Beef, family and community at Open Farm Days

Albertans are passionate about knowing where their food comes from — and few opportunities make that connection more tangible than Alberta Open Farm Days. On August 16–17, farms and ranches across the province will welcome visitors for a weekend of tours, hands-on experiences, and local food. For beef producers, it’s a chance to share the story of cattle, stewardship, and community directly with the people who enjoy the end product.

Chatsworth Farm

At Chatsworth Farm, located near Vermilion, the Wasylik family is preparing to host their sixth annual Open Farm Day on Saturday, August 16. (See the family in our photo: (Charlotte & Rob, Breanne & Alex, Rick & Johanna, Nick). Visitors can expect guided livestock tours, sheep shearing, live music, wagon rides, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. The farmyard will also be buzzing with an artisan market, local food vendors, and cooking demonstrations.

Thompson Farm

Also on Saturday, Thompson Farm will welcome visitors to their ranch in the Battle River Valley. Their focus is on Speckle Park cattle, a Canadian breed known for exceptional marbling and flavour. Guests can meet livestock up close, take wagon tours to see the cattle grazing on pasture, and enjoy meals from a local food truck featuring beef from the farm itself. On Sunday, Thompson Farm will extend the celebration with a special Farm-to-Table Supper, showcasing dry-aged prime rib alongside local beverages and live music.

Lazy T, Redtail & Lady’s Hat farms

On Sunday evening, three likeminded operations — Lazy T, Redtail, and Lady’s Hat farms — will come together for the Prairie Farm Project Dinner. Guests will enjoy a multi-course long-table meal under the open prairie sky, with beef and pork from Redtail, pastured poultry and eggs from Lazy T, and produce, honey, and flowers from Lady’s Hat. The dinner also includes farm tours and conversations around regenerative farming practices — an immersive celebration of Alberta food and community.

For Alberta’s beef producers, Open Farm Days is about more than showcasing cattle. It’s about building trust and transparency, helping Albertans see the care and commitment that goes into producing high-quality beef.

Everyone is welcome at Alberta Open Farm Days. Participants can plan their farm-day adventure at albertaopenfarmdays.ca.