Open Farm Day 2019
Simply Ducky Farm was pleased to take part in the Nova Scotia Open Farm Day for 2019! Almost 800 people joined me on September 15th from 10am to 3pm for a tour of my little farm and to meet all the wee beasties up close and personal.
Everything started at 10am when those people who kindly volunteered to help and I welcomed everyone to my little farm. That time of year I had Alpine goats that are ready (and demanding!) for petting, pigs rooting around the pasture, and North Country Cheviot sheep along with their grown lambs. Chickens were free ranging in the yard and we had some special guests on hand for our youngest visitors – miniature horses, miniature donkeys, guinea pigs, and rabbits!
Volunteers were on hand to help answer questions and guide guests, including Tim Bellemore, a representative from the local 4-H Chapter, for those visitors interested in nurturing a budding interest in animals for their children.
The 2019 Open Farm Day at Simply Ducky Farm was sponsored by HOLNA Farm Services – a great company that has been a cornerstone of local agriculture and a tremendous help to my little farm as it has grown over the years.
What to Expect
Media
Rules
Location
What to Expect
Open Farm Day is a program organized by The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture under the Meet Your Farmer program.
Below are a few of the more commonly asked questions before the event itself:
What other farms can I visit along with Simply Ducky Farm?
There are thirty-one farms taking part on the 2019 Open Farm Day experience. You can find a map of every location in the province here. In the Antigonish & Guysborough County area only Simply Ducky Farm and West River Holsteins are participating this year.
What animals can I expect to see?
Simply Ducky Farm raises North Country Cheviot Sheep, and Alpine Goats all year. From May to October I also raise Cornish Cross Chickens and from mid-June to late October Landrace/York Pigs.
Some animals (such as the Alpine Goats and one Potato-sheep in particular) have been bottle fed and are very hands-on and hungry for attention. Other animals (such as the Pigs and Sheep) are not always friendly or safe to interact with so it’s less hands on with them.
I am also hoping to have a few friendly guests stop by – miniature horses, guinea pigs, and rabbits 🙂
Can I try some farm products?
Although I regularly drink goat’s milk and create some amazing cheese from it, due to regulations concerning the storage, treatment, and production of goat’s milk, I am unable to share any of the milk or cheese I produce on the farm.
There will be a selection of Goats Milk Soap available for purchase from Wild Orchid Farm who will be in attendance and I would encourage anyone interested to signup for some of her soap making classes taking place later this year.
Can I bring my pet? They're really friendly!
No.
Due to safety and health concerns no pets are allowed on the premises during Open Farm Day. Aside from concerns regarding unsafe interactions between family pets and other attendees, you have to realize that you are coming to the animals home and safe place. It is unreasonable to bring an animal along which, no matter how well intentioned, will be stressful or possibly cause injury to the farm animals due to their enthusiasm.
Anyone with a pet on site (with the obvious exception of service animals) will be quickly and firmly asked to leave. No exceptions.
Thank you for your understanding.
Do you have baby animals I can play with?
All of my goats are suckers for a good chin scratch or some affection.
Unfortunately Open Farm Day takes place at the wrong time of year for me to have babies running about the place. The Alpine Goat kids are all five months (or more) old and the lambs are almost six months old.
I do have a few wee beasties (along with the adults) on hand at the moment:
- Pookie – an Alpine doeling
- Sprinkles – an Alpine doeling
- Potato – a North Country Cheviot ewe (who thinks she is a goat and acts like a dog – don’t ask)
Is it clean?
It is a farm.
Although I keep everything neat and tidy and the animal pens are mucked out regularly, they are still animals. This means that unlike a house-trained cat or dog they do relieve themselves well, everywhere. This is especially true of the chickens which free-range in the yard between the barns.
Visitors should wear appropriate footwear (no sandals or open toed shoes!) and are encouraged to watch their step 🙂
Media
If you have enjoyed a farm tour or Open Farm Day 2019 and would like to share any of your pictures, please email them to me and I’d be happy to add them to my collection! Below are just a few of the photos taken during last year’s Open Farm Day.
Rules
- Open Farm Day 2019 is on Sunday, September 15th from 10am to 3pm only. Please contact me on Instagram, Facebook, or email if you would like to book a Farm Tour outside of this time.
- No smoking is allowed anywhere on the property.
- Electric fencing is in use throughout the Farm – children must be supervised at all times.
- No pets are allowed on the property during Open Farm Day with the exception of service animals.
- Anyone acting in a dangerous, disruptive manner or anyone causing distress to the animals will be promptly asked to leave or be removed from the property. Farm animals are living creatures and deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
- Open Farm Day is a public event occurring at a private residence and property. Your cooperation in helping me keep the site neat and tidy is appreciated.
Location
Take Exit 35 off the Trans-Canada Highway, and turn North onto the Southside Harbour Road for 2km. Simply Ducky Farm is located on the left, second house after the train tracks (look for the sign). Please note that parking is at an absolute premium. Please drive carefully and be considerate of any pedestrians.
If you have any questions regarding my location please contact me by Instagram, Facebook, or Email.