Latest news with #OpenFarm
Agriland
3 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
Meet Agri Aware's Open Farm hosts in Co. Kildare and Co. Galway
Agri Aware is delighted to announce that its Open Farm event is coming to two counties in June 2025, one on Saturday, June 14 and another on Sunday, June 15. Open Farm is Agri Aware's flagship event in educating the general public on Irish agriculture and food production by opening up the gates of family-run Irish farms. This free immersive farming experience allows visitors of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the land, animals, and producers who play a vital role in the farm-to-fork process. Open Farm is returning to Co. Kildare once again in 2025 after its success in 2024, with this year's event taking place on Joe and Kevin Doran's dairy farm in Donadea. The Dorans milk a herd of pedigree Holstein Friesian cows and are liquid milk suppliers – which provides the opportunity to showcase consumers exactly where the milk they purchase and consume in the supermarket originates from. The Kildare Open Farm event is taking place on Saturday, June 14. Kevin Doran said that the opportunity to host the Agri Aware Open Farm Day was one of pride for him and his family. He said: 'When I was first approached about hosting Open Farm, I immediately said yes. 'We are passionate as a family in what we do here in terms of producing a sustainable top-quality product with, first and foremost, the welfare of our animals being the top priority. 'To be able to showcase this to both primary school students and the general public as part of Agri Aware's Open Farm is one of excitement for us as a family that we are looking forward to.' The second Open Farm event is taking place for the first time in Co. Galway on the farm of Aonghusa Fahy and family in Ardrahan. Aonghusa operates a suckler-to-beef enterprise, bringing all cattle to finish on a grass-based system. The west of Ireland is synonymous for suckler beef production and Aonghusa is a top example of a farmer producing top-quality livestock whilst implementing technology and practices that are not only making his farm more efficient and profitable but, as importantly, more sustainable. From blooming hedgerows to eye-catching stone walls, the Fahys' farm typifies suckler farming in the west of Ireland and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase to the general public how top-quality beef is produced off a grass-based system. Speaking about hosting the inaugural Open Farm event in Co. Galway this year, Aonghusa 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.' The Co. Galway Open Farm event is taking place on Sunday, June 15. Both events will run from 10:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. All are welcome!
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Agriland partners with Agri Aware for Open Farm events
Agriland Media Group is delighted to partner with Agri Aware as the official media partner for its flagship Open Farm events which will take place in two counties this year. The agri-food educational body will return to Co. Kildare, along with a brand-new Open Farm experience in Co. Galway. Open Farm is the major part of 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. Open Farm is a free-of-charge event with gates open to the public from 10:30a.m to 5:00p.m on both days. Education and communications officer with Agri Aware, Michael Geary said: 'Agri Aware is delighted to partner with Agriland Media for Open Farm 2025. Education and communications officer with Agri Aware, Michael Geary (left) and Cormac Farrelly, managing director, Agriland Media Group 'Although targeted at the non-farming community, the importance of the farming community understanding the role Agri Aware plays in communicating the work primary producers do in producing top-quality food while caring for the environment is critical. 'Open Farm provides a unique opportunity to get consumers onto Irish farms and showcase the best of Irish agriculture. 'This opportunity to partner with Agriland Media will be of critical importance to educate and inform our target audience, the general public, and also primary producers and the agri-food sector as a whole of the work Agri Aware carries out to enhance agricultural literacy. ' Managing director of Agriland Media Group, Cormac Farrelly said: 'At a time when many consumers would state that they do not have an association with farming anymore, it's never been more important to educate young people about where their food comes from. 'It's equally important to highlight the importance of farming for our economy and society and inform the wider public to allow them to make healthy and sustainable food choices. 'As Ireland's largest agricultural digital news publisher, we are delighted to be partnering with Agri Aware for these important events to generate understanding of agriculture to the widest possible audience.' Agri Aware The Kildare Open Farm will be hosted on the Doran family dairy farm in Donadea (W91 DH99). 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 will open to the general public for an educational and interactive day out for all ages. There will be self-guided tours for visitors, a mini-farm village, food demonstrations, kids' games, and the chance to speak with the Dorans about how they care for their animals and the environment.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
How farming works – New ‘open experience' coming to Galway showcasing life on the farm
Agri Aware's Open Farm event is kicking off this June in two counties, Kildare and a brand-new Open Farm experience in Galway. Open Farm is the flagship event in Agri Aware's mission of 'enhancing agricultural literacy', hoping to give the public and schoolchildren a unique opportunity to experience a working Irish farm first hand and understand the journey of food from farm to fork. Making its debut this year, the Galway Open Farm will be hosted by Aonghusa Fahy on his beef farm in Ardrahan. The schools day will take place on Thursday, June 12, followed by the public open farm day on Sunday, June 15. Students and the general public will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Fahy's, see modern beef farming in action, and understand the vital role Irish beef farms play in producing high-quality food sustainably. 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 gives us a unique opportunity to connect people directly with the farms that produce their food. We're especially looking forward to welcoming schools on Thursday, followed by the public open days in Galway and Kildare over the weekend. Our sincere thanks go to the Doran and Fahy families for generously opening their farms. Thanks to them, visitors will get to see first-hand how Irish food is produced sustainably, with care and dedication.' Galway host farmer 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.' 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.
