough Farms, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming lots of people to Open Farm Sunday.
“We will be showing some Hereford cows, milking the goats. You’ll go from seeing small animals, to automation in the robotic dairy parlour.
“It’s a great opportunity to see Myerscough Farm in operation.”
There will also be course and careers advice available for anyone interested in studying or working in agriculture and related industries.
Dave Singleton, agriculture lecturer at Myerscough College, said Level One students had been working with animals for 10 weeks ahead of the event.
He said: “Level One students have been working with animals for 10 weeks, are getting livestock ready and trained for Open Farm Sunday.
“The students will be holding a raffle to raise funds for two charities, Farmers Community Network, a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community, and RABI, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, a major UK charity that supports farming people across England and Wales who are facing financial, physical, or mental hardship.”
Admission costs £5 per vehicle and advance booking is required to secure parking.
No dogs will be allowed on site because Lodge Farm is a working farm.
1. Sheep
Staff and students at Myerscough College are preparing for their Open Farm Sunday event. The national annual agricultural day, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, encourages farmers to open their gates, tell their unique stories and put farming centre stage | National World Photo: Michelle Adamson
2. Ben Heaps, sheep lead at Myerscough College with Glen
Ben Heaps, sheep lead at Myerscough College, with sheepdog Glen. Staff and students at Myerscough College are preparing for their Open Farm Sunday event. The national annual agricultural day, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, encourages farmers to open their gates, tell their unique stories and put farming centre stage | National World
3. Dave Singleton, agriculture lecturer
Dave Singleton, agriculture lecturer at Myerscough College. Staff and students at Myerscough College are preparing for their Open Farm Sunday event. The national annual agricultural day, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, encourages farmers to open their gates, tell their unique stories and put farming centre stage | National World Photo: Michelle Adamson
4. Preparing for Open Farm Sunday
Students have been working with livestock for ten-weeks to prepare for the event. Staff and students at Myerscough College are preparing for their Open Farm Sunday event. The national annual agricultural day, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, encourages farmers to open their gates, tell their unique stories and put farming centre stage | National World Photo: Michelle Adamson