Andrew and Robyn McLeod describe their dairy farm as a 'fish bowl” because it is so open to public view – and on Sunday, March 20, people will have the chance to get up close and personal with what happens on the Welcome Bay property.

For the sixth year Andrew and Robyn are opening their gates and welcoming anyone who wants to find out more about farming, to the annual Bay of Plenty Farm Day.

'We held the first Farm Day in 2010 and have done it every year since. We are very happy to welcome people and give them a chance to understand more about farming,” says Robyn.

The farm's location on Welcome Bay Rd means it is easily accessible for urban residents.

The free day runs from 10am-2pm and is ideal for families in particular. 'We just ask that people wear covered shoes or gumboots, bring a drink, sun hats or rain coats if it's wet, and come and enjoy the day.”

Farm Day at the McLeod's property has become so popular at least 1000 – and up to 1700 – people have attended.

'Some enjoy it so much they come more than once. While it is mainly locals who attend, we do get overseas visitors too.

'It's a chance for people who have little contact with farming to see what it is really all about and we encourage them to ask any questions they have.

'One question we often get asked is why cows need to have calves to produce milk – it's not a silly question – if you are not involved in farming you maybe don't know that in order to produce milk, cows must have calves.”

Robyn says the day is a chance to showcase good farming practices. 'To be a successful business your operation has to be sustainable and that means animal welfare is vitally important, as is looking after the environment.”

Cows will be milked throughout the day, there will be shearing demonstrations, hopefully a sheep dog working with sheep and tractors on display.

DairyNZ will have a stand outlining the kinds of feed eaten by cows, there will be about station explaining the use of fertiliser and Fonterra will have one of its tankers on site, and be demonstrating milk testing.

Fun activities include gum boot throwing, a lolly in a hay stack search and a petting zoo. A coffee cart will be on site and a local volunteer fire brigade will be selling barbecue food.

Up to 60 volunteers, including neighbouring farmers and community groups, help run the day and parking is provided in paddock on the farm.

Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers' spokesperson Steve Bailey says the day is an important one for many reasons.

'People who have never visited a farm have the chance to get some idea of what happens,” explains Steve.

'It's also an opportunity for anyone interested in farming as a career to find out more – and most of all it's a free, fun day out for families.”

Steve says Federated Farmers holds Farm Day events as a way of bridging the growing divide between rural and urban populations.

'Fewer urban people have connections with farming today and Farm Day is a great way to help change that,” he says.

BOP's Farmday 2016 on Sunday, March 20, is at 1189 Welcome Bay Rd, and will be signposted from both ends of the road. Gates open 10am-2pm.