Hundreds turn out for Open Farm Sunday and Farmers’ Market at Shropshire's Harper Adams University

MORE than 1,000 members of the public flocked to Shropshire’s Harper Adams University for its first Open Farm Sunday event.

The event, which was run alongside the university’s Summer Farmers’ Market, was held on Sunday as part of the national initiative organised by Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF).

Around 400 visitors took part in the tractor-trailer rides around the university’s farm, stopping off to take part in various farm-related talks and activities looking at crops, the dairy unit and insects.

The university’s farm was one of hundreds across the country that welcomed visitors on Sunday giving them the chance to take a behind-the-scenes look at British farming.

There were also 58 stalls showcasing their products at the Farmers’ Market, selling everything from pork pies to curry spices and woodwork to jewellery.

Newport Brass Band kept visitors entertained as they perused the many stalls in the sunshine.

Dr David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor of the university near Newport, said: “Our first Open Farm Sunday was a great success. We had excellent weather, a Farmers’ Market that really brought out the crowds, and staff and students who helped provide our visitors with insights into our farm and the wide range of agricultural science we undertake at Harper Adams, from managing pests and crops, producing milk and using food waste to create energy.

“It was great to see so many young people with their parents at this event, and we all hope that everyone enjoyed their day out at the university.”

Natalie Saxton, Technical Assistant at the university’s Regional Food Academy, who organises the Farmers’ Markets, said the day had been a huge success.

She added: “We thought it was a very successful day overall - busy and interesting. It was nice to see so many people sitting around enjoying the sun and good food.

“We had some great feedback from stallholders and members of the public impressed by the number and range of stalls on offer and how helpful the staff were in helping set up and run the event.”

A total of £136 was made on the raffle which was split between the Music Therapy Trust Shrewsbury, NSPCC Shrewsbury and Hilbrae Rescue Kennels.

ENDS

Sarah Swinnerton
Harper Adams Press Office
Newport, Shropshire
01952 815291

Harper Adams University is the UK's leading specialist provider of higher education for the rural and land-based industries. Our mission is to deliver higher education and research for the delivery of a sustainable food chain and rural economy. To see how Harper Adams can help you, visit www.harper-adams.ac.uk 

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