Dufferin Farm Tour returns in-person after two-year hiatus

DUFFERIN – The Dufferin Farm Tour is back, running Oct. 1 from 9am to 4pm.

After two years of COVID-19 organizers say they are pleased to be able to meet in person again, this year visiting farms in the Grand Valley area. 

There will be a Jersey farm with over 300 jersey cows, a goat farm, sheep farm and cattle and horse farm. There will be food and refreshments along the way, as well as added attractions. Bring some cash – you don’t want to miss out.

This is a self-guided tour. Pack up the family and follow our route on your own time. Stay as long as you want on each farm.

Officials ask for pre-registration to secure a spot. Registration opened on Aug. 15; spaces may be limited. 

Donations to local food banks can be made at the time of registration and act as the price of admission to this year’s tour. 

Visit dufferinfarmtour.com to pre-register.

The tour was established in 1999 by a group of dedicated farmers who wanted to bring rural and town people together on the farm to hear firsthand the challenges of providing safe, nutritious food. 

Each year for one day in the fall a different group of farmers open their doors to the public to showcase their farm. 

Families spend time talking with farmers, experiencing farm animals up close, asking questions, and watching demonstrations.

Dufferin is home to 520 farms, but often the connection between these farms and the food on our plate is lost. 

The tour provides an opportunity to share dialogue and see farming as it happens. When people learn how their food is grown and raised, they are more likely to think about buying local, supporting their local farmer and economy. 

Over the years, thousands of people have passed through the farm gates- including the very young and old.