31 May 2025

Agri Aware ‘Open Farm’ event planned for Future Beef farm

Aonghusa Fahy, a participant in Teagasc’s Future Beef Programme, will open the gates of his farm for two important Agri Aware events over the coming weeks.

Open Farm is the flagship event in Agri Aware’s mission of enhancing agricultural literacy, giving the public and schoolchildren a unique opportunity to experience a working Irish farm firsthand and understand the journey of food from farm to fork.

On Thursday, June 12, Aonghusa Fahy will host the ‘Schools Day’ on his beef farm in Ardrahan, Co. Galway, followed by the public Open Farm Day on Sunday, June 15.

Pictured at Agri Aware’s Open Farm launch event are: Keith Fahy, Teagasc; Teresa Roche, IFA; Aonghusa Fahy; Shay Galvin, Agri Aware; Amie Coonan, ABP; and Aisling Molloy; Teagasc.

At these events, students and the general public will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Fahys, see modern beef farming in action, and understand the vital role Irish beef farms play in producing high-quality food sustainably.

Commenting on his participating in the initiative, Aonghusa Fahy said: “As generations pass, the connection between food and its origins is increasingly being lost, even in rural communities.

“We take immense pride in what we do, from the care we give our animals to the quality of food we produce. Through Open Farm, we want to share our story and show the public how we’re farming sustainably for the future.”

In the east of the country, Agri Aware will also host its flagship events in Kildare. The Kildare Open Farm will be hosted on the Doran family’s dairy farm in Donadea. On Thursday, June 13, the farm will welcome over 800 primary school students from Kildare and Dublin for a dedicated Schools Day. Students will explore how dairy products are made, learn about sustainable farming practices, and develop a deeper appreciation for where the food they consume comes from.

On Saturday, June 14, the farm gates will open to the general public for a fun, educational and interactive day out for all ages. Visitors will enjoy self-guided tours, a mini-farm village, food demos, kids’ games, and the chance to speak with the Doran’s about how they care for their animals and the environment.

Speaking at the launch of Open Farm 2025, Agri Aware Chairman, Shay Galvin said: “We are delighted to announce the return of Open Farm after the success last year. Bridging the gap between producers and consumers remains a key challenge, but it’s one we are committed to addressing.”

Open Farm is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Dairy Council, the Irish Farmers’ Association, Tirlán, Our Food Connects, ABP, Teagasc, Kildare Milk Producers Group and the Fresh Milk Producers Group. Agri Aware has teamed up with Agriland Media as the official media partner for Open Farm for 2025.

Find out more about the Agri Aware Open Farm Events in the below video:

Open Farm is a free of charge event. For full details, including times and venues for these events, please visit the Agri Aware website.