Agriland
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
Agri Aware Open Farm 2025 to take place in 2 counties
Agri Aware has announced the return of its flagship Open Farm event which will take place in two counties this year. The agri-food educational body said that the event will return to Co. Kildare, along with a brand-new Open Farm experience in Co. Galway. Open Farm is the major part of 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. Open Farm is a free of charge event with gates open to the public from 10:30am to 5:00pm on both days. Agri Aware The Kildare Open Farm will be hosted on the Doran family's dairy farm in Donadea (W91 DH99). 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 will open to the general public for an educational and interactive day out for all ages. There will be self-guided tours for visitors, a mini-farm village, food demonstrations, kids' games, and the chance to speak with the Doran's about how they care for their animals and the environment. (L-R) Olivia, Kayla, Hallie and Aonghusa Fahy with Agri Aware chair Shay Galvin The Galway Open Farm will be hosted by Aonghusa Fahy on his beef farm in Ardrahan (H91 TPD2). The Schools Day will take place on Thursday, June 12, followed by the public Open Farm Day on Sunday, June 15. Similar to Kildare, students and the general public will have the opportunity to engage directly with the farm family, see modern beef farming in action, and understand the vital role Irish beef farms play in producing high-quality food sustainably. Open Farm is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the National Dairy Council (NDC), the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), 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. Open Farm Commenting at the launch of Open Farm 2025, Agri Aware chair Shay Galvin said: 'Bridging the gap between producers and consumers remains a key challenge, but it's one we are committed to addressing'. 'Open Farm gives us a unique opportunity to connect people directly with the farms that produce their food. 'We're especially looking forward to welcoming schools on Thursday, followed by the public open days in Galway and Kildare over the weekend. 'Our sincere thanks go to the Doran and Fahy families for generously opening their farms. 'Thanks to them, visitors will get to see first-hand how Irish food is produced sustainably, with care and dedication,' he added. Kildare host farmer Kevin Doran said that he immediately agreed when he was first approached about hosting Open Farm. 'We are passionate as a family in what we do here in terms of producing a sustainable top-quality product with, first and foremost, the welfare of our animals being the top priority. 'To be able to showcase this to both primary school students and the general public as part of Agri Aware's Open Farm is one of excitement for us as a family that we are looking forward to,' he said. Galway host farmer Aonghusa Fahy added: '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,' he said.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Wet Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Healthy, Happy And Hydrated
If your pup turns up their nose at dry kibble or rarely visits their water bowl, wet dog food might be worth considering. Not only does this type of food appeal more to picky eaters, but it can be gentler on sensitive stomachs and provide extra moisture. After researching popular options, consulting veterinary experts and testing several brands ourselves, we confidently recommend Open Farm Surf & Turf Pâté as the best wet dog food overall. It's made with ethically sourced proteins and simple ingredients, and most importantly, dogs seem to love eating it. That said, the ideal choice depends heavily on your pup's lifestyle, health conditions and personal taste. The best wet dog foods are healthy and hydrating, from trusted brands like Open Farm, Weruva and ... More Caru. Knowing what to prioritize can make choosing the right food easier. To start, take a close look at each food's ingredient list. 'The best wet dog food includes clearly named protein sources, limited filler ingredients and whole-food elements like sweet potatoes or carrots,' says Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel. 'When checking food labels, look for real, recognizable ingredients.' For example, a fresh dog food option like The Farmer's Dog delivers customized, human-grade meals made with incredibly high-quality ingredients. Ahead, we've rounded up the best wet dog foods available, including picks tailored specifically for puppies, senior dogs, prescription diets and more. And to give you further peace of mind, all of our recommendations adhere to nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), so you can feel confident you're choosing a complete and balanced food. Open Farm Type: Pâté | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you've ever read the label on a can of dog food and wondered where the ingredients actually came from, Open Farm makes it easy to find out. Its Surf & Turf Pâté is made with grass-fed beef, beef liver and sustainably caught whitefish—all ingredients you can trace online to see exactly how they were sourced. Every batch of the brand's canned food is tested for things like salmonella and heavy metals before it leaves the facility, and you can even review the lab results yourself. (To view sourcing and safety information about your specific batch, try the company's online transparency tool.) The smooth pâté texture is easy for most dogs to eat, even those who tend to be picky, and the recipe doesn't include common irritants like soy, legumes or carrageenan. We especially like the Surf & Turf recipe because it combines beef and whitefish, both excellent sources of protein and nutrients dogs need, along with beef liver for extra vitamins and minerals. It's also free of chicken, which many dogs are sensitive to (often without their owners even realizing it). If your dog prefers different proteins, Open Farm also has recipes with salmon, turkey and beef that are worth trying. I personally always keep a few cans in my