In order to better educate the public about agriculture, Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County has been instrumental in planning an on-farm tour called Sundae on the Farm. Sundae on the Farm provides a critical link between the farming community and the public-at-large by holding an open house at a different farm each year.

From the tram ride from the parking lot to the guided tour on the farm, visitors hear from farm knowledgeable guides who welcome them and talk about farming. During the tour, the public experiences a behind the scenes look of a dairy farm and what it means to live and work on a farm. The tour includes visiting where the animals live, what they eat, and what they produce.

The event also includes children’s activities, additional farm animals on display, horse-drawn wagon rides with a historical tour about the farm, live music, agricultural exhibits, demonstrations by chefs using local products, and a Farmer’s Market. Food featured includes ice cream and flavored milks from local dairy processors and pie a la mode featuring local homemade pies.

Sundae on the Farm is designed to be an educational event for the whole family. It is estimated over 37,000 people have attended the event over last 15 years. This program has led to a better public understanding of why farms are important, an understanding of farming and conservation practices, and how the public can support farms.