Open day down on the farm

This weekend you can head down to Solitaire Farm in Gamlingay for a behind the scenes look at the livestock farm.

The family business is run by Guy Kiddy and his son Nick. For the second year running they have decided to take part in Open Farm Sunday (June 9).

Nick said: “People can come and see the sows and piglets and some sheep. We’ve got quite a few chickens and little chicks hatching – some are due to hatch that day.

“There will be a farm walk and the farm shop is selling our own produce. We will walk the pigs out to talk about them.

“Last year we had about 150 people visit.”

The farm is home to six breeds of pigs including Large Whites, Hampshires and Tamworths. The sheep are Norfolk Horns, an old English breed.

The Kiddys also grow barley, which they harvest and feed back to the pigs. However, recent wet weather has held back its growth, meaning a lower yield this year.

Nick said: “It’s good to tell people what farmers do. There’s a survey out this week saying children don’t know where their food comes from. They can come out and see the pigs and know that’s where your sausages and bacon come from.”

A tractor has been cleaned so children will be able to explore it. There will be a hog roast.

Pig farming in the Kiddy family goes back to 1946 when Nick’s great grandfather started out. Guy, a former head of agriculture at Shuttleworth College, and Nick, have been working at Solitaire Farm for the last six years.

The farm’s shop sells pork, sausages, chickens, lamb, fruit, vegetables and preserves. It is open each day from 8am to 8pm. Solitaire Farm also supplies Franklins of Thorncote, Shuttleworth Collection’s restaurant and Old Warden Guest House.

To take part in Open Farm Sunday stop by between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free. The farm is on Drove Road.