Towny day out on the farm this Sunday

A chance non-farmers to get an taste of rural life. Photo / File

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty is hoping to pull in the crowds this Sunday at its "where the town meets the country" annual event.

Co-ordinator Steve Bailey said it was a great opportunity for visitors to meet their rural neighbours and experience a slice of country life.

On average 1000 people had attended the event during the past six years and they were expecting similar numbers.

The Bay of Plenty was one of the only provinces in New Zealand to hold a Farm Day, he said.

"People want to see some animals. They want to touch them. It's a tactile day so they will be able to do that."

Other activities included shearing, drafting sheep, and working dogs in action, he said.

Dairy NZ's Rosie the cow would be onsite, along with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Fonterra.

Activities for the children included lolly scrambles, a haystack, free pony and cart rides and a gumboot throwing competition run by the Te Puke Young Farmers.

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president Rick Powdrell said the Farm Days had been very successful in the past.

It was crucial townies understood what happened on farms, he said.

"This country is an agricultural primary producing country and it makes a significant input to the national economy. So it's vitally important urban people understand farming and farming systems."