Portglenone Primary School pupils lead agri-food learning at Balmoral Show

Children from Portglenone Primary School

Pupils from Portglenone Primary School were among a group of enthusiastic Key Stage 2 learners who explored the farm-to-fork journey during a recent educational visit to the Balmoral Show, organised by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).

The event, held on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 May, welcomed pupils from four primary schools across Northern Ireland: Portglenone Primary School, Aughnacloy Primary School, Knockbreda Primary School, and St Mary’s Primary School.

Each group was treated to a fun-filled, interactive day designed to deepen their understanding of local agriculture and food production.

During the visit, pupils took part in a guided tour of the Balmoral Showgrounds, engaging with the exhibits and learning how food travels from farm to plate.

The experience concluded at the LMC stand, where the children collected educational goodie bags and explored learning materials focused on Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) beef and lamb and its role in a healthy, sustainable diet.

The initiative marks the continuation of LMC’s long-standing commitment to agri-food education, with this year’s activities celebrating 25 years of the organisation’s schools outreach programme.

Emma Brownlee, Education and Consumer Promotions Manager at LMC, expressed her enthusiasm about the impact of the event.

“It is great to engage with young people and help them connect with the local agri-food sector in such an interactive environment. Through initiatives like this, we aim to build awareness of where our food comes from and the high standards behind Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb.”

She added:

“Our education programme has developed to support pupils and teachers at all stages, from primary through to third-level education. Seeing the enthusiasm from the pupils throughout the day and the quality of their competition entries reinforces the importance of continuing this work.”

LMC Chief Executive Colin Smith also highlighted the growth and importance of the programme.

“LMC has significantly grown its education programme over the past 26 years, particularly at primary school level. Each year, we engage with thousands of pupils across Northern Ireland through a range of initiatives from classroom sessions and cookery demonstrations to events like Balmoral Show.

“This programme is a core part of LMC’s work. In helping to promote a better understanding of the agriculture industry from a young age, we are working to ensure continued appreciation and support for a sector that is vital to both our communities and economy.”

The presence of pupils from Portglenone and their peers from Aughnacloy, Knockbreda and St Mary’s Primary Schools reflects a growing commitment in Northern Ireland’s education sector to hands-on, real-world learning experiences that foster early appreciation for the agri-food industry — a sector central to the region’s identity and sustainability.