Our Stories

A day trip for Open Farm Days is a great way to spend the day, but if you have the weekend open, consider making a case to slow down and soak it all in over a fun filled weekend. The Barrhead region with six host farms are opening their gates this August, with a cluster of unique places to sleep,

Valerie Ehrenholz didn’t inherit simple land. Her grandfather bought a property with hills too steep for a plow and low ground so wet with muskeg it swallows your boots. For decades, that combination looked like a limitation. Today, it’s the reason her cattle operation works at all. “I have often wondered why my grandfather bought this land,” Valerie says. “The

The Grassland Is a Patient Teacher Providence Lane Homestead is learning — and listening — in Alberta’s foothills There’s a moment Tara Klager looks forward to every year. The gate swings open. The sheep explode out. The alpacas scramble to get in front of them, frantic and joyful, and then the whole flock spreads out across the pasture and gets

The Prairie at Night: How ALCLA Native Plants Is Keeping Alberta’s Grasslands Alive, One Seed at a Time There is a moment, just after dusk on the Alberta prairie, when the White Evening Primrose opens. It doesn’t happen gradually. The flowers unfurl in the fading light as if responding to a signal only they can hear — long floral tubes,

There’s a particular kind of intelligence at work in the foothills west of Calgary. It doesn’t come from a textbook, a soil test, or a GPS tracker. It flies out of the hive before sunrise, travels up to 10 kilometres in every direction, and comes back loaded with everything the land has to offer. At Spirit Hills Flower Winery, the

This Wasn’t the Plan. It Turned Out Better. When Gwen and her family left their five-acre hobby farm near Airdrie in search of more space, they weren’t looking for an operational u-pick. They were looking for room: room for their three boys to grow up, room to raise animals with purpose, and room to build something that was more than

Grass Looks Simple. It’ll Teach You Different.   There’s a saying out on the Alberta prairies that the land always tells the truth. At Toews & Bale, they’ve staked an entire operation on listening to it. Pam and Warren Toews didn’t inherit a farm. There was no land passed down, no equipment waiting in the yard, no generations of know-how

Welcome to Alberta Open Farm Days. This annual province-wide event invites those in the agriculture and food sector to open their gates and connect with the public for a weekend of discovery on August 15 and 16, 2026. Albertans of all ages are invited to experience firsthand where their food comes from, meet the people behind it, and learn more

Hosts for Alberta Open Farm Days include passionate farmers, producers, ranchers, food makers, culinary schools, chefs, and local food businesses who want to offer authentic, hands-on experiences rooted in agriculture and food. Ideal hosts are those willing to open their gates and share a genuine snapshot of daily operations, showcasing the work, care, and expertise behind Alberta’s agricultural and local

Alberta Open Farm Days is a province-wide event where farms, food producers, and agriculture and agri-tourism operators open their gates to the public for a weekend of discovery. In 2026, the event takes place August 15 & 16, 2026. It is a great opportunity for farmers’ markets to get involved, connect with their community, and support local agriculture. Whether you

How Agricultural Societies and Other Associations Can Get Involved in Alberta Open Farm Days Agricultural societies play a central role in connecting communities to local agriculture. With established facilities, strong volunteer networks, and trusted community presence, agricultural societies are uniquely positioned to support Alberta Open Farm Days by acting as connectors, conveners, and hosts. Whether you are hosting activities on

This August, Alberta once again opened its gates for Open Farm Days 2025, and the weekend reminded us why agriculture is at the heart of our province. Nearly 150 host farms welcomed visitors from across Alberta, Canada, and beyond for a weekend filled with learning, connection, and celebration. From grain fields in the north to ranchlands in the south, farms

From Farms to Front Pages: Alberta Open Farm Days 2025 in the Headlines Alberta Open Farm Days 2025 once again proved that curiosity, community, and agriculture are at the heart of Alberta’s story. Nearly 150 host farms opened their gates this August, inviting visitors from across the province—and beyond—to connect with the people, practices, and products that keep our food

Water: The Lifeblood of the Lakeland Region In Alberta’s Lakeland region, water is more than a natural resource. It is a way of life. From the cattle pastures of Charlotte Lake Farms to the economic development offices of Community Futures Lac La Biche, water sustains livelihoods, shapes industries, and defines the rhythm of the seasons. Here, it fuels the growth

Experience Connection, History, and Heritage at Providence Lane Homestead During Open Farm Days Just 45 minutes northwest of Calgary, tucked among the foothills near Cochrane, Providence Lane Homestead is a small farm with a big story to tell. Every fence post, blade of grass, and soft bleat from the sheep is part of a living landscape where history, conservation, and

Rooted in Stewardship: The Arboretum at Trochu’s Water-Wise Journey Nestled along North Road in Trochu, Alberta, The Arboretum at Trochu spans 3.5 acres of forest garden—beautiful evidence of how mindful water management and community care can grow something extraordinary. A Legacy Built on Water The original farmhouse and surrounding land, first developed in the early 1920s, was sustained by its

Water as Our Witness: How the County of Barrhead Lives With, Learns From, and Looks After Its Water In the County of Barrhead & Area, water isn’t just a resource — it’s a rhythm of life. With three significant rivers — the Athabasca, Pembina, and Paddle — carving through the land, and lakes like Lac La Nonne and Thunder Lake

Every Drop Matters: How Providence Lane Homestead Protects Their Wetlands When you look at a map of Canada, it’s hard not to notice the abundance of water. Lakes, rivers, wetlands — big blue blobs everywhere. It gives the illusion of abundance. But for farmers like those at Providence Lane Homestead, nestled high in the foothills of Alberta, water isn’t something

