Derry farms open to the public this weekend as part of special event to show people where their food comes from

Two farms in County Derry will open their doors to the public for free this Saturday as part of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2016.

Previous hosts Buchanan Turkeys in Kilrea will join new host Cochrane’s Potatoes outside Limavady.

Buchanan Turkeys rear slow-growing breeds that were saved from almost extinction. Buchanan Turkeys work with 8 different strains of turkeys which are all hatched on the first week of June. They are processed on the farm which keeps stress to a minimum.

This weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Buchanan’s prize winning Bronze Turkeys and buy some produce in the on-site farm shop. Buchanan Turkeys will be open on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and is located at Ballynian Lane, Upperlands, Maghera, Co Londonderry, BT46 5SZ (follow the signs for Sean Kearney Car Sales).

Cochranes Potatoes is run by Ronnie and Janet Cochrane, the farm is a supplier of potatoes to local supermarkets in and around Limavady and Derry.

There will be lots for children to see and do on the farm such as potato sack races and printing patterns with potatoes.

Visitors, old and young, can see how the potatoes are graded for quality and size and bagged up for customers.

There will be a display of all the various machines used in the potato growing process including de-stoner, sprayer, planter and harvester.

As part of the NI Year of Food and Drink, a cookery demonstration will show the many and varied dishes that can be made from potatoes.

Cochranes Potatoes is open 11am to 4pm on Saturday and is located at 188 Drumrane Road, Limavady.

As part of the Year of Food and Drink celebrations, there will be a free competition at each farm to win a hamper of local food produce for one lucky family to take home with them.

Visitors are asked to wear appropriate clothing and footwear to the farms that they visit and to also note that dogs are not permitted.