MOOSE JAW — A two-day, province-wide event that aims to celebrate Saskatchewan’s agricultural roots is giving people a chance to learn about where their food comes from in a hands-on way.
Saskatchewan Open Farm Days occurs on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10, with farms, ranches, orchards, gardens and food producers from Spiritwood to Val Marie opening their gates for people to put their boots on the ground and learn about how their food is produced.
This event offers everything from hands-on grain and dairy experiences to first-hand sights and smells of livestock, tours of orchards and apiaries, strolls through gardens, and stories about the people and products that make rural communities thrive.
Visitors can choose to participate by taking either a guided bus tour or visiting participating farms across the province on their own as part of an “ag-cation.”
With the guided bus tours, the Saskatchewan Open Farm Days organization will provide a curated bus tour that showcases a unique region of Saskatchewan agriculture. Each tour includes visits to hand-picked farms or producers, offering a full day of immersive, farm-fresh fun.
The Moose Jaw tour will take visitors to Prairie Bee Meadery, the Western Development Museum, Pine Ranch and Hodgeville Farming Co. Ltd.
“Venture into the heart of southern Saskatchewan’s agricultural roots on the Moose Jaw Open Farm Days bus tour,” the agricultural organization said. “From sweet mead tastings to working ranch visits and a delicious colony-style lunch, this day offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into prairie life … .”
Other tours are happening in the Regina and Saskatoon areas; locations on the Regina tour include the Regina Farmers’ Market, Over the Hill Orchards and Winery in Lumsden, Seven Meadow Farms and Western Pizza (South) for a pizza class.
People can also create their own self-exploration “ag-cation” and win prizes in the process. For those who want to explore at their own pace, they should download the free Open Farm Days Pass and start checking out farms across Saskatchewan.
“We have curated some ingredients and regional-focused itineraries for you to explore, (and) the more farms you visit, the more chances you’ll have to win fantastic prizes, all while creating a personalized rural adventure that’s as unique as you are,” the organization said.
Each of the 35 host locations will offer at least one free activity, along with optional items for sale, including fresh produce, local food, handmade products, and more.
The full list of participating farms can be found at www.skopenfarmdays.ca.
“Saskatchewan Open Farm Days is more than a weekend road trip, it’s a celebration of the people, practices, and passion that power our province’s agriculture,” the organization added. “Come meet the farmers, hear their stories, and see first-hand what it takes to grow the food we all rely on.”
