Dairy to Host Harford’s Farm Visitation Day; Keyes Creamery at Mt. Felix Opens for First-Hand Agriculture Experience

From Harford County government:

The Harford County Farm Bureau, in cooperation with the Harford County Executive’s Division of Agriculture, will be holding its annual Farm Visitation Day on Sunday, June 26, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. This year, the event will be hosted by Keyes Creamery at Mt. Felix Dairy Farm, 2000 Level Road (Route 155), in Havre de Grace.

Visitors of all ages will be able to see dairy cows, farm equipment, crop fields, and barns. There will also be a variety of fun and educational activities, informational displays, refreshments, and hayrides (weather permitting). Keyes Creamery cheese and ice cream will be available for purchase.

The Keyes Family has been operating their dairy farm at Mt. Felix since the 1950s. They currently raise approximately 200 Holstein cows, heifers, and calves, with all feed for their herd being produced on the farm. The milk produced during grazing season for their grass-fed cows is used to make Keyes Creamery specialty cheeses and premium ice cream.

“Farm Visitation Day is a chance for the farming community to welcome the public in and allow them to experience agriculture first hand,” said Harford County Farm Bureau President Jay Rickey. “It’s so important that local families have the opportunity to connect with their neighbors in the farming community through event such as this. Admission is free, and our event is one of the few family activities left that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.”

“We appreciate the Farm Bureau’s efforts to educate and reach out to the community, and we thank the Keyes family for graciously opening their farm to the public,” stated Harford County Executive David R. Craig. “Farm Visitation Day is always a great event, and Mt. Felix Farm is easily accessible for county residents. I encourage all Harford County families to take advantage of this opportunity.”

For more information on Farm Visitation Day, contact the Harford County Division of Agriculture at 410-638-3420. To learn more about agriculture in Harford County, visit www.harfordfarms.com.