ENJOY a taste of rural life on June 17 at the annual Open Farm Sunday event.

Farms across Dorset will be welcoming visitors throughout the day and inviting the public to meet the workers and animals and see how their local food is produced, following the release of research showing that many consumers have even a basic knowledge of how their food is produced.

Open Farm Sunday also gives an invaluable insight into how our rural landscape is maintained.

Each Open Farm Sunday event is unique and could include exciting things to see ranging from milking robots or sheep shearing to farm animals or local wildlife. Events may also offer activities to enjoy like tractor trailer rides, food tastings or picking your own fruit.

For those interested in tractors and technology, many farms will have displays and demonstrations of modern equipment.

Among the farms opening this year are Steven’s Farm at Martinstown near Dorchester, Denhay Farm near Beaminster, Washingpool Farm near Bridport and Fancy’s Family Farm on Portland.

Chris Barnes of Stevens Farm said: “My family and I are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our farm so people can find out for themselves about the story behind their food and see how we care for the countryside too. During your visit you will discover how we raise our cows to produce the finest Suckler beef and why we believe traditional breeds of pigs produce the best pork. You can also take a guided tour through our farm that we manage with wildlife in mind.

“There will be lots to see and do including guided farm tours, as well as refreshments and a display of some of the equipment we use.”

Open farm Sunday is a national event organised by LEAF – Linking Environment And Farming.

Caroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAF said: “Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to visit the countryside and find out for themselves about how the food they eat is produced – from breakfast cereals, bread and cheese to vegetables, fruit and milk and even cooking oil, our farmers produce it all.

“You can also see how farmers care for the countryside and the wildlife there, such as the woodlands, hedgerows and wildflower meadows they manage.” For more details call 02476 413911 or visit farmsunday.org or leafuk.org.