As registration for farms and ranches to participate in the 2024 edition of Alberta Open Farm Days ends on April 30th, excitement is mounting for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of agriculture. This year, the theme chosen is the “Year of the Alpaca” shining a spotlight on these flurry creatures that have become an integral part of Alberta’s thriving fibre industry.
Alberta Open Farm Days is an annual two-day event that offers Albertans a unique opportunity to connect with the agricultural community, learn about where their food comes from, and engage in on-farm experiences. With over 130 host farms participating in 2023 and thousands of visitors, the event continues to grow in popularity each year.
Tim Carson, CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event stating, “This will be our 13th year of Alberta Open Farm Days, and the numbers of participants have continued to grow. Last year, we had just over 130 host farms. So, the diversity of those participants has also continued to grow, which is a great sign that we’re going down the right path.”
This year’s spotlight on alpacas highlights their significance in Alberta’s agricultural landscape. Carson explained “Alpacas are a relatively new species to Alberta farms, arriving here in the 1980s. Since then, the alpaca population has grown to 28,500 in Canada, with 40 percent of those animals in Alberta.”
Beyond their undeniable cuteness, alpacas play a vital role in Alberta’s fibre industry, alongside other products such as goats’ wool, sheep wool, and hemp. With over 430 alpaca farms in Alberta alone, these animals have become essential to the province’s agricultural tapestry.
Carson emphasized the educational aspect of Open Farm Days stating, “We want to showcase the diversity of agriculture, so as long as you have a significant tie to the agriculture or Agri-tourism industry, Open Farm Days is an AG education program as much as it is a tourism program.”
In addition to highlighting the alpaca industry, Open Farm Days offers a wide range of experiences, from petting zoos to wineries, giving visitors a comprehensive look at Alberta’s agricultural sector. Carson encouraged attendees to explore multiple farms, saying, “Take an entire day, take a cooler, take your wallet. Get up there and experience what agriculture this great province has to offer.”
The economic impact of Open Farm Days is significant, with on-farm sales reaching nearly $300,000 during the 2023 weekends alone. Since its inception, the event has generated over $1.4 million in on-farm sales, injecting vital funds into rural economies across Alberta.
As Alberta Open Farm Dyas approaches on August 17 and 18, anticipation is building for another unforgettable celebration of agriculture, food, and community. With the Year of the Alpaca as its theme, this year’s event promises to be both educational and entertaining showcasing the best of Alberta’s agricultural heritage.
Registration is open until April 30th at Alberta Open Farm Days | Farm Tours, Culinary Experiences for those interested in participating as host farms or learning more about the event.