Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DF&WT) is presenting its 5th annual “A Day at the Farm” community event which will give communities throughout the Lower Mainland the opportunity to reconnect with the land that feeds them.  The event will be held on September 11, 2010 and hosted by Westham Island Herb Farm and Ellis Farm (4690 Kirkland Road, Delta BC; click here for map and directions).  DF&WT feels that by raising awareness about the nature and importance of agriculture, the greater community will be more inclined to support local agriculture and the non-market environmental service that it provides. The main focus of the event is to educate the community on agricultural products grown and produced locally in BC, and particularly those grown in the lower mainland.  Visitors will also have a chance to learn about internationally significant wildlife habitat and its relationship with agriculture in this area.

Given the significance of the local food system here in Delta and across the Lower Mainland we have invited over 30 local organizations that relate to agriculture, including marketing groups, small-scale producers, and conservation organizations.  A highlight will be the BC Dairy Foundations mobile dairy classroom which will be giving live milking demonstrations. 3rd generation farmer Gordon Ellis will once again lead hay-wagon tours of his farm.   The event also features a static farm equipment display (including antique tractors, grain combines, and Delta’s largest tractor and livestock displays (including sheep, calves, hens, donkeys, goats, draft horses and a Highland steer). The Agora String Band will play bluegrass music throughout the day and there will be a special one hour lunchtime show by a children’s entertainer.  Locally made food and produce will be on sale as well as many giveaways.  

The community is invited to bring along a home– grown tomato to enter into the “Titanic Tomato Contest” – prizes will be award for the biggest and most interesting tomato.  As well there will be an old fashioned canning and preserving competition. Both contests will be judged by special guests at 12 noon.

This year we anticipate over 2,500 visitors.

Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust believes this event truly portrays agriculture and its relationship to society in a positive light.

Pictures from "A Day at the Farm" in 2009