After the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Fergus Fall Fair board is bringing back Breakfast on the Farm to bring awareness to the Canadian dairy industry.
The Wantenaar family is hosting this year’s event at their farm, Birkstead Holsteins, north of Elora on June 23 from 9am to noon.
Breakfast on the Farm committee member Denise Kankainen said it is a learning opportunity for the public.
“Breakfast on the Farm is basically opening up the barn doors for the general public … to come and see and talk to commodity groups, local dairy farmers, just to see where and how their milk is produced,” she said.
Attendees can feast on scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and baked beans all prepared by the Alma Optimist Club. There will also be milk, chocolate milk and coffee.
There is a learning component too; attendees will be able to explore the farm, learning about dairy cows and the milking process.
There will also be beef cattle, heavy horses, sheep and more.
Last year, the event saw over 1,000 people walk through the farm this year Kankainen said she expects around 1,200. The event raised $5,000 for the Fergus Fall Fair and Alma Optimists.
Wim and Annemaek Wantenaar bought the farm in 1985. Adorned on their office walls are aerial photos taken every time the farm expanded. Last year, now operating with Thomas and Holly Wantenaar, the farm expanded to add a fully robotic milking barn that is all about cow comfort.
“We want people to see that these cows are basically living the life in there and they’re treated very well,” said Holly.
“We’re proud of this operation; we like to show people and educate people on what we’re doing and give a proper representation of what dairy farming is,” added Thomas.
Breakfast on the Farm is set for June 23 from 9am to noon at Birkstead Holsteins, 7572 Sideroad 5, Elora.
Breakfast is $8 per person, $5 for ages 5 to 12 and free for ages 4 and under. No pets are allowed, and attendees will be walking through a disinfectant foot bath.
For more information contact info@fergusfallfair.ca or 519-843-1055.
