It all began at the Ontario Association of Agriculture convention in Toronto.
Members of the Fergus Fall Fair board attending the annual event in February took part in a session on fundraising for fall fairs.
The information shared by Bayfield Fair members on hosting a Breakfast on the Farm, caught the interest of Fergus representatives.
On the train ride home, members discussed the fundraising option for the coming Fergus fair. Since then, Breakfast on the Farm committee members Denise Kankainen, Jennifer Craig and Sheree Bessey have taken steps to make the fundraising event a reality, in an attempt to build a connection between the agricultural producer and the consumer.
“As the Breakfast on the Farm committee had all of our ducks in a row it was easier for the Fergus fair board to accept our fundraising idea, even though they were a little apprehensive at first,” Kankainen said.
Finding an organization that would be willing to take on the challenge of preparing breakfast for up to 1,000 people was not an easy task.
Before approaching anyone, Kankainen talked with numerous agricultural organizations and suppliers, looking for their input.
“The support we have received from everyone is overwhelming. Food and financial donations are still coming in today,” Kankainen said.
Kankainen approached the Alma Optimists with her request to supply breakfast for up to 1,000 people and the organization accepted the proposal. Finding a farm willing to host the event was the next step in the process. Along the way, the committee has been able to enlist over 60 people to work as volunteers at the event.
The Dirksen family – Henk, Debbie, Vanessa, Chantel and Matt – run a dairy operation outside of Alma. When approached by the Breakfast on the Farm committee, the family agreed to open its farm to the public for the event.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Vanessa Dirksen, who has a strong passion for agricultural advocacy, said, “So many people have never seen a modern Canadian dairy farm. Those people need somebody to give them the chance in an open environment. Essentially we are opening the farm gate to the public.”
Dirksen went on to say, “We would like to change the negativity that exists today around agriculture. People look at the size of our operation and instantly think this is a factory farm. We are a family farm with the five of us each playing an important role on the farm. The hours we dedicate to the farm goes beyond the business of farming. It’s a lifestyle for our family.”
The community, family-oriented event on June 24 will offer guided tours to 10 stations beginning at the farm’s shop. Group sizes range from 10 to 15 persons.
Participants will be able to view calves, heifers, milking cows, dry cows, a milking parlour, large machinery and visit booths run by commodity groups. As no milking will take place during the event, a detailed video of milking time will be set up in the parlour. All areas except the milking parlour are accessible.
A breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and maple syrup, will be available from 9am to noon. Once on the farm, tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at the registration desk located in the yard.
For younger members of the family, a corn box and coloring station will be available. A cow-themed photo booth will be on site for those interested in taking photos. The committee asks that everyone stay in the areas designated for the event, use garbage and recycling containers, and respect the farm property.
Parking for the event, organized by the Wellington County Jr. Farmers, will be available in the field across from Morley’s Meadows on Wellington Road 7, south of Alma. Buses will move people from the car park to the farm.
Organizers are reminding everyone there is no parking on the farm or on Wellington Road 7 for the safety of participants and volunteers. A designated parking space on the farm is available for those with a handicap parking permit.
“Please leave your pets at home. They will not be permitted on the farm,” Bessey said. “Dress according to the weather as this event goes rain or shine. Closed toe footwear is suggested as biosecurity is in effect and footwear will be disinfected.”
The Breakfast on the Farm committee is asking everyone to bring farm-related questions, enjoy a tasty home cooked breakfast, and learn where food comes from.
Tickets for Breakfast on the Farm are $8. Children aged 6 to 12 are $5 and those 5 and under are free.
The Dirksen Family Farm- Dirksen Holsteins is located at 6936 Wellington Road 7, Alma. For more information or to volunteer call 519-803-2562 or email info@fergusfallfair.ca.
