Experience farm life and learn about the origins of your food on Maine Open Farm Day, held this year on Sunday, July 28.

“This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for families, educators, and anyone curious about agriculture to connect with farmers and explore Maine's vitally important agricultural community,” said Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in a news release.

DACF provides the following information for an enjoyable experience:

Why Attend Maine Open Farm Day?

Maine Open Farm Day offers a unique chance to:

• Experience Farm Life: Discover the daily operations of a working farm, meet the animals, and learn about crop production.
• Educational Opportunities: Gain insights into sustainable farming practices, the importance of local agriculture, and the food journey from farm to table.
• Good Fun: Enjoy a day in rural communities across each of Maine’s 16 counties, with activities for all ages, from farm tours and demonstrations to hands-on experiences and local food tastings.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, July 28, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Location: Various participating farms across Maine
• Admission: Free
• Lean more: RealMaine.com

Top Twelve Tips for a Respectful and Rewarding Farm Visit:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

1. Don't Ignore Farm Rules: Follow all guidelines provided by farm staff to ensure safety and avoid disruptions.
2. Don't Wander Off: Stay within designated areas, follow marked paths to prevent accidents, and ensure you don't get lost.
3. Don't Feed the Animals Without Permission: Always ask the farmer to ensure it's safe and appropriate before feeding any animals.
4. Don't Startle the Animals: Approach animals calmly and quietly to avoid causing them stress or defensive behavior.
5. Don't Bring Pets: Leave your pets at home to prevent the introduction of diseases to farm animals and avoid stress or aggressive encounters.
6. Don't Touch Equipment: Farm machinery can be dangerous; only handle equipment with explicit permission and supervision.
7. Don't Leave Gates Open: Always close gates behind you to prevent animals from escaping and creating additional work for farmers.
8. Don't Litter: Dispose of trash properly to protect animals and the environment.
9. Don't Wear Inappropriate Clothing: To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, dress in sturdy, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
10. Don't Ignore Safety Signs: Follow all posted signs and warnings to keep yourself and others safe.
11. Do check the local listings before you head out: Life on the farm can be unpredictable, and schedule adjustments may happen for any reason. Plus, you may find spots open on both days!
12. Do plan to shop: There are plenty of options from home goods to farm-fresh food. Enjoy the best quality of perishables; use an insulated tote or cooler and keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot!

Join Maine Open Farm Day for a fun, learning, and community-minded day! For more information and a list of participating farms, please visit RealMaine.com.