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NLIS 6
September 17, 2004
(Natural Resources)

 

Minister Byrne encourages all to enjoy Open Farm Day 2004

Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, announced today Open Farm Day 2004 will be held on Sunday, September 26. Open Farm Day is an annual event held across Atlantic Canada to raise awareness of the agriculture industry in the region.

The general public are given an opportunity to visit local farms and see first-hand where their food comes from, meet the people who grow it and enjoy a day on the farm. Various activities are planned at participating farms and include hay rides, horseback riding, harvesting fresh vegetables and corn boils. Open Farm Day also provides the farmers with the opportunity to meet consumers and educate them on day-to-day farming activities.

"The agriculture industry in this province is a significant contributor to our economy and in recent years we have seen much growth and diversification," said Minister Byrne. "Farms in this province have evolved to become integrated operations engaging in functions beyond the farm gate including processing, marketing, wholesaling and retailing. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to visit a farm in their area to enjoy what the farmers of this province have to offer."

Open Farm Day is a joint project of the Department of Natural Resources, the Government of Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture. It is made possible through funding from Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Agricultural Policy Framework and the Agriculture and Food Celebration Fund.

"The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture is pleased and encouraged with the

opportunity to showcase our farming operations for the residents of our province," said federation president Merv Wiseman. "Our farmers are looking forward to sharing with the

community the new farming technologies and production practices that are available in the industry."

"Last year�s Open Farm Day attracted over 4,100 visitors to the 22 farms that participated from all across the province," said Minister Byrne. "With 28 farms registered to take part this year, we anticipate over 6,000 visitors."

Further information on Open Farm Day can be found at the following Web site: //www.gov.nl.ca//www.gov.nl.ca/agric/

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-5282, (709) 685-4624

BACKGROUNDER

Farms participating in Open Farm Day

WESTERN AND LABRADOR

Cormier�s Dairy Ltd
Owners: Gerard and Melissa Cormier, Danny and Maureen Cormier
Farm Description: Dairy operation, 300 acres of corn
Directions: St. Andrew�s - off the TCH
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 955-2140
Wheelchair access
Check out the 310 milking herd dairy and watch the cows being milked in a double 12 parlor. Pet the calves, get your face painted, and try to find your way out of the corn maze.

Costal Growers
Owners: Leonard Porter, Henry Hare, Clayton Hare
Farm Description: Tomato greenhouse
Directions: Burgeo � Route 480, Burgeo Road (Caribou Trail)
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. � 5 p.m.
(709) 886-2333
Wheelchair Access
Check out the hydroponic greenhouse operation in beautiful Burgeo.

Chaffey�s Dairy Farm
Owners: Brent and Sherry Chaffey
Farm Description: Modern 800 cow dairy operation
Directions: St. David�s - Route 450 off the TCH to the "T" intersection in St. David�s.
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(709) 645-2793
No wheelchair access
Check out the cows being milked on the state-of-the art rotary milker.

Riverbrook Farm
Owners: Elvis and Marilyn Gillam
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: Loch Leven - Route 405 off the TCH, drive 5 km, turn left at first intersection in St. Fintans, 3 km to Loch Leven
Hours of Operation: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(709) 645-2015
Wheelchair access
Tour the farm, take a hayride, sample some fresh local produce, and pick up some veggies to take home. Bring the kids because there�ll be fun activities just for them.

Wells Farm
Owners: Elaine and Glen Wells
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: Robinsons � Second house past the church in Robinsons
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p m - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 645-2203
Wheelchair access
Learn all about growing pumpkins and try carving your own. There�ll also be face painting and a farm market.

Alpacas of Newfoundland
Owners: Cathy Whitehead and Ed Hutchings
Farm Description: Alpaca and llama farm
Directions: Felix Cove - 25 minutes from Stephenville on the Port-au-Port peninsula. Route 460, 5.2 km from the turn-off.
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 648-9414
Wheelchair access
Learn about how alpacas are raised and cared for. Check out the display of products made from alpacas and pick up an alpaca fur product. Tour the barn and see the llamas.

Emile�s Farm
Owner: Anthony Benoit
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: Black Duck Brook � Route 460 on the Port-au-Port peninsula straight until Lourdes, turn right after the Co-op store and drive straight until Black Duck Brook.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 5:00 p.m.
(709) 642-5596
Visit the farm and pick your own pumpkin. Check out some live music, a blacksmith in operation, get your face painted, and go for a horse ride.

