DAFF and ‘I love Manx’ Campaign to co-host open day at Knockaloe

Sunday 14^th September will be a day of fun and games for families of all ages when Knockaloe hosts a celebration of Manx food and farming.

Andrew Macdonald, SAC Agricultural Adviser based at Knockaloe said: ‘People are becoming more and more interested in where their food is coming from and how the countryside is managed. With this in mind, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and ‘I Love Manx’ campaign have organised the open day, the first of its kind at Knockaloe.’ 

This farm with its unique history as an internment camp during the First World War, now acts as an advisory and education centre, rears sheep and cattle and grows 40 acres of grain. In this year alone, more than 20 school parties from across the island have visited the centre.

There will be something for everyone, tractor and trailer rides around the 330 acre estate, guided wildlife walks for nature lovers, collie dog demonstrations for canine enthusiasts, practical butchery, fishmongery and back to basics cookery. There will be examples of farm diversification from Andrew Clague with his Zorb Ball and Lazer Clays, and members of the Young Farmers’ Federation will be organising country sports for the adventurous and interclub competitions such as fencing and bale stacking. 

For those who simply wish to sit back and relax, the Ramsey Town Band will be there to entertain you and there will be the opportunity to view a display illustrating the history of the farm.

Agriculture Minister, Phil Gawne is delighted with the positive responses which the ‘I Love Manx’ events have generated this summer and said: ‘I am pleased that we will once again be giving people the opportunity to find out more about food and farming. Manx food producers are listening carefully to the public and working hard to make sure that our people can rely on the fantastic quality and taste of Manx food. This latest event we have planned is a must for everyone who appreciates good food and wants to find out more about where it comes from.’

There will be a wide variety of delicious Manx produce available in the Isle of Man Produce Marquee and the IOM Farmers’ Market area. Enjoy succulent Manx roast meats or delicious queenie spring rolls as well as refreshments from a range of other stands.