Having a hearty breakfast and then touring a dairy farm is an option the family can partake in very soon. On July 2 from 8:30 to 11:30 am. breakfast served outdoors will be available at the Steenbeek Dairy Farms just East of Varna. The Bayfield Lions Club will be preparing breakfast for a limited number of people. Tables will be set up in a nearby shed where everyone is able to eat under cover.
Tours of the 300 milking herd operation will take place all morning for anyone coming to the farm. Opportunities to have a look behind modern barn doors is rare and this visit all visitors will have their questions answered as well. Parking will be on a cement pad behind the shed and the tours start nearby. Pets and smoking are not permitted on the farm. Shoes or running shoes are recommended for the tours.
“Breakfast on the Farm” is supported by the local milk, egg, pork, and grain producers. Gay Lea has provided a bouncy cow for the children to play in while waiting for the tours or following their tours. Several displays will also be available to learn about what a cow would eat and there will be displays of some of the machinery needed for planting or looking after the crops. A milk truck will be there demonstrating how much milk is hauled to the milk depots. There will be many handouts that can be taken which help explain where and how our food is grown and how it is processed. There will be a booklet that everyone might use to look at how safe everything is around where we live.
Tickets are available at Stonefield Garden Centre, calling 519-482-9296, or ordering online at info@bayfieldfair.ca. Tickets may be available at the farm on July 2 but tours will be held for everyone. This event is a great opportunity for taking your Canada Day guests and informing them about agriculture in our local community –part of the most productive area in Ontario. This breakfast-tour activity is being organized by the Bayfield Agricultural Society with massive cooperation by the Steenbeek family.
Food always seems to be a major focus for the Bayfield Ag Society. The Ribs Fest is a very popular new venture at the Bayfield Fair. This year, to reflect suggestions from last year’s fest, there will be four groups preparing the ribs. This year Caitlyn Vail of Cait’s Kitchen in Goderich and Pat and Kevin from Pat & Kevin’s on the Square in Goderich will join Devin Tabor of Bon Vivant and Brian Garnet of Let the Flames Begin. One group is talking about using secret ingredients to make theirs the best. The committee is hoping this will be the best year yet for Ribs Fest.
The Bayfield Agricultural Society promotes greater awareness of agriculture for all ages. It has been active for 160 years and depends on the support of the community. If anyone wishes to be involved as a volunteer or leader, the Society would be pleased to hear from you at info@bayfieldfair.ca.