Award-winning family-run business, The Store, which is based in Foveran on the outskirts of Ellon, had a busy day yesterday (5 June) with over 2000 visitors joining them to discover the world of farming at its open day, as part of Open Farm Sunday 2016.
The national event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) takes place annually to inspire and encourage more farmers to open their gates to encompass all types of British farming, from how crops are grown, and animals cared for, to how we manage our countryside.
The Store, which is run by four generations of farmers and has its own on-site butchery, farm shop, deli and coffee shop, attracted more than 2000 visitors from across the region yesterday to the popular event.
Activities during the 2016 open day included tractor and trailer rides, farm machinery displays, a falconry display, crafts for children, sheep shearing displays and a bouncy castle and play area with farm toys. Guests also had the chance to milk a plastic milking cow, make sausages, and meet some of the farm animals.
Local businesses showcased their produce during a farmers’ market on the day, and the recently launched Farmer’s Grill served up a selection of The Store’s Aberdeen Angus steaks, burgers and hot dogs.
Owner of The Store, Andrew Booth, said: “We are delighted to have so many visitors at our annual Open Farm Sunday. It gives us, as producers, a chance to explain farming practices. We are always so impressed with the interest from the general public about what happens throughout the year on the farm, so it’s a great chance for us take our customers on a journey through our farming year. We would like to thank not only local suppliers, but a number of well-travelled suppliers for making the event possibl; Ogilvy Vodka, The Bay Fish & Chip Shop, and Agricultural suppliers, Ross Agri, to name a few. Local groups, such as Newburgh Brownie & Guides and Udny Young Farmers were also valued element to the open day.”