HUNDREDS of people took the opportunity to see how local farms operate on Open Farm Sunday.

At Severndale Farm on the A48 at Tidenham, members of the public could watch displays including milking, sheep shearing and cows having their hooves trimmed.

There was also tractor pulling, working vintage tractors and tractor trailer rides from the farm to the Hanley farm shop and Tidenham landshare.

Tom Edwards, who runs the farm, had around 40 volunteers helping to put on the event.

He said: “We are one of hundreds of farms across the country taking part in Open Farm Sunday.

“It’s an opportunity for us to show people what we do and how we do it.”

Elsewhere, Jessi Stephens and husband Chris also took part in Open Farm Sunday for the first time at Hafren Rare Breeds at Portskewett near Caldicot.

Not only do their versatile Jersey cows produce the traditional pinta and “raw” milk but Jessie also makes milkshakes in a variety of flavours which have been a hit with customers.

They have 15 historic Welsh Blacks cattle, and are one of around 10 Ancient Cattle of Wales Society breeding centres in the UK, as well as rare breed pigs, chicken and geese on the farm owned by Monmouthshire Council.

Chris is a fourth-generation local farmer, while Jessi is brand new to farming – a true “new entrant” learning everything from the ground up.

Their farming journey began with rented barns and borrowed fields for sheep and calves, but in 2022 they were lucky enough to be awarded a council tenancy beside the Severn .

Jessi said: “We didn’t set out to farm native and rare breeds, but it turns out they suit us (and our land) perfectly. We now keep Belted Welsh Blacks – the ancient cattle of Wales – who happily live outside all year round and turn grass into rich, healthy beef.”

“We also raise pedigree Welsh pigs in outdoor systems, selling their meat directly to local butchers and our customers.”