Project Name: Build A Barn

Project summary and highlights:

We have built an interactive barn at the Saugeen Valley Children’s Safety Village to enhance current programs being presented there to include farm knowledge to both rural and urban children.  Safety, as well as an understanding of where their food comes from is a priority for the group.  Our initiative stems from interest expressed by the village to increase rural knowledge and to improve relations with our non farming neighbours.  Thousands of children from Grey and Bruce Counties attend the village each year as well as visitors from outside our area.

Describe lasting and relevant impact to the OFA membership.  

Now that it is built, this barn will stand to educate generations of children about safety on the farm (around both livestock and equipment), where their food comes from as well as safety on our roads during busy farm seasons.  Showcasing modern farming practices in regards to animal livestock, cropping and environmental sustainability.  Our efforts supporting this agriculture focused component of the village is one step in our collaboration with them.

We want to be front and centre with this education building so the children learn from primary producers and get an accurate picture of what we do.

Bonus – any lessons learned, or surprises?

This is an ongoing project, we have discovered that we have a very supportive community for our project and have received some donations for our build.  We will continue to seek support as we add more features in the future for further education for the patrons to the village.