This weekend, dozens of agricultural, conservation and producer groups will come together for the 14th annual Day at the Farm.
The agricultural fair, happening Saturday (Sept. 10) at Westham Island Herb Farm (4690 Krikland Rd.), host hands-on family activities such as harvesting potatoes from the ground to teach the public about the challenges and rewards of growing food in the region.
The event is organized by Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT), a non-profit that aims to protect wildlife habitat in the lower Fraser River delta by giving funding to farms that create wildlife habitat on the property.
DFWT executive director Christine Schmalz said the organizations is excited to once again welcome community members to the farm following two years of COVID-induced hibernation.
“[The event] is an opportunity to talk about how wildlife and farming is so intertwined and the value farms provide for wildlife, as well as the value farms provide for everyone in terms of food production too,” Schmalz said. “Wildlife is very integrated into the farming landscape here, especially in Delta where there is such a significant population of birds. They really rely on the agricultural landscape for their survival.”
One of the most popular activities is the guided tractor tour, led by a farmer who teaches passengers about growing food.
“People who are on the hay-wagon ride are learning about how to farm in the area and the other considerations that go with it, like soil and wildlife issues – all those things that make farming complicated and wonderful,” Schmalz said.
There will be more than 20 exhibits available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including produce for sale at Westham Island Herb Farm’s stand, and organizers recommend visitors bring cash to the farm because there is no ATM on-site.
A professional chef will judge open-entry jam and bread competitions, and the trust is providing prizes for the winners. A local band, Thorn and Sparrow, will be on hand performing live music.
People can also visit rescued raptors while chatting with bird experts from Orphaned Wildlife (OWL) Rehabilitation Society. As well, youth from the Richmond-Delta 4H club will bring calves and other farm animals to the event.
This year, the trust is bringing in a professional to host the live auction, where visitors can bid on items like a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins grown at Westham Island Herb Farm.
A BC Agriculture in the Classroom chef will make food at the farm for people to sample while BC Fresh showcases local produce – which will be available for no-cost or by donation.
Entry to the event is free, but any donations to the Day at the Farm will support DFWT’s grassland set-aside program. Through this stewardship program, the trust cost-shares $400 per acre per year for farmland converted to grassland habitat for wildlife.
Typically, the set-aside land rests as a grassland habitat for up to six years before rotating, which improves soil fertility and provides a home for local animals such as the Townsend vole and grassland raptors.
Westham Island is connected to Ladner by a historic century-old one-lane swing bridge and the event usually hosts 5,000 people, according to organizers. It is not mandatory to get a ticket in advance, but registering online will help organizers manage traffic.
More information about this year’s Day at the Farm – including a map of the site, list of vendors and performers, and main stage schedule — visit deltafarmland.ca/a-day-at-the-farm.
