VERMONT — For the third consecutive year, farmers across Vermont will open their barn doors and garden gates to welcome the public for a behind-the-scenes look at Vermont’s vibrant working landscapes. Vermont Open Farm Week 2017 will be held Monday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 20, at dozens of farms in Vermont.
Open Farm Week is a celebration of Vermont farms offering visitors a backstage pass to learn more about local food origins, authentic agri-tourism experiences, and the chance to build relationships with local farmers. Activities vary and may include milking cows and goats, harvesting vegetables, collecting eggs, tasting farm fresh food, scavenger hunts, hayrides, farm dinners, and live music.
Each Open Farm Week event is created by a farmer and focused on highlighting the unique character of the host farm. Below are some highlights for the 2017 schedule:
Meet the Parris Hill Farm Alpacas Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20. Learn all about the alpaca anatomy, husbandry, evolution, migration, history, fleece, and products, at Parris Hill Farm, Brownsville.
Junior sugarmaker learning and quiz, Monday, Aug. 14 at Sugarbush Maple & Cheese Farm, Woodstock. Children and adults can sample maple syrup, walk the maple trail, visit the sugar house and learn how maple syrup is made. Earn a sugarmaker certificate after finding the answers to a 10-question quiz.
Open Farm Week Events are posted online at diginvt.com. Many events will be free. Not all farms are open every day, so be sure to check for detailed scheduling information to help plan a visit. Everyone is invited to join the Open Farm Week conversation on social media using the hashtag #VTOpenFarm.
Open Farm Week is a collaborative statewide agritourism project presented by the University of Vermont Extension, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Farm to Plate Network, Vermont Fresh Network, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, Shelburne Farms and Farm-Based Education, NOFA-VT, and City Market.
Courtesy of Vt. Dept. of Tourism
These Jersey cows welcome guests for an intimate look at farm life in Vermont.
