Hertfordshire Schools Food and Farming Day is Another Huge Success
Over 1,300 Hertfordshire primary school children experienced a day of hands-on learning and agricultural discovery at the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society’s fourth annual Schools Food and Farming Day.
The event was made even more special by a visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, who spent time speaking with children, volunteers, and exhibitors, and showed great interest in the educational activities on offer.
Throughout the day, children took part in a wide range of engaging experiences that helped them understand where their food comes from and the importance of British farming. From digging for potatoes in the soil to creating colourful fruit and vegetable kebabs, pupils were encouraged to explore the farm-to-fork journey in fun and memorable ways. A live butchery demonstration offered a rare insight into how meat is prepared, and tractor and trailer rides gave the children the chance to see the working countryside from a farmer’s perspective.
Other highlights included making smoothies using pedal power, learning how to churn butter by hand, and taking home tomato plants grown from food waste. A live sheep shearing demonstration and opportunities to meet farm animals up close helped deepen the children’s understanding of livestock and sustainable farming.
The day was supported by more than 120 volunteers and exhibitors, all passionate about food education and rural life. Their time and expertise, along with the generosity of sponsors, helped make the event a huge success.
Chair of the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, Stuart Roberts, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see young people so engaged and excited about food, farming, and the natural world. The feedback from schools has been fantastic, and we are proud to offer such an engaging educational experience to local children.”
The Hertfordshire Agricultural Society remains committed to inspiring future generations through events like this and would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the day possible.
Schools Food and Farming Day 2025 Image Gallery
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Celebrating the Best of Hertfordshire at the Schools Food and Farming Day Tuesday 2nd July 2024
Now in its third year, Hertfordshire Agricultural Society’s Food and Farming Day is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and a day filled with fun, education, and delicious local produce to show how food gets to our plate.
Around 1100 Year 6 children from around the County engaged in interactive workshops and demonstrations that highlighted sustainable farming practices, the importance of biodiversity, and the latest innovations in agriculture.
Children learnt about different breeds of livestock from local farmers, their care from the team at the Royal Veterinary College, and their roles on the farm. Popular attractions included sheep shearing demonstrations, The Dog and Duck Show, and the chance to meet various farm animals.
Another highlight was the thrill of a tractor ride around the showground and exploring the impressive array of agricultural machinery on display. From vintage tractors to cutting-edge technology, these displays highlighted the evolution of farming equipment over the years.
The Grove and Oaklands College teamed up to provide live cooking demonstrations with the children picking the ingredients used and then sampling the finished product. They also had the opportunity to taste and discover food from around the world.
The Food and Farming Day is not just about fun; it provides a platform for students to learn more about where their food comes from and help them to make good food choices. This is especially important at this transitional stage of their education as they are likely to become responsible for more of their dietary choices when they enter secondary school.
If you are interested in your school attending the 2025 event on Tuesday 1st July please contact Annabel at schools@hertsshow.com
Schools Food and Farming Day 2024 Video
Schools Food and Farming Day 2024 Image Gallery
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Christmas Dinner Activity Download – Added 27/11/2023
Primary school pupils get a taste of rural life at Hertfordshire Schools’ Food and Farming Day – News Blog – added 11/07/2023
Hertfordshire County Council | Primary school pupils get a taste of rural life at Food and Farming Day – Press Release
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