Open Farm Sunday

Steve Weatherill

“Open Farm Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to connect farmers and the public to discover the world of farming and all that farmers do—producing food, nurturing nature, and protecting the environment for future generations.”
(www.farmsunday.org)

That’s how the organisers describe it—and it’s not hard to see why it’s such a good idea. Once a year (this year on 7th June), farms across the country open their gates and invite people in to see what life on a farm is really like. For many visitors, it’s a rare chance to step into a world they don’t usually see.

This isn’t a Christian event, but it is a national one, and it’s very much about community, connection, and the common good. Which means it’s something churches—especially in rural areas—are well placed to get alongside.

At its simplest, it’s about helping people reconnect: with the land, with their food, and with the people who produce it. And that’s something worth being part of.

Opening your farm to the public might feel like a big ask. It takes time, planning, and a bit of courage.

But it’s also a great opportunity—to tell your story, to help people understand what farming really involves, and to build stronger connections with your local community.

If you’re part of a church, this is something you don’t have to do on your own. There may well be people who’d be glad to help—whether that’s with planning, welcoming visitors, or just making sure things run smoothly on the day.

Rural churches often already have strong links with farming families. Open Farm Sunday is a natural way to build on those relationships.

Some farmers may be unsure about opening their farm, or simply feel they don’t have the capacity to organise it all. That’s where a church community can really help—offering practical support, extra pairs of hands, and a friendly presence.

It’s also a lovely way for a church to be visible in the community without needing to run its own event—just coming alongside, serving, and being part of something bigger.

You don’t need to organise anything to be involved.

If there’s a farm near you taking part, why not offer to help? That might mean sharing information locally, helping out on the day, or simply being a welcoming face.

Sometimes the simplest things—being friendly, helpful, and present—are the ones that make the biggest difference.

A good place to start is the Open Farm Sunday website (www.farmsunday.org), where you can find out what’s happening near you and what’s involved.

Then it’s worth asking a simple question: Is there still time to get involved this year?

For some, the answer will be yes—especially if a local farm is already planning to open and just needs a bit of extra help. For others, it might feel like too much to take on at short notice. There’s quite a bit to think about, particularly if it’s a farmer’s first time.

But even if this year isn’t realistic, that doesn’t need to be the end of the story.

If anything, this is a great opportunity to start thinking about next year.

You could begin conversations now—with farmers you know, or farms in your area. You might even try a smaller joint event at your church as a first step—something that celebrates local farming, with food, produce, or crafts.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. The important thing is building relationships and starting somewhere.

Open Farm Sunday is about opening doors—literally and relationally.

For churches, it’s a chance to serve their community in a very down-to-earth way. For individuals, it’s an opportunity to show kindness in small, practical ways. And for farmers, it’s a chance to share something of the life they live every day.

So whether you’re able to get involved this year or simply start thinking about the next, it’s well worth exploring.

You never know what might grow from it.

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