Albertans are invited to local farms on August 13 and 14, 2022 / Photo: CHAT News Today

By Meghan Cobb

Open Farm Days invites Albertans to get a behind the scenes look at the province’s agriculture business

Aug 7, 2022 | 5:53 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – On August 13 and 14, Albertans are invited to get their hands dirty while learning about the province’s agricultural industry.

Farms, ranches and producers across the province will open their doors and welcome visitors to learn about where food comes from, and the process involved to get it from farm to table.

“It’s an opportunity for our community to reconnect with the farm and for our farmers to demonstrate how food is made in Alberta,” said Nicola Doherty, marketing coordinator with Alberta Open Farm Days.

Doherty says the open house style of event is for everyone, regardless of their connection to the agri-business.

“It’s for people that are interested in food, or have a generational shift away from the farm, to get back to the farm,” explained Doherty. “This really reduces the barrier for visitors to see the farm and see what it looks like on the inside.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: April 2-5

Apr 02, 2026

What's On

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in April

Apr 01, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 27-29

Mar 27, 2026

All visits are free to attend, although some will have paid components, and some farms do require visitors to register in advance.

Medicine Hat will have a solid showing over the weekend. Companies like Medicine Hat Brewing Company, Hells Basement Brewing and Pivot Spirits Craft Distillery will have tours to show how grains are used to make their beverages.

Irvine Agriculture Discovery Centre and Leisure Way Mini Farm are welcoming visitors to their space to get hands on experience with the animals.

Leisure Way Mini Farm started as a way to supplement care provided to the residents at the Leisure Way Group Home, but has since grown to produce some of its own food.

“Over the years we’ve learned more about farming and sustainable permaculture, agriculture and homesteading,” said Sean Roche, owner and operator of Leisure Way Mini Farm. “We’ve applied a lot of those principles and ideals into growing our mini farm to what it is now.”

Chickens on the farm lay eggs that are used in the homes and are sold to the community. The pigs are raised to provide fresh pork.

“It’s become something that’s productive and a contributing factor to the quality of residents and the community,” said Roche.

During Open Farm Days, visitors to Leisure Way Mini Farms will be able to participate in an interactive farm tour and learn about the different animals and how they contribute to the larger picture.

Roche says he hopes people walk away from the experience with an increased interest in food production.

“I think it’s empowering for people to learn that they don’t just have to go to the grocery store to buy everything,” Roche said. “That it’s possible whether its in your backyard, or your front yard, or if you’re in a condo on your balcony, you can grow food.”

Roche says welcoming people onto the farm helps to provide the community with a connection to food and the local community that supplies it.

“We want to encourage a communal appreciation for farming and agriculture,” said Roche. “And for all the ways that supporting local can, and does, enrich the community.”

More information on Alberta Open Farm Days, the farms participating, and how to plan your trip can be found on the event’s website.