Across the UK, a total of 358 farms opened their gates to the public as part of the Open Farm Sunday initiative last weekend.

Out of those farms, 26% (94 farms) were taking part for the first time this year.

Initial figures from Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) who organise the annual nationwide event indicate that more than 270,000 people set out to visit a farm at the weekend.

The Open Farm Sunday initiative also attracted a large online audience with 8,200 mentions of the annual open day recorded on Twitter between 1 and 10 June as well as the LEAF Open Farm Sunday website attracting over 327,000 visits.

Commenting on this year’s campaign, LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond said: “LEAF Open Farm Sunday continues to go from strength to strength and yet again we have seen how by working together, the industry can really make a vital difference enabling the public to engage with farming.

“Farmers play a crucial role in enabling public access and enjoyment of the beautiful countryside and we know from our research how much benefit this campaign delivers to everyone.”

Farm focus: Overton Farm

In Scotland, 20 farmers welcomed visitors onto their farm, including Lanarkshire farmer John Young who welcomed dozens of people onto Overton Farm last Saturday, 9 June.

John has previously opened up Overton Farm for Open Farm Sunday and this year John hosted an informative and engaging farm tour with visitors eager to ask questions and get involved.

John discussed the impact of the prolonged winter on the farm, how the farm makes different forms of fodder and the process of rearing and finishing cattle. Louise and Andrew Fretwell took their children Zara and Adam along to Overton Farm in order to learn more about where their food comes from.

Louise said: “We went last year for the first time, it’s really useful for them to learn where their food comes from. Kids need to have that connection.

“After last year I always look for the tractor symbol on food now. You don’t mind paying a wee bit more if it’s supporting farmers.”

Both Louise and Andrew would encourage people to attend an Open Farm Sunday event next year.

“It’s a great day out and it really helps you understand farming and the commercial pressures,” added Andrew.

Both Zara and Adam enjoyed the opportunity to meet the animals – with horses and cattle proving their favourite.

Alex and Joyce McGregor are regulars at Overton Farm’s farm and coffee shop and took their grandchildren along for the open day.

“It’s good to let kids see the animals,” said Alex.

Joyce added: “It’s brilliant, this is probably our fourth time and you always learn something new. I would say to everyone, just come along.”

Speaking about the importance of Open Farm Sunday, host farmer John Young said: “It’s good to do because if we can’t get the message across, how are people going to know where their food is coming from?

“I do like to get feedback and to be a part of helping people to learn more about farming. I think it’s important, farmers need to speak to their consumers.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Open Farm Sunday which is set to take place on Sunday 9 June.

Farmers who wish to take part in Open Farm Sunday next year will be able to register from 1 November 2018 at www.farmsunday.org.