Farmers interested in taking part in this year’s Open Farm Sunday (OFS) on 7 June are being urged to sign up for one of two free of charge training days. 

OFS is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year and the training days are open to those looking to open their farm gates to visitors for the first time, or established OFS participants who want a refresher when it comes to public engagement. 

Event organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is running the training days on 18 March at Huntapac, Lancashire and 24 March at Strawberry Hill Farm in East Sussex. Both events run from 10.30am to 3.30pm, including a complimentary lunch. 

Developed by LEAF education specialists and the OFS team, the training days will provide valuable insights into how to run an OFS event, connect with visitors and share your farm’s story in engaging and memorable ways.

Topics will include managing visitor numbers using online ticketing services, and promotion, through to health and safety considerations. The events also offer a valuable chance for farmers to network and learn from each other. 

LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton, says: “Farmers who attend can also pick up some fabulous resources, including our new sector specific host farmer booklets developed with funding from AHDB, plus activity workbooks, posters, signage and other educational materials to help make your Open Farm Sunday a success.” 

To register to attend the free training day, visit: 

•  Huntapac (Lancashire): 18 March  

•  Strawberry Hill Farm (East Sussex): 24 March  

• Register to host Open Farm Sunday: 7 June 2026