Farm Day offers a chance to meet farm animals and the people who raise them

Christine Oldfield, executive director of 4-H Ontario, and Niagara 4-H president Mike Chechalk were at the Niagara Farm Day, promoting the local 4-H club. - Ann Marie Chechalk photos

By Ann Marie Chechalk

Last month’s Farm Day provided a window into agriculture.

“It was an opportunity to learn about agriculture that is in our backyard. People don’t get to see this every day, up close. Touch a sheep and see it sheared, watch a cow get milked and ask questions and meet those who raise animals we often only see out our car window,” said Lydia Buys.

Buys was there with the chicken wagon, which is often seen at agricultural events, explaining to the public all about egg-laying chickens. With eggs frequently in the news, this gave visitors a chance to find out how many eggs a chicken can lay in a year. Visitors could also ask the inevitable question: why are some eggs white and others brown?

It was a beautiful, sunny day, and more than 350 people dropped by the West Niagara Fairgrounds for this free event. Farm Day, hosted by the Niagara Federation of Agriculture - and hosted this year on Saturday, May 10 - is an annual event that gives anyone interested a chance to meet the animals and the people who raise them.

People came to see beef cows, dairy cows, sheep and chickens. They were able to touch a sheep’s fleece before and after it was shorn. Clydesdales from Roy-A-Lea Farms in Binbrook were present, and there was even a “real live donkey,” shared Victoria, 8, of Grimsby. Visitors took part in chicken wing eating contests, chocolate milk drinking and blueberry pie eating. It was easy to tell which children and adults participated in that contest.

Looking for more information about what is available in the community? The Smithville Garden Club was there, as was Niagara 4-H executive director Christine Oldfield and her daughter, who answered questions about the youth group. Some very noisy turkeys never stopped “talking” all day.

Always popular, the sandboxes were filled with wheat kernels, scoops and toy tractors. The Niagara Antique Power Association brought its barrel ride, as did Cal Loney with his many tricycles and high bike, letting lots of kids give them a try. Pony rides were free for the day, giving many children the chance to try horseback riding for the first time.

“The weather was nice. I helped lots of kids have a ride on the bikes and climb into the tractors on site. And the food was good, especially the 4-H milkshakes,” said Calvin Dunlop, a director and volunteer with the West Niagara Fair board.

The Niagara Federation of Agriculture hopes to be back again next year to share all about agriculture.