More than 1,400 children attended the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society’s fifth annual Schools Food & Farming Day this summer, before the organisation launched a brand-new Careers Event designed to showcase the wide range of opportunities available across food, farming and sustainability.
Held at Herts Showground on Tuesday 30 June 2026, the day brought together 1,412 children from 39 schools across Hertfordshire, including seven specialist SEN schools, for a hands-on introduction to agriculture, food production and environmental stewardship.
The event featured 25 external exhibitors alongside five activity areas run by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society (HAS), giving pupils the opportunity to meet farmers, industry professionals and livestock, explore modern farming practices and learn more about where their food comes from.
Popular attractions included the Sheep Show, tractor and trailer rides and Willen Ice Cream, all of which proved to be major highlights for visiting children.
Growing impact
The Schools Food & Farming Day has expanded significantly since its launch five years ago and is now one of the Society’s flagship educational initiatives.
Sarah Moreland, Executive Director of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, said:
“For many children, their everyday lives can be quite disconnected from where their food comes from, how the countryside is managed and the enormous range of people and skills involved in agriculture. We want to help bridge that gap.
“We’re not trying to turn every child into a farmer. We’re trying to open their eyes to the world around them and perhaps start a conversation that continues when they get home or back to school.”
Accessibility remained a key priority for organisers. Thanks to sponsorship from Tarmac, who helped fund transport. Schools were prioritised based on levels of Pupil Premium eligibility, following guidance from Hertfordshire County Council.
Annabel Bolton, who leads the Society’s education programme, said:
“Removing barriers is incredibly important if we want to reach children from right across Hertfordshire. We want every child to have the opportunity to experience the event, regardless of their school’s budget.”
Positive feedback from schools
Feedback from participating schools was overwhelmingly positive, with teachers praising both the educational value and engagement levels throughout the event.
Holly Butcher, Headteacher at Arnett Hills JMI School, said:
“A fabulous day for all the children involved. They loved it and learnt so much.”
Mrs Robshaw-Hull from St Michael’s CE Primary School added:
“It was a wonderful event again and we thoroughly enjoyed being there. Thank you to the whole team for all the hard work that goes into organising such an event.”
Launching a new Careers Event
Following the Schools Day, the Society hosted its first-ever Careers Event, welcoming approximately 90 young people, parents and supporters between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.
Designed to build on the curiosity generated by the daytime programme, the event aimed to showcase the breadth of careers available within food, farming, environmental management and sustainability.
Visitors had the opportunity to speak directly with employers and industry professionals about career pathways, apprenticeships, further education and employment opportunities.
A highlight of the evening was an expert panel discussion led by 2026 Society President Dr John Howie DL, featuring representatives from North Herts Farmers, the Royal Veterinary College, ecology and nutrition sectors.
Sarah Moreland said:
“Agriculture today is much broader than many people realise. Food production remains at its heart, but the sector also needs scientists, vets, ecologists, nutritionists, engineers, land managers, technologists and business professionals.
“The Careers Event was about helping young people connect that first spark of interest with a future career possibility.”
While organisers acknowledge there is room for growth, feedback from attendees was highly encouraging, with many valuing the opportunity for meaningful one-to-one conversations with industry representatives.
The Society also identified lessons from the first event, including the challenge of transforming the site from a large primary school event to an evening careers programme within a one-hour turnaround.
Looking ahead
The Hertfordshire Agricultural Society intends to build on the success of both initiatives in 2027.
The Schools Food & Farming Day and Careers Event are increasingly being viewed as part of a connected educational journey, introducing children to agriculture at a young age before helping them explore future career opportunities within the industry.
Annabel Bolton said:
“We want young people to leave having discovered a career they didn’t know existed, met somebody whose job interests them or realised that the subjects and skills they already enjoy could have a place within this sector.”
Sarah Moreland added:
“Agriculture is a modern, diverse and forward-looking industry. The next generation will help shape the future of food production, environmental management and sustainability. We want to inspire them to see the opportunities that exist and encourage them to become part of that future.”
Save the Date
HAS Schools Food & Farming Day 2027 will take place on Tuesday 29 June 2027