This year is the 10th anniversary of Vermont Open Farm Week, and there are more than 150 events and activities at farms around the state. Open Farm Week is a great opportunity to experience elements of farming you might not typically see when visiting a farmers market or farm stand - including getting up close and personal with farm animals!
Below we've highlighted at least one animal-centered event going on each day of Open Farm Week, but there are so many more! For a full list of Vermont Open Farm Week activities and events, click here.
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Sunday, Aug. 4
Learn About the Bees at Guillemette Farm
Shelburne | Sun, Aug. 4, 12:00-2:00pm
Come meet the beekeeper at Guillemette Farm and learn more about how the bees support local agriculture. You will be able to look into a hive to observe hive dynamics and partake in honey tasting. While you are at the farm stand you can participate in daily farm stand activities like pick your own sunflowers, garden flowers, and herbs. You can also meet the farm stand calves!
Dairy Fun Field Day at the Farm at Wheeler Mountain
Barton | Sun, Aug. 4, 12:00-3:00pm
Visit the Lidback’s farm for the Dairy Fun Field Day during Vermont Open Farm Week, and see the farm's conservation practices in action! Tour the farm and see the dairy herd, learn about the local fish population with the Conservation District's riparian lands program manager, and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Light refreshments will be served (Cabot cheese & fruit kabobs).
Monday, Aug. 5
Meet the Sheep at Cynefin Farm
Townshend | Mon, Aug. 5 (and all week long!), 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meet the Cynefin Farm sheep! Every day at 11am during Open Farm Week, Cynefin Farm will be open for you to meet their Shetland sheep and Nubian Cross goats. These aren't just any sheep! They all have names that they respond to, and each has a distinct personality.
Feed and Meet the Pigs at Union Brook Farm
Townshend | Mon, Aug. 5, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Join Em and Rose from Union Brook Farm for a walk through the forest, and feed their pigs bread scraps and veggie slop. There may even be a new batch of piglets to meet! This is an interactive event great for all ages.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Herding Demonstration at Morse Brook Farm
Westminster | Tues, Aug. 6, 7:00-8:00pm
Learn about the role that Border Collies Poe and Cap play on Morse Brook Farm. Watch the dogs work sheep, learn about the history of various breeds and their roles in helping farm. Morse Brook Farm couldn't do what they do without the dogs! Afterwards, try the farm's maple syrup over ice cream - yum!
Dog Days of Summer! Celebrating Canine Companions at the Northfield Farmers Market
Northfield | Tues, Aug. 6, 3:00-6:00pm
The Northfield Farmers Market will celebrate the close canine and farm connection during Open Farm Week, welcoming dogs and dog owners with delicious and virtuous (think refillery, dog treat options with zero packaging, pasture raised, etc.) offers and activities. Training working dogs is fundamental to Green Mountain Girls Farm’s success and they are excited to share samples of their “Farm Dog Approved” regenerative dog AND CAT treats among the many fun offers from the Northfield Farmers Market community on this festive and furry event on the quintessential Vermont Town Common.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Guided Farm Tour at Plew Farm
Plew Farm, Mt. Holly | Wed, Aug. 7, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Enjoy a moderate guided walk around Plew Farm, with views of their pastures, cattle, chickens, turkeys, laying hens, sugar bush and homestead. End the hike with a refreshing maple soda in the farm stand!
Thursday, Aug. 8
Learn About Silkworms at Carol's Worm Farm
North Fayston | Thu, Aug. 8, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Watch the silkworms as they much away on mulberry leaves and grow toward cocoon stage. Process a silk worm cocoon and take a bit of silk home with you! Visitors can also enjoy some mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) snacks.
Meet and Feed the Animals at Merck Forest and Farmland Center
Rupert | Thu, Aug. 8, 2:00 - 3:30pm
Join Merck staff on afternoon wellness checks on the farm animals. Their farm team cares for sheep, horses, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and pigs daily and you can tag along, ask questions, and see all the activity around caring for the animals. $10 per person. Register before spots fill up!
Friday, Aug. 9
Farm Tour and Cheese Tasting at von Trapp Farmstead
Waitsfield | Fri, Aug. 9, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Trace the path of the von Trapp Farmstead cheeses on a guided farm tour: from pasture + cows to creamery + cheese plate! Beginning at the farm store, you'll walk out on pasture and learn about how von Trapp Farmstead manages soil health and cultivates a diverse diet for their cows. From there, you'll go find the cows - either on pasture or in the covered barnyard taking a mid-day break in the shade! You'll then take a peek in the creamery (where all the magic happens) and learn a little about cheesemaking. Finally, you'll return to the farm store where you’ll get to sample all of von Trapp Farmstead cheeses!
Saturday, Aug. 10
Explore Rare Poultry at Sugar Feather Farm
West Berlin | Sat, Aug. 10, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Head over to Sugar Feather Farm for its farm store grand opening and get an outside guided tour of their rare and unique birds. With over 2000 birds ranging from Emus, and chickens to tiny button quail, they have lots of fun things to see!
Sunday, Aug. 11
Picnic by the Pasture at Greenfield Highland Beef
Plainfield | Sun, Aug. 11, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Bring a blanket, bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic by the pasture, enjoying exquisite mountain vistas and watching the oldest registered fold of Heritage Highland cattle in the United States grazing nearby. There will be fuzzy Highland calves to comb and cuddle and a Highland decorated cake to enjoy after your picnic. $5.00/person. Cake will be provided.
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Explore the full list of 10th Annual Vermont Open Farm Week activities here.
