Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Ripplebrook Farm will open its doors to the public on Aug. 26, serving up a free breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon while giving guests a chance to explore a working farm.
The event, aptly titled Breakfast on the Farm, is part of an ongoing series of meet-and-greets hosted across the province, held in partnership with Farm and Food Care Ontario.
“It’s an opportunity for (the public) to set foot on a farm and our goal is always to have as many farmers as possible there that day to be available to answer questions,” said Christa Ormiston, communications manager with Farm Food and Care Ontario. “We’ll have a lot of dairy farmers and other farmers joining us that will be in the barn areas and just having those interactions. That’s a really important part of it.”
Located at 7836 County Road 2 in Napanee, Ripplebrook Farm is owned and operated by Kevin MacLean and his family. Their 900-acre farm is home to 280 animals, with 130 cows milked three times daily. Also found on the farm are seven show-winning quarter horses, while the crops grown on site include alfalfa, barley, wheat, corn and soybeans.
Tickets are a $5 deposit per person to register, with that money returned in full upon attendance, free breakfast included.
“The breakfast showcases all that Ontario has to offer-a breakfast sandwich, there will be chocolate milk and other things like apples,” said Ormiston. “People are invited to come for breakfast and then enjoy the day on the farm.”
After their meal guests can explore the farm and speak with industry experts.
“We’ll have a lot of displays and activities and exhibits from other types of Ontario farms and organizations that will be continuing the conversation on all different aspects of farming in Ontario,” added Orminston.
Several other Breakfast on the Farm events have been held across the province, this being the first of its kind in Napanee. The goal of each event is to allow people to get a firsthand look at how some of their food is produced and to meet the farmers who help get their food to the table.
To register to attend the Napanee event, visit https://www.farmfoodcareon.org/breakfastonthefarm-napanee/.