Date: 05 May 2023 Cyclo No: 27/2023
‘Farming through the seasons’ schools’ competition winners announced
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) in partnership with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend (BOIOFW) and Asda, are delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 “Farming through the seasons” schools’ competition.
The competition kindly sponsored by Asda, was open to all playgroups, nursery, pre-school, primary, and special schools in Northern Ireland (NI), putting pupils artistic and creative skills to the test.
UFU deputy president William Irvine said, “I would like to congratulate all prize-winners and thank everyone who entered the 2023 schools’ competition. We were blown away with the volume and standard of entries this year in the schools’ competition, receiving 6,245 tremendous entries. Every year we are continually impressed by the standard and creativity of entries and this year was no different. So much so, that we introduced highly commended certificates to pupils that were close to taking the top spots, in recognition of their superb entry and effort.