Visitors of all ages got to handle day-old chicks, ask plenty of questions and see three-week-old birds from special viewing platforms built for the day.

Many also got a farmer’s-eye view from the cab of a John Deere combine.

The Love Chicken promotional team gave away recipe cards, the NFU-supported Mini Sheep Show was on-hand with a shearing demonstration and communications and sector staff seized hold of an excellent opportunity to spread the word about our new Farming Delivers campaign.

Uphouse Farm host Patrick Joice said: “We believe there are a number of myths about chicken farming.

"The reality is very different from the perception and that’s why we are opening our doors. I am really proud of the way we rear chickens and I know this is one of the best ways of farming."

Mr Joice and his father Nigel – an NFU poultry board member - house just under a million chickens in 16 barns.

Supporters of the open farm event included Morrisons, The NFU, Red Tractor, AB Agri, Banham Poultry, The British Poultry Council and Aviagen, FACE and Love Chicken.