Humberview Farm
Owner: Aubrey Ellsworth
Farm Description: Beef farm
Directions: Hughes Brook - Main Road
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(709) 783-3313
Wheelchair Access
Check out the herd of beef cattle and go for a hayride or a horseback ride. Enjoy the barbeque and pick up some fresh beef at the farm market.

Lomond Farms
Owner: Paul and Shirly Lomond
Farm Description: Produce farm
Directions: Steady Brook � Take exit 8 off the TCH
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 6:00 p.m.
(709) 634-6456
Wheelchair Access
Take a tour of the farm and taste the mouth-watering fresh corn at the corn boil.

Headline Holsteins
Owner: Pauline Duivenvoorden, Phil MacLean
Farm Description: Dairy farm
Directions: Deer Lake � From the TCH, take Nicholsville Road to Goose Arm Road

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 2:00 p.m
.

(709) 635-4700
Wheelchair Access
Take a guided tour of the dairy farm, watch the cows being milked and get your face painted.

Rideout�s Farm
Owner: Melvin Rideout
Farm Description: Vegetable and dairy farm
Directions: Cormack � From the TCH, 8 km north on the Viking Trail, turn right and drive 16 kms on Veteran�s Drive in Cormack. Turn right at the end of the pavement.
Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. � 7:00 p.m.
(709) 635-7151
Wheelchair Access
Take a tour of the fields and watch harvest demonstrations. Visit the dairy barn and take part in some of the games and activities. Then enjoy Jiggs dinner and a barbeque.

Borderside Farm
Owner: Mark Clarke
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: L�Anse Au Clair � on the main highway
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 931-2158
Wheelchair Access
Learn about harvesting produce and check out the turnip carving demonstration.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN

Rowsell�s Farm Ltd.
Owners: Dean and Jewel Rowsell
Farm Description: Vegetable and strawberry farm
Directions: Rattling Brook - left turn-off on Jackson�s Cove Road at the bottom of the bay. Cross the bridge in South Brook Cove, turn right on the first farm road.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(709) 268-3809
Tour the farm and learn how potatoes are harvested.

Kippins Ridge Farm
Owner: Lloyd Colbourne
Farm Description: Vegetables and fruit farm
Directions: Robert�s Arm � From TCH, take Route 380 8 kms, turn onto Seal Bay Forest Access Road
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 5:00 p.m.
(709) 652-3431
Wheelchair Access
Take a tour of the farm to learn about how many vegetables are grown. You can also pick up some fresh vegetables to take home.

Mountain View Farm
Owner: Kent Fudge
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: Northern Arm - Take the Bishop Falls/ Botwood exit on the TCH.17 kms. 1 km in on the Northern Arm Brook Resource Road
Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(709) 257-1123
Some wheelchair access
Learn about the difference in growing on peat and mineral soil and check out the diverse machinery used in farming. Take a hayride and pick your own vegetables.

Triple E Farms
Owner: Dwight and Junior Eveleigh
Farm Description: Vegetable farm
Directions: Comfort Cove � Take the Wild Bight Road in Comfort Cove.

Hours of Operation: 12:00 p.m. � 5:00 p.m
.

(709) 244-3117
Wheelchair Access
Take a tour of the farm to learn how vegetables are grown and harvested. Then check out the warehouse to see how vegetables are washed and bagged. Learn about how they protect the environment and about the history of the farm.

Birchy Bay Farm
Owner: Garry Vatcher
Farm Description: Vegetable and livestock farm
Directions: Birchy Bay � Take Route 340 at the North Birchy Bay intersection
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 7:00 p.m.
(709) 659-6599
Tour the greenhouses and check out the pigs, chickens and other animals.

Beauty of Flowers
Owner: Rosemary Lewis
Farm Description: Horticulture greenhouse
Directions: Hare Bay � From TCH, take Route 320 (Gambo exit) approx. 23 kms.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 8:00 a.m.
(709) 537-5516
Partial Wheelchair Access
Learn about the propagation of local trees and shrubs.

