Family Farm Day Celebrates Local Agriculture
Many of us drive past farms in our daily travels—some of us understand the things we see as we pass local farms, but many of us do not. And although we may know the farmers who have farm stands, or bring their produce to our local farmers’ markets, not all farmers can sell at farmers’ markets or consistently reap the benefits of agritourism, and many small farms face challenges connecting with local customers.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie Otsego Counties developed Family Farm Day in 2013 to enhance public awareness of agriculture through farm visits, and to provide participating farms with opportunities to expand their local customer base and increase direct-to-consumer sales. Participating farms have reported building clientele from FFD visitors, and the annual event continues to achieve its goal of generating business for participating farms. Each year, FFD helps increase public awareness and knowledge of agriculture, builds lasting relationships between producers and consumers, and increases engagement in local agriculture.
CCESO’s annual Family Farm Day is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience engaging “open farm” tours and interactive activities at participating farms in Schoharie, Otsego, and Delaware counties. Visitors to these farms can learn about local agriculture, and FFD farms can share their ever-evolving “stories”—their operations, their products, their history, and their vision. FFD familiarizes visitors with the diverse operations of local farms and keeps the important role of agriculture in our region in the public dialogue.
After more than a decade of growth and change, the FFD event continues to thrive. There is always a new farm to explore and something new to see—no matter how many times you’ve taken part in Family Farm Day.
On Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., more than three dozen farms in Schoharie, Otsego and Delaware counties will participate in this celebration of local agriculture by opening to the public for the 2024 Family Farm Day. Visitors can experience the diversity of area farms while supporting local agriculture. FFD offerings vary by farm and include opportunities for visitors to take tours; go for a wagon ride; watch demonstrations; take part in free, hands-on activities; enjoy farm-fresh samples of local foods and beverages; and purchase provisions, gifts, and décor. CCESO encourages participants to visit locally-sourced restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries and stores as part of the FFD adventure.
Plan your FFD route at FamilyFarmDay.org or pick up a copy of the “2024 Farm Guide” at your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office, farmers’ market, or brochure rack. In addition to the interactive map, FFD online resources and social media (follow Family Farm Day on Facebook and Instagram) include information about participating farms, links to farm websites, farm GPS locations, travel directions, photos, and further descriptions about the farms and FFD activities offered.
For everyone’s safety, please adhere to these important Family Farm Day guidelines and etiquette: Visitors are not allowed to bring pets to participating farms, and all visitors must remain in designated areas while on farm property. And don’t forget to bring coolers or insulated grocery bags to take home your delicious, local, farm-fresh products!
Family Farm Day is an agritourism event produced by Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County. It would not be possible without the continued enthusiasm and participation of local farms and the generous support of event sponsors.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal employment opportunities. Liz Callahan is the executive director of CCESOC.