Thirty-seven farms across Manitoba are opening their doors to the public on Sunday, as part of the sixth annual Open Farm Day.

According to the province of Manitoba, only about five per cent of Manitobans live on a farm, so the day is aimed at connecting consumers with local farmers, ranchers, and market gardeners to educate people about where their food comes from and to share farm life with urban folk.

"There is more to know about our agriculture industry than many people realize, so I encourage all Manitobans to plan a road trip and meet one of our many dedicated and knowledgeable farm families," says Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn in a press release.

Farms and museums across Manitoba from Roblin to Whitemouth will be participating, including the Bruce D. Campbell Food and Farm Discovery Centre in Glenlea, where people can learn about dairy farming, laying hens, soybean production, and more.

Discovery Centre manager, Myrna Grahn, says the day is geared more toward non-farming folks, but says the University of Manitoba's research station will be open if farmers want to learn more about current research. Plus, it's a great day to spend time with family.

"It's definitely something to bring grandkids out to," she says over the phone, with an audible smile, "Especially if people in rural Manitoba have moved off the farm and they would like their grandchildren to be able to experience a farm, this is the place to do it. It's not a petting zoo, there are not animals to pet, but it is an operating farm."

Regardless of what background people are coming from, Grahn says it's important to show the general public where their food comes from.

"To be able to tell people about local food, and where their food comes from. To be able dispel some of the myths that I think are out in the current media, depending which shows or talk show hosts you like to listen to. I really like to show them the basic science and the basic facts about food production," she says.

For more information on Open Farm Day and to find more host farm locations, visit openfarmday.ca.