Open Farms Day

Open Farms Day is a nationwide free initiative that aims to reconnect Kiwis with their food, farmers and the land on Sunday the 1st of March 2020.

Over 50 farms nationwide will open their gates to the public, with each farm hosting family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

Please register your interest for your selected farm via the website link.
From there, you will be sent specific event details.

The Westgate Farm was purchased in 1914. It is a family-run farm at Orakau – ‘the place of trees’. We are the 5th generation in our family to take care of this land. We are focused on animal welfare with a strong consideration for the environment and sustainability; both economically and globally. We operate to ensure that the land has a rich and diverse ecosystem. We (you and I), will first pick up some food for the cows, and drive down to the paddocks where they will either be relaxing or eating! I will teach you about a day in the life of a cow, and you might even see a few other on-farm day to day activities, such as milk harvesting, or milk pick up.

If you would like to try - they might even eat out of the palm of your hand! We will also talk about what we do as farmers - to share what makes our industry so great. You'll have the opportunity to have photos with these beautiful cows (and pat the dogs if you like), as well as give the cows lots of cuddles if you feel like that too! They all have very strong independent lady personalities - so they're always a little sassy. Just watch out for their tongues! They sometimes will lick you!

You're welcome to bring an empty closed and clean bottle with you to take some farm fresh milk home with you! - I don't mind how much you take, as long as you enjoy it! I can also tell you the exact fat and protein ratio if you're keen to know that too.