19 Jun Open Farm Sunday at Daynes Farm Totnes, a great success

350 visitors went to Daynes Farm near Harberton on Open Farm Sunday to see for themselves how a mixed farm in South Devon operates in the 21st Century. David and Helen Camp and their young family along with various volunteers ensured there was plenty to see and do. The 650 acre farm is home to organically reared cows, sheep and goats, with meat and vegetables supplied to Riverford.

The event supported by The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the LEAF Open Farm Sunday, was an opportunity for visitors to see sheep shearing by local farmer Dave Sampson and to hear about why they are shorn and the value of the wool. Spinning demonstrations took place throughout the day. The farm walks looked at the crops, South Devon suckler cow herd and flock of sheep. Visitors were also able to enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the farm. Totnes Young Farmers helped with the keenly fought welly wanging competition.

Back in the farmyard there were plenty to see and do including butter making, bread making, a variety of crafts and holding a newly hatched chick. Vet Georgie from South Moor Vets brought along a range of farm vet equipment and had drawn on a very patient cow her anatomy for all to see! There were pens of cows and newly born calves as well as six different breeds of sheep individually penned. Guessing the number of bales in the pile was popular, with the winner being announced as Daisy Hunt from Harberton. The machinery display attracted a lot of interest especially a tractor manufactured in 1954.

There was also a fantastic spread of cakes to enjoy throughout the day with proceeds from donations of £280 going towards the Totnes Young Farmers 2019 charity – Devon Air Ambulance.