From muddy wellies to sunshine-filled crowds: thousands enjoy CAFRE’s Open Farm Weekend

Past CAFRE student William Burnett, alongside Nicola, Abigail, Matthew and Callum Turner viewed the dairy calves at Greenmount Campus.

Thousands of people stepped behind the gates of CAFRE campuses at Enniskillen and Greenmount over the weekend as this year’s Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend combined hands-on learning, family fun and a closer look at Northern Ireland’s farming and food industries.

From primary school pupils meeting farm animals for the first time to families exploring nature trails, sheep shearing demonstrations and tractor simulators, the annual event offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience agriculture, food production and rural life up close.

The event, hosted by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), welcomed visitors across its Enniskillen and Greenmount campuses, highlighting everything from sustainable farming practices and horticulture to equine education and the journey of food from farm to fork.

A memorable introduction to farming for schoolchildren

Abigail had a go milking ‘Clover’ the cow during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend at CAFRE.

The weekend began on Friday with a dedicated Schools’ Day as primary school pupils travelled to both campuses for a packed programme of educational activities.

Despite early morning rain, children arrived in wellies and waterproofs ready to explore.

For many pupils, it was their first experience of visiting a working farm environment.

Throughout the day, children met sheep, calves and horses, took part in interactive games and educational activities, and enjoyed picnics on campus grounds.

The event aimed to help young people gain a better understanding of where food comes from and the important role agriculture plays in everyday life.

The McIntosh family from Garvagh viewed the beef cattle, at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

CAFRE staff Niall O’Hagan and Jack Stewart demonstrated the use of the teaching aid calving simulator at Greenmount Campus during the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

Cahir Hagan, Isabella Hagan, Alana Harvey and Elisha McNulty, Bank of Ireland, Community Engagement Manager Bank of Ireland UK enjoyed a day out at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus during BOI Open Farm Weekend.

Horticulture student Fodhla McGrane helped visitors plant lettuces in the Greenmount Campus, Walled Garden at BOI Open Farm Weekend.

Richard and Jake (Antrim) tested their golf skills in the Sports Turf area at Greenmount Campus, during BOI Open Farm Weekend.

Sunshine draws large crowds to Enniskillen

A group of school pupils from Aughnacloy College visited CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus during BOI Open Farm Weekend to view the campus facilities and find out about the range of courses on offer.

When the gates opened to the wider public on Saturday, improved weather helped attract large crowds to both campuses.

At CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus, visitors enjoyed a programme centred around equine activities and the countryside.

Families had the opportunity to meet campus horses, watch a farrier demonstrate the specialist skills involved in horse care and enjoy displays by local Pony Clubs in the outdoor arena.

Many visitors also took advantage of the scenic nature trail leading to the Devenish viewpoint, while members of the Fermanagh Beekeepers provided insights into the vital role pollinators play within the environment.

Fermanagh Pony Club members took part in an impressive display in the outdoor arena at Enniskillen Campus.

CAFRE Staff Eileen McCloskey and John Hamilton led sheep shearing displays as school children watch on fascinated as CAFRE welcomed 100’s of school children during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

Interactive attractions proved especially popular throughout the day.

Visitors tested their knowledge through a horse-equipment mystery box challenge, planted seeds at dedicated potting stations, learned how to milk ‘Daisy’ the cow and tried their hand on equine simulators.

Greenmount showcases food, farming and horticulture

Meanwhile, at Greenmount Campus in Antrim, visitors were able to explore a wide range of farming, horticulture and land-based activities across both Saturday and Sunday.

Guests viewed beef and dairy cattle, watched demonstrations using a calving simulator and learned more about livestock management while trying to milk ‘Clover’ the cow.

Jane Elliot, Head of Equine at Enniskillen Campus enjoyed demonstrating the educational benefits of the horse simulator to visitors during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

Local families explored the Equitation yard at Enniskillen Campus during Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

The Murray family enjoyed sampling ice-cream made at Loughry Campus after learning about the farm-to-fork journey at BOI Open Farm Weekend.

Agricultural machinery displays attracted considerable interest, while visitors of all ages took to the tractor-driving simulators to test their skills behind the wheel.

One of the most popular attractions once again proved to be the sheep shearing demonstrations, drawing crowds eager to see the process carried out by experienced professionals.

Throughout the weekend, CAFRE staff also showcased sustainable farming practices and provided practical insights into how modern agriculture is adapting to future challenges.

From farm to fork

Christine, Sophie and Jacob created ‘pots of joy’ with the CAFRE Floristry team at Greenmount Campus.

Food production formed another key part of the visitor experience at Greenmount.

Staff from CAFRE’s Loughry Campus helped visitors better understand the journey food takes from farm to fork, explaining the links between primary production, food processing and the products that ultimately reach supermarket shelves.

Many visitors also enjoyed samples of the ever-popular Loughry ice cream while learning more about Northern Ireland’s food industry.

The event highlighted the important role agriculture, food production and environmental management continue to play in the local economy and rural communities across Northern Ireland.

Gardens, wildlife and family activities

Away from the farmyard, the Greenmount Walled Garden offered visitors a chance to enjoy floristry demonstrations, planting activities and educational exhibits.

Representatives from the RSPB and Randalstown Beekeepers shared information about biodiversity, conservation and pollinator protection.

Visitors also explored specialist machinery used to maintain CAFRE’s sports turf facilities, while families relaxed in the estate grounds enjoying garden games and the picturesque surroundings.

The annual plant sale once again proved a major attraction, with many visitors taking home plants grown at CAFRE as a lasting reminder of their visit.

Showcasing future career opportunities

Alongside the attractions and demonstrations, visitors were given an opportunity to learn more about the educational pathways available through CAFRE.

Information sessions highlighted courses across agriculture, equine studies, food, horticulture and wider land-based industries.

Prospective students and families were able to hear more about campus life, view facilities and gain an insight into the practical, hands-on approach to learning that underpins CAFRE’s teaching model.

By opening its campuses to the public, CAFRE aims not only to educate visitors about modern agriculture but also to inspire future generations to consider careers within Northern Ireland’s land-based industries.

The success of this year’s Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend demonstrated the continued public appetite for understanding how food is produced, how farms operate and the important contribution the sector makes to everyday life.

CAFRE is now encouraging anyone interested in its facilities, courses or future events, including its Autumn Open Week from 6–10 October, to find out more at www.cafre.ac.uk.