Cara Vosburg Photo

Alora Taylor, almost 3, got an upclose – but not too close – view of the cows Saturday during her first visit to a farm with mom, Bevin Perdu. Forbesvue Farms, where Breakfast on the Farm was hosted, currently have 180 milking cows. 

“It sure stinks.” Those were the first words out of Nicole Hardy’s mouth when she stepped out of the car and onto a farm for the first time.

Hardy, 6, was visiting Forbesvue Farm on Waterworks Road Saturday, where Breakfast on the Farm was held for the second year in a row.

But the smells of country living quickly faded into the background as Hardy began to enjoy all the sights. “I didn’t expect seeing so many cows!” she says. “I think it’s been pretty nice,” she says of her first farm experience.

Breakfast on the Farm gives people the chance to get first-hand experience on the farm.

People tend to lose the connection to where their food comes from, says Tracy Ranick of the Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC). One of the goals of the event is to establish that connection, she says.

SLBDC partnered with the Egg Farmers of Ontario, and the Lambton Federation of Agriculture last year to put on the first event, which Kevin and Melissa Forbes volunteered to host at their family farm.

When Kevin Forbes heard about the event he felt it was something they had to do. “Nobody else is going to promote our industry. We have to promote ourselves,” he says.

Many people who went last year were impressed with how happy and healthy the cows were, says Forbes. He’s happy they are able to educate the public about the commitment of farmers.

“Farmers are doing everything we can to look after the welfare of our animals,” he says.

This year, 750 people had breakfast at Forbesvue Farm, 250 more people than last year. Other Breakfast on the Farm events have been held in Ontario and the United States. This year the Forbesvue Farm breakfast was the largest one held in Ontario, says Ranick.

Breakfast itself included a variety of locally produced fare including sausage was made at Weiland Meats in Petrolia from a pig donated by Leystra Farms, says Ranick. Even the pancake mix was locally milled and donated, she says.

There is a lot of interest in the event being held next year, but it is likely to be at a different location. “There are a lot of really good farms in the County of Lambton that would do a great job of hosting,” says Forbes.

by Cara Vosburg