pantry as backup in case my dog's usual food subscription gets delayed or we're going to be traveling. She loves the taste, and unlike dry kibble, it doesn't upset her digestion or cause changes to her stool. The Farmer's Dog Type: Fresh (frozen) | Life stage: All life stages | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Farmer's Dog is different from typical wet foods because it's fresh and arrives frozen, but it still has the softer texture and high moisture content that make wet food appealing to many pups. Forbes Vetted recently named it the best dog food delivery service in 2025, thanks largely to its personalized approach and high-quality ingredients. Recipes feature proteins like beef, chicken, turkey and pork, combined with vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients such as chickpeas and salmon oil. The meals are cooked gently in a human-grade facility, then frozen and shipped directly to you. When you sign up, you first have to answer a quick survey about your dog's age, breed, weight and activity, so the meals arrive already portioned out for your pup's specific needs. The packaging conveniently includes your pet's name, which is helpful if you board your dog or use daycare regularly. Just remember you need a decent amount of freezer space, and the packages can't be resealed once opened. That said, I regularly feed The Farmer's Dog to my pup and have never had an issue with storage. The packs of food lay flat in the freezer and they're easy to stack, and the brand sends you a convenient storage container to keep partially used packages fresh in the fridge. Open Farm Type: Pâté | Life stage: Puppy | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: Open Farm's puppy pâté uses the same high-quality ingredients and transparent sourcing as its adult recipes, but it's formulated specifically to meet the needs of growing puppies. The veterinarians we spoke to emphasized that young dogs require specific amounts of vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth—particularly larger breeds, which can have more demanding nutritional requirements. Rather than settle for a general "all life stages" food, they recommend choosing a dedicated puppy formula like this to ensure your pup gets the nutrients they need. This recipe blends humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, chicken liver and veggies like sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. And while this is the brand's only puppy-specific flavor available right now, most reviewers say their pups happily clean their bowls. My own 8-month-old pup regularly eats this canned food, which we mix in with her fresh meals from The Farmer's Dog (now that she's getting older). She loves the taste and it hasn't caused any digestion issues, which I can't say about every food we've tried. Amazon Type: Canned | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: Several veterinarians we spoke to recommended limited-ingredient diets for senior dogs, because simpler recipes are often easier on aging digestive systems. Weruva's Paw Lickin' Chicken recipe is a great example. Its main ingredient is cage-free chicken breast, and you can actually see the recognizable chunks of real meat as soon as you open the can. Plus, it's soft enough for older dogs to chew comfortably without being overly mushy. Weruva also offers plenty of variety if your older pup is still excited about trying new flavors. There are over a dozen other recipes to choose from, including options featuring turkey, duck, tuna, pumpkin, carrots and more, all made to the same high-quality standards. So even if your senior dog's tastes change as they age—or they simply get picky—there are plenty of options to keep them interested in mealtime. Chewy Type: Stew | Life stage: All life stages | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you already know how tricky it can be to find food that keeps their digestive system happy. This Caru recipe features a simple ingredient list with human-grade turkey and salmon, two proteins generally gentle on sensitive stomachs, plus mild veggies like pumpkin, carrots and apples. The stew is slowly cooked in small batches, and it even looks (and smells) like something you might make yourself. Reviewers frequently note this recipe significantly improved their dogs' digestive issues after switching from other brands, especially those containing potatoes or grains. Plus, Caru packages its stew in a convenient, resealable pouch rather than a traditional can, so it's easy to portion out exactly what your dog needs. JustFoodForDogs Type: Fresh (frozen and pantry-stable options) | Life stage: Adult | AAFCO-compliant: Yes | Subscription required: No (prescription required) What you'll love: Keep in mind: If your vet recommends a prescription diet to manage your dog's specific health issues, JustFoodForDogs has fresh recipes created by veterinarians and nutritionists. Unlike many prescription foods that use lower-quality ingredients, these recipes include recognizable, human-grade ingredients like wild-caught cod, lamb, turkey and fresh veggies. The brand offers four specialized formulas to support a variety of concerns, such as kidney health, liver function, metabolism and appetite stimulation during critical care. Each recipe carefully controls nutrient levels based on specific health conditions, so you know your dog is getting exactly what their body needs. All four varieties come in frozen fresh formats, and two of the formulas also come in convenient shelf-stable 'Pantry Fresh' versions. Just keep in mind that you' need a prescription from your veterinarian to order these diets, though you don't have to commit to a subscription unless you want to. The meals are available directly from the company online, at JustFoodForDogs stores nationwide and at select Petco locations. The Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches and writes about pet products, from the best cat food to the best dog beds. To find the best wet dog food, we combined personal testing, expert insights and thorough research, keeping our own dogs in mind every step of the way.
