Visitors to the Southern District Agricultural Show on 28th and 29th July may be surprised to find a giant hen in the outdoor area of the DEFA stand. Apart from providing some great recipes for Manx eggs, she will be promoting a new chicken coup which, together with other new products, is being produced by DEFAs’ Sawmill at St Johns.
 
Apart from the coup, there will be planters, compost bins and herb wheels, all designed to help homeowners produce their own fresh vegetables and herbs. Traditional products such as picnic tables will also be available together with horse jumps and a “Wendy House”. Orders for garden furniture and fencing placed at the Show will attract a 10% discount.
 
Visitors to the stand will be able to see the electric Polaris vehicle used for many tasks on the Department’s land and which is saving both money and carbon emissions. DEFA displays will explain the many ways in which the Department contributes to Manx life and give visitors the opportunity to win tickets to the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, test their carbon footprint, find out more about food labels, see creatures from the Island’s rivers and learn more about the food produced by Manx farmers and fishermen.
 
DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne MHK said: “I think visitors may be surprised at the diversity of work undertaken by my Department, which touches many aspects of Manx life.  I hope that they will enjoy the activities which we are offering this year as well as having a great day out at the Southern District Agricultural Show.”