Saskatchewan Open Farm Days connects consumers with local food, producers

For most people, a drive through Saskatchewan means endless fields, rolling pastures, and barns on the horizon. But this weekend, those familiar sights are opening their gates and inviting you in for Saskatchewan Open Farm Days.

“(People) essentially get the backstage pass to the farm. They get to go and see and learn about the things that they drive by on the highway,” said Ashley Stone, event coordinator with Open Farm Days.

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Now in its third year, Saskatchewan Open Farm Days gives people a chance to connect with the farmers, producers and food makers behind what ends up on their plates.

“Given that we’re the bread basket of Canada, and we have so much diversity here in agriculture to offer, we wanted to bring it here,” Stone said. “It’s done nothing but grow, which is in true Saskatchewan style,” she said

This year’s event features 37 host locations stretching across the province from Lloydminster to Val Marie, with opportunities to explore everything from grain and dairy operations to organic farming and vermiculture.

“It’s such a great opportunity to go and have those conversations and really learn about agriculture,” she said.

Open Farm Days is offering three bus tours on Saturday, with departures from Saskatoon and Swift Current.

“We do still have a few seats left on the Swift Current bus, and there are a couple on the Saskatoon buses,” Stone said on Friday.

The Swift Current tour route highlights the range of stories found throughout Saskatchewan agriculture, including a century-old family farm and a newer local operation.

“Linda Mecki has been doing this for a remarkably long time. Her farm is over 100 years old,” she said. “The stop before that is Amy at Bendy Creek Botanicals, and she’s brand new to this.”

While the two locations may have different histories, Stone said they share something important.

“The passion that is between those two locations is just incredible,” Stone said. “The stories they have of creating food and why they’re doing what they’re doing are just so remarkable.”

Stone said one thing remains clear: the bond between people and place continues to shape how the land is valued.

“I think just the connection that people have to the land and the care that they take for it, and understanding their role in agriculture and how they can be advocates for producers and for makers in our food system,” she said.

Open Farm Days is also an opportunity for people to discover more locally produced food and bring a piece of Saskatchewan agriculture home.

From beef and honey to vegetables, wine, and other locally made products, Stone said Saskatchewan has plenty to offer.

“We really have a wide way to fill your pantries here,” she said.

Whether you’re taking a bus tour, creating your own road trip, or stopping by a local farm close to home, Stone said Saskatchewan Open Farm Days is a chance to meet the people behind the food.

“You really get the opportunity to go in and chat to those lovely people themselves and really get into it,” Stone said.

Information on participating farms, tour information, and weekend activities can be found at skopenfarmdays.ca.

Read more:

• Harvest begins on some Saskatchewan farms while other producers hope for rain
• Saskatchewan Senator Todd Lewis dies at 65