Thousands of pupils benefit from LMC cookery demonstrations

OVER 10,000 post-primary pupils have attended in-class cookery demonstrations led by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) this academic year. The figures have been released following the completion of the Commission’s annual post-primary programme, which saw demonstrators travel the length and breadth of the province.

From Ballymoney to Banbridge, Limavady to Lisnaskea and everywhere in between schools have had the opportunity to avail of educational cookery demonstrations giving pupils a unique opportunity to learn about the farm to fork journey of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) beef and lamb.

Commenting on this year’s programme, LMC Education and Consumer Promotions Manager, Emma Brownlee said, “Our cookery demonstrations are tailored to support and align with the CCEA Food and Nutrition curriculum learning outcomes. Demonstrations typically cover food provenance, highlighting the importance of the Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assurance Scheme, food safety, healthy eating, the nutritional attributes of beef and lamb and how to prepare and cook these red meats.

“While our demonstrators cook a wide variety of recipes, this year’s most popular beef recipe was Peppered Beef with Mushrooms and taking the top spot for most cooked lamb dish was Spiced Lamb Flatbreads. All pupils attending demonstrations are invited to sample a freshly cooked beef or lamb dish. Pupils go home with our latest LMC recipe book which includes a range of easy to cook dishes which the whole family can enjoy.”

Feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive with Emma Phair from Lagan College noting that the LMC demonstration was a “highly informative and engaging session” adding that it inspired the class to plan their own practical lesson using beef. Ms Phair added, “It was perfectly tailored to student level and closely aligned with the GCSE Food and Nutrition specification. The lesson made excellent connections to macronutrients, micronutrients, as well as key practical and presentation skills.”

Commenting on LMC’s programme Sharon McKee, teacher at Down High School said, “It’s an excellent and inspiring programme, delivered through an engaging demonstration that was well suited to pupil level. The benefits of the NIFQA scheme were clearly explained, helping to build strong knowledge and understanding. The session was very well received by the group.”

LMC Head of Marketing and Communications, Lauren Patterson explained, “From a strategic perspective, LMC’s education programme continues to go from strength to strength each year with cookery demonstrations remaining the cornerstone of delivery for almost 30 years. Reaching around 400 post primary classrooms annually, in addition to 200 primary and a range of other activities, cookery demonstrations provide practical in-classroom learning opportunities and help teachers incorporate the value of hands-on red meat cookery into lessons, particularly where school resources can be limited. In doing so, the programme delivers clear value for levy payers by shaping future consumers with a deeper appreciation and awareness of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb.”

With the academic year coming to an end, planning begins at LMC for the programme relaunch in September. LMC’s Lauren Patterson said, “Once again, this year demand for cookery demonstrations was high, with all available slots booked within a few days of bookings opening. We were pleased to have the opportunity to visit schools right across Northern Ireland. Now, our focus will be on planning for the 2026/27 academic year, with our post primary programme planned for launch on Tuesday 1 September. Further information will become available in due course, with updates available via lmceducation.org.uk and our Facebook page LivestockandMeatCommissionNI.”