Friday, March 29, 2024

Visitors flock to farms

Avatar photo
Thirteen farms hosted more than 7000 people on Fonterra’s Open Gates day last Sunday.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The day aimed to show people what farmers are doing to protect the environment and let them experience farm life. 

“The whole country cares about what’s happening with our environment, including us,” a Fonterra spokesman said.

“Open Gates is about showing our communities what Fonterra farmers are doing to help look after the land, waterways and their animals while also providing a fun family day out on farm.

“Visitors got to see where their milk comes from, chat to our farmers about work being done on-farm and sample some of our delicious products.”

One of the farms that opened up was James Stewart’s farm at Hiwinui, north of Palmerston North, where more than 800 people called in.

“It is a privilege to open up our farm and share the story of the family farm,” Stewart said.

Rose Hu from Wellington said “It’s my first time on a farm and its pretty amazing that Fonterra do this.”

People walked around the farm, went on tractor rides, sat in a milk tanker, walked around cow shed and watched cows being milked. 

Despite the large interest in the day, there were groups from Mothers Against Dairy (MAD) who protested outside each farm.

Fonterra said it knew of their plans ahead of time and was happy for them to be there and to answer any questions they might have.

Total
0
Shares
People are also reading