Every year on Open Farm Sunday, farmers across Britain open their gates and welcome the public onto their farms. From small family-run units to large-scale enterprises and everything in between, this year’s event on Sunday 7 June 2026 is your chance to showcase the very best of British farming.
You do not need to be a member of LEAF to take part, but you do need to register your event at farmsunday.org. NFU members can order their complementary educational resources through the Expression of Interest form.
If you have any questions, you can also get in touch with the NFU's campaigns team at: [email protected]
Educate
It’s time to show people the great work that goes into your farm.
Some 23% of last year’s 200,000 visitors stepped onto a farm for the very first time. Open Farm Sunday is an invaluable opportunity to show people exactly how food goes from field to fork. For many, it’s the only chance they’ll have to see real farming up close, and that experience stays with them.
With 91% of visitors saying they learned something new, this is your moment to shape the narrative around farming. By opening your gates, you can explain the skill, care and commitment that go into producing food, while highlighting farmers’ role as custodians of our countryside.
Open Farm Sunday is a powerful platform to champion British farming.
Inspire
You can spark conversations and future careers.
With 81% of visitors saying they made positive changes to their lives after attending an Open Farm Sunday event, the impact of opening your gate goes far beyond a single day. This unique opportunity inspires the public to back British farming every day, whether that’s choosing local produce, supporting environmental work, or simply understanding the realities of farm life.
37% of visitors said someone in their group was inspired to consider a career in farming. By taking part, you’re not just explaining what you do, you’re showcasing farming as an exciting, innovative and rewarding career for the next generation.
“Whatever you’ve got, people will find interesting – you don’t need lots of animals or big shiny tractors – it’s just all about food and the farming story.”
Simon Day, Farm Manager at Worth Farms who has held Open Farm Sunday events since 2006
Enjoy
Yes, it’s good for the public, but it’s good for you too!
While 98% of visitors rated their experience as excellent or good, farmers themselves consistently say that Open Farm Sunday is an overwhelmingly rewarding and positive day. It’s a rare chance to connect with the local community, share what really happens on your farm, and feel the public’s appreciation for your hard work.
Whether you want to offer tractor and trailer rides, run a machinery demonstration, or lead a guided walk around your fields, you can shape the day to your strengths. It’s an opportunity to highlight the parts of your job you truly enjoy and feel passionate about, all while giving visitors an authentic glimpse into British farming. And who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying the day just as much as they do.
Support is ready and waiting
You’re not on your own.
Last year, 21% of farms involved hosted their very first Open Farm Sunday event. From in-person training days to one-to-one support and online webinars, the LEAF team are there to support you every step of the way so that your experience hosting Open Farm Sunday can be as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
NFU members can even order educational resources to complement their event, at no cost.
“Even the simplest items and tasks – like touching some grain or holding an EID tag – can be truly eye-opening for visitors.”
LEAF Education specialist, Sam Wyman
Opening your gates isn’t just about welcoming visitors; it’s about shaping attitudes and ideas that can last a lifetime.
So, this year Sunday 7 June 2026, why not share your story?
Register your event and order resources
You do not need to be a member of LEAF to take part, but you do need to register your event at farmsunday.org. NFU members can order their complementary educational resources through the Expression of Interest form.
If you have any questions, you can also get in touch with the NFU's campaigns team at: [email protected].
“By connecting with consumers and inspiring the public to appreciate the sustainable farming practices that nurture nature, we can show how we produce food they can trust, while protecting the environment.”
Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager
