Beaminster farmers open up farm to highlight farming life

The Bowditch family, supported by the Marshwood Vale Farmers Cluster and the Melplash Agricultural Society’s Discover Farming Team, invited the public in as part of Open Farm Sunday.

The Bowditch family farm near Beaminster hosted the open day (Image: Richard Wegwood)

The event, held at Francis Buglers, West Dorset Grain Co-op and Knowle Farm on the outskirts of Beaminster was a resounding success, attracting more than 1,200 visitors from near and far.

The day was filled with a diverse range of activities, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the world of farming and food production.

Tractor and trailer rides were a particular hit with visitors for getting around the farm.  

The tractor and trailer rides moving people across the farm was a big hit with visitors (Image: Richard Wegwood)

Farmer James Bowditch said: “The event was a true community effort, with volunteers ranging from farmers and their children to the Buglers and the Discovery Farming crew who you’ll see again later in the year at the Melplash Show on August 22." 

The Discover Farming area offered families the chance to churn butter, grind grain and birth a cow!  Local organisations, including Dorset Landscape, Butterfly Conservation, and rare sheep breed enthusiasts added to a memorable farming experience.

Kids sitting on a tractor during the open day (Image: Alan McNamee)

Guests also had the opportunity to witness first-hand how crops are grown locally in a world of using less artificial inputs, and even observe Ed Bowditch’s cows being milked and their calves being fed at Knowle dairy.

Delicious food options, including  wild meat burgers, curries, coffees, and the ever-popular Baboo ice cream kept visitors fuelled and satisfied throughout the day.

The collaborative spirit and dedication of all involved ensured a memorable and informative experience for all who attended. 

Visitors observing Ed Bowditch's cows being milked (Image: Alan McNamee)

James added: "Special thanks to all the local farming families who helped us with the day:   Buglers, Cases, Curtises, Fookes, Gregorys,  Hardwills, Hollands, Hutchings, Streatfeilds and Stovers.    

"We all hope the event leads to a deeper appreciation of farming, of where our food comes from and how intertwined farmers are with the local environment that we are the custodians of.  

"We farmers love what we do and enjoyed sharing our lives for one Sunday with everyone who came along.”