LMC primary programme cooks up interest in food and farming

THE Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) has successfully completed its latest round of primary school cookery demonstrations, reaching more than 6,500 Key Stage 2 pupils across Northern Ireland.

During the summer term, the LMC demonstrator team delivered 220 demonstrations to a variety of P5, P6 and P7 classes. Each demonstration aims to increase pupils’ understanding of where food comes from, with a particular focus on the farm to fork journey of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) beef and lamb.

Commenting Emma Brownlee, LMC Education and Consumer Promotions Manager said, “Our primary programme supports classroom learning by aligning to the Key Stage 2 curriculum, covering important elements of The World Around Us and Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU). With age-appropriate education on the food supply chain pupils develop a greater understanding of the work farmers carry out to produce beef and lamb and the standards they uphold for animal welfare, food safety and care for the environment. Our demonstrators also share information on the nutritional attributes of beef and lamb and how it can be incorporated into a healthy balanced diet.”

During each session the LMC demonstrator prepares and cooks a fresh NIFQA beef or lamb dish. This year’s most popular recipes were Chilli Beef Pasta and Lamb Curry.

Sarah Thompson, teacher at McClintock Primary School, Seskinore said, “Our children gained valuable, hands‑on knowledge about the full farm‑to‑fork journey for both beef and lamb, and it was incredible to see their curiosity come alive. They learned where their food comes from, how animals are cared for, and the many steps involved in producing high‑quality, local red meat.

“Just as importantly, the programme helped them understand the importance of healthy eating and making balanced food choices. The children came away more confident, informed and genuinely excited to share what they had learned with their families. It was an enriching experience that will stay with them for a long time.”

Planning is already underway for the 2027 programme with LMC eager to build on the sustained success of the initiative. Further information on LMC’s education programme and resources can be found online at lmceducation.org.uk.