A few outfits in the Lakeland are opening their doors for Alberta Open Farm Days this weekend. The event allows city and country dwellers the chance to get an up close and personal look at where locally grown food comes from. One producer that will open its doors is the K-Cow Ranch near Elk Point.
Janice Wirsta is the owner/operator of the ranch along with her family. She says the land and ranch has quite the history that they’re ready to share.
“The farm where we’re doing our tour for on Alberta Open Farm days has been in the Wirsta family, in our name, for 102 years.”
Wirsta says the family heard about the opportunity to host guests last year. After their daughter entered a 4-H public speaking competition and gave a speech about the importance of agricultural knowledge for urban and rural residents alike, the idea to open their doors seemed easy.
“So as a family we decided that yes we should do this. We’re going to open up, open our arms and say ‘Hey, welcome. Come and see where your food is grown’ and see what rural living is all about.”
The K-Cow Ranch will host guests on August 17th and 18th. Wirsta says guests will have a chance to get up close to calves and cows in a hands-on demonstration. A Sunday brunch will also be hosted for guests looking to take in some of the freshest vegetables and meats available.
More information on Alberta Open Farm Days including all locations that are open for tours is available online. Wirsta says anyone looking for a tour can stop on by between 9 and 7 pm. A phone reservation for the brunch is required.