This article was written by FCN volunteer Alex Cotterill:
Elms Farm is a family-run livestock farm with approximately 100 pedigree Shropshire breeding ewes and a suckler herd of traditional, heritage and native cattle breeds. These included Northern Dairy Shorthorns, Dexters, Red Polls and Herefords. All of which supply the farm’s on-site butchery and farm shop. The farm is run by dedicated farmer and businessman, Oscar Brown, who very recently hosted an Open Farm Sunday event (OFS) on Sunday 7th June. Having delivered this event for many years prior, it was only natural for him to continue the tradition.
While representing The Farming Community Network (FCN), I spoke with Oscar to gauge interest in hosting an event of this nature on his farm.
Oscar Brown explains why he enjoys hosting such events:
“One big reward is educating people as to where their food actually comes from, it is amazing how disconnected some of the general public are to farming and the environment. OFS for us is a great opportunity to get people onto the farm, engage in farming life and learn about our farming practices. It also gives us an ability to advertise other events on the farm throughout the year and our on-site farm shop.”.
Alex Cotterill continued:
Much like other events that I have represented FCN at, such as the Newark Vintage Tractor Show and the Midlands Machinery Show, promoting FCN at Elms Farm was no less enjoyable. Whether it was the enthusiasm and joy of visitors, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pizza or the sight and sound of Oscar’s New Holland T6, OFS proved to be a fantastic day for all involved. Being stationed next to a small pen of Shropshire sheep and the shearing tents also meant I inevitably developed a temporary fondness for sheep – albeit very briefly!
On a personal note, what I found most captivating was the number of non-farmers and people from non-rural backgrounds who attended the event expressed genuine interest in FCN’s values, ethos and purpose. While younger visitors – and in some cases, adults too – cleared out my tractor air fresheners and pens, many others engaged deeply with the charity’s foundation and how it supports farmers and members of the wider agricultural community. This includes mental wellbeing support, suicide prevention work and partnership initiatives such as those with Macmillan Cancer Support.
This is where I believe FCN’s presence at events like this is especially significant and should continue to be prominent. Educating the public about modern farming and agricultural heritage, observing visitors’ fascination with Oscar’s cattle and sheep, others’ excitement around the displayed machinery, such as the New Holland and Case IH tractors and John Deere baler, and even the appreciation of end products, like wool and spinning, all highlighted the breadth of public interest. FCN sits at the heart of this connection – listening to people, supporting them and engaging in meaningful conversation, while remaining a recognisable trusted presence within the agricultural community.
While the majority of visitors, as indicated above, to the FCN stand were not directly involved in agriculture, some did have strong connections to farming through partners, friends and family. It was excellent to discuss livestock, arable, machinery, business and even my own agricultural journalism experience, whilst also highlighting the positive impact of a charity such as ours.
In summary, although this was my first time acting as the sole representative for FCN at the June 2026 OFS event, I gained a great deal from the experience which I would like to briefly reflect on. It is not simply about the information we provide regarding farming and our charitable work, but more importantly how we present that information, to whom it is directed and its relevance – whilst remaining personable, approachable and confident in our interactions. This approach is what makes our presence effective and meaningful; ultimately, this enhances the success of events such as OFS, benefiting both the farming community and those with an interest in agriculture.
