Open Farm Sunday draws thousands to UK farms
© Pinstone Farmers across the UK welcomed about 200,000 visitors on Sunday 8 June for Open Farm Sunday, offering a behind-the-scenes look at farming, food production, and sustainability.
Organised by Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf), the initiative aims to build public trust in agriculture, encourage transparency, and inspire future careers in the sector.
See also: Farmers Weekly launches kids’ farm safety campaign
Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager, said: “Hundreds of events across the UK have showcased how farmers are working in harmony with nature and encouraged open discussions that address vital issues, including climate change, sustainability, food security, and youth engagement with agriculture.”
Now in its 19th year, the national event saw 270 farms open their gates – a 20% rise from 2024.
Abi Reader, a mixed farmer in south Wales and deputy president of NFU Cymru, hosted 900 visitors.
She posted on X: “Open Farm Sunday omplete. Huge thanks to all 900 visitors for their support and enormous thanks to my incredible team for pulling it off once again.”
Joe Stanley, head of training and partnerships at the Allerton Project, a 320ha demonstration farm in Leicestershire, echoed the importance of public engagement.
Another great @OpenFarmSunday at @AllertonProject – never been more important to talk to people about where their food comes from & what 🇬🇧 farmers are doing to care for the environment 🌾 🐞
Hopefully a few young people who will consider a career in food & farming 👩🌾 pic.twitter.com/c3CVZkGsHj
— Joe Stanley (@JoeWStanley) June 8, 2025
“Another great Open Farm Sunday at the Allerton Project – it’s never been more important to talk to people about where their food comes from and what British farmers are doing to care for the environment.
“Hopefully, a few young people will consider a career in food and farming.”
One of the largest turnouts was at Park Farm Thorney, in Peterborough, which saw more than 1,800 visitors arrive in just two hours.
Recent research by Leaf found only 20% of Generation Z believe farming is essential in tackling climate change, though nearly half (46%) would consider a career in farming or food.
Open Farm Sunday aims to address this knowledge gap by connecting people directly with on-farm experiences.
BBC coverage
Despite a BBC report highlighting the risk of cryptosporidiosis, which many feared would inhibit attendance, organisers stated participating farms maintain high health and safety standards, and attendance was strong nationwide.
Ms Shackleton said: “BBC Breakfast on Saturday morning highlighted the important issue of cryptosporidium.
“The BBC’s segment and subsequent pick-up in other media outlets has demonstrated how farmers work to ensure the safety of visitors, as well as outlining the responsibility the public has for their own wellbeing by following thorough handwashing guidelines after being in proximity of livestock.”
The illness, caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum, affects young calves and can result in colic, dehydration, and diarrhoea.
Next year’s Open Farm Sunday will take place on 7 June 2026.