Holding Every Drop: How Water Shapes Life and Livelihood on Hartell Homestead When you step onto Hartell Homestead, nestled in the foothills of Alberta, you’re entering a living example of how water, thoughtfully managed, becomes the foundation of regenerative agriculture—and a thriving homestead business. Since purchasing this once-struggling land in 2019, owners Nick and Alli have combined a deep respect

Bridgeland Distillery: The Flow from Glacial Origins to Golden Spirits Water is the silent hero behind every spirit—a simple molecule that shapes flavour, character, and terroir. At Bridgeland Distillery in Calgary, this idea takes tangible form, as glacial-fed water meets Alberta barley and time-honoured craft. With Open Farm Days around the corner, the distillery is opening its doors—offering free tours,

The Artist Behind the 2025 Open Farm Days Logo: Wendy Johnsen Behind every great event is a collection of stories — stories of the land, the people, and the creative forces that help bring it all to life. For Alberta Open Farm Days, one such story begins not in a city gallery or studio, but on a quiet prairie farm

Rooted in Water: How NextGen Aqua Farms Grows the Future of Food   When you walk into NextGen Aqua Farms, you won’t find dusty boots or soil-covered rows of vegetables. Instead, you’ll hear the gentle trickle of water circulating through tanks and troughs, see leafy greens floating on rafts, and spot schools of tilapia gliding through pristine tanks. This is

Behind the Buzz: All About Christy Creek Honey Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Alberta, Christy Creek Honey isn’t just a farm—it’s a haven for bees, nature, and the community it serves. “Tours, Honey, and All Things Bees” is more than a motto for Christy Creek Honey; it encapsulates their mission to educate, inspire, and delight. When we reached out

The Flow of Life: Medieval Manor Gardens’ Water Story Water is more than just a resource at Medieval Manor Gardens—it is the foundation of their farm, their business, and their way of life. Nestled in a region where water conservation and stewardship are crucial, Medieval Manor Gardens has woven sustainability into every aspect of their daily operations. As Dawn Watts

Protecting Alberta’s Water: The Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture Water is the foundation of life, shaping our landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. For the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance (MPWA), water is also at the heart of their mission—to protect and manage Alberta’s watersheds while working hand-in-hand with farmers, landowners, and conservation groups to create sustainable agricultural practices. The

A Dugout for the Future: DNA Gardens’ Water Story Since 1975, DNA Gardens has grown into a cherished family-run orchard and berry farm nestled in the dry, arid heart of east-central Alberta. But, one element has remained a constant challenge throughout their nearly 50-year journey: water. The arid environment of the east-central part of the province has posed a persistent

Re-wilding Alberta’s Waterways: A Conservation Journey at Coyote Lake Lodge An hour west of Leduc and Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Coyote Lake Lodge stands as a tranquil retreat with a mission that extends far beyond its picturesque setting. Owned by the Alberta Abilities Lodges Society, the Lodge is at the forefront of a bold initiative to restore Alberta’s creeks through

The Eastern Irrigation District – A Lifeline Through Water The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) serves as an agricultural and environmental cornerstone in southern Alberta, where water management shapes not only the land but also the lives of farmers, industries, and wildlife. Located along the Bow River and spanning more than 1.5 million acres, the EID manages a complex network of

Farm to Front Page: How Alberta Open Farm Days Made Headlines in 2024 We are thrilled to share that Alberta Open Farm Days received an incredible amount of media attention this year, with coverage spanning across the province! From local newspapers and radio stations to major TV broadcasts, the enthusiasm and support from our Alberta news outlets have been overwhelming.

Thank You for Making 2024 Alberta Open Farm Days a Remarkable Success! We wanted to issue a heart-felt thank you to every single visitor, Host farm, or supporting member for making the 2024 Alberta Open Farm Days an unforgettable experience. Whether you visited one farm or many, your enthusiasm and curiosity helped bring Alberta agriculture to life. This year, we

Tasting Tradition and Innovation in Lethbridge’s Food Corridor Nestled in the heart of Southern Alberta, the Lethbridge area is renowned as the “breadbasket of Canada.” It’s not just a hub of agricultural productivity; it’s a vibrant community where tradition meets innovation.  From sugar beets to beans, and cattle to pork, the region is a cornerstone of Canada’s food production. Lethbridge

Celebrating Kneehill County & Area at Trochu Arboretum & Gardens As we gear up for this year’s Alberta Open Farm Days, we are especially excited to talk about the cluster region of Kneehill County, and the special festival that will be taking place there on August 17th.  This event will run throughout the town of Trochu, with hotspots being the

Discover the Flavours of the Lakeland with our Specialty Curated Local Food Boxes! This year, Open Farm Days is highlighting Cluster Regions that are hotspots for agriculture and activity as we prepare for the 2024 O pen Farm Days, starting with the stunning Lakeland Region. Lakeland boasts a rich farming and cultural history that has flourished over generations. Spanning a

Discover the Wooly Wonders of Custom Woolen Mills at Alberta Open Farm Days Nestled between the Alberta towns of Carstairs and Linden, Custom Woolen Mills Ltd. is a living testament to the rich history and enduring craftsmanship of wool processing. As we prepare for Alberta Open Farm Days, we invite you to explore this unique mill that has been a

Unravel the Charm of Sunnyhill Alpacas and Twisted Sisters Mill at Alberta Open Farm Days Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Leduc County, Alberta, Sunnyhill Alpacas and the Twisted Sisters Mill is a testament to the dedication and passion of its owners. As we gear up for Alberta Open Farm Days, we invite you to explore this unique farm that