L.A. Farms
Owners: Ken and Nita Abbott
Farm Description: Strawberry and vegetable farm
Directions: Take Gambo Route 320 to Mint Brook. Make right at "Y" in road. Farm is last driveway on right before bridge.
Hours of Operation: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 424-0104
Wheelchair access
Watch vegetable grading and cleaning demonstrations. There will be refreshments and kids can enjoy a tractor ride. You can also pick up some fresh vegetables to take home.

Bayview Farms
Owner: Wayde Peddle
Farm Description: Vegetable, strawberry and hay operation
Directions: Lethbridge � Take Route 230 from the TCH. Turn onto Route 233 and follow the signs. Approx. 25 minutes from Clarenville and 1 hour from Bonavista
Hours of Operation: 12:00 p.m. � 5:00 p.m.
(709) 467-2439
Wheelchair access
Take a hayride around the farm and meet the goat, horses, rabbits and ducks. Refreshments will be served throughout the day.

Sunset Farm
Owner: Eric and Brenda Greening
Farm Description: Dairy farm
Directions: Lethbridge � Take Route 230 from the TCH. The farm is on the right in Lethbridge.

Hours of Operation: 1:00 p.m. � 4:00 p.m
.

(709) 467-5592
No wheelchair access
Take a tour of the farm and learn how a dairy farm operates

AVALON

Rushmere Farms
Owner: Myles, Richard and Jill Whitaker
Farm Description: Sheep farm, hay production, lahamas and calves
Directions: Argentia Access Road, 10 km from the Irving Station in Whitbourne. Two gateposts on the right hand side of the road.
Hours of Operation: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(709) 895-3393
Check out the heritage sheep flock, watch sheep herding and visit the greenhouse. There�ll also be many more animals and a canteen. Then pick up some fresh lamb, blankets and tanned sheepskins, free range turkeys and a variety of other products.

Spruce Hill Farms Inc.
Owner: Lower Trinity South Development Association
Farm Description: Experimental research facility, traditional and non-traditional crops, greenhouse operation, trees, and berries
Directions: Heart�s Content - Take Route 74 into Heart�s Content. Turn left at the gas bar and drive about 1 km. Turn right at the dirt road with the farm sign.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a m - 4:00 p m
Phone (709) 583-2505
Wheelchair access
Tour the farm to learn about new non-traditional crops that are being grown in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as many other crops that are grown on the farm. Take a hayride, enjoy some fresh corn, stay for the barbeque, and pick up some fresh vegetables at the farm market.

Noel�s Turkey Farm
Owners: Joseph and Kerry Noel
Farm Description: Turkey, hay production, 40 acres cleared land
Directions: Carbonear - Route 70 on the Freshwater Road. � km from the "Welcome to Victoria" sign heading toward Old Perlican
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a m - 6:00 p m
(709) 596-5193
Wheelchair access
Learn about the process of raising and processing turkey. Also check out the peacocks, pheasants and ducks. Take a hayride in the afternoon, and play on the merry-go-round and swings. From 2-4 p.m. there�ll be hot dogs and soft drinks for the kids and coffee and snacks for adults.

Organic Farm
Owners: Mike and Melba Rabinowitz
Other Staff: Louis Rabinowitz
Farm Description: Organic vegetable farm
Directions: 42 Churchill Road, Portugal Cove - Drive west on Portugal Cove Road. Turn right at Churchill Road.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 895-2884
Visit a certified organic vegetable farm and check out the green-manuring demonstration site, greenhouse, and fields of cover crops.

Lester�s Farm Market
Owner: John, Mary and Chris Lester
Farm Description: Vegetable and fresh strawberry farm, greenhouse in the spring
Directions: St. John�s � 173 Brookfield Road
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 6:00 p.m.
(709) 747-3276
Come check out the corn maze and the goat walk, take a hayride through the fields, visit the petting farm and tour the greenhouses. And don�t forget to pick up some fresh vegetables at the farm market.

Lester�s Dairy Farm
Owner: Colin and Patricia Lester
Farm Description: 200 cow dairy farm
Directions: St. John�s - 187 Brookfield Road
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. � 5:00 p.m.
(709) 368-8134, 685-5001
Take a tour of the farm and learn about how this dairy farm operates.

Ocean View Farm
Owner: Richard, Marge, Darryl and Ken Walsh
Farm Description: Dairy farm
Directions: Bay Bulls - Farm Road
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(709) 334-2556
Wheelchair Access

Learn about how a dairy farm operates
.

2004 09 17                      4:25 p.m.


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