Cookery demonstrations led by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) have reached over 10,000 school pupils during the academic year.
Schools from across Northern Ireland have welcomed the cookery demonstrations from LMC, which were said to give pupils a “unique opportunity” to learn about the farm-to-fork journey of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) beef and lamb.
Commenting on the programme, LMC education and consumer promotions manager Emma Brownlee commented: “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 that the whole family can enjoy.”
Emma Phair, a teacher from Lagan College, noted 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.
Phair stated: “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.”
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.”
“Cookery demonstrations provide practical in-classroom learning opportunities and help teachers incorporate the value of hands-on red meat cookery into lessons.”
Lauren Patterson, LMC
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.”
As the academic year comes to an end, LMC has started its planning for the programme relaunch in September. Patterson continued: “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 1st September.”
Updates on the new programme launch will be available via lmceducation.org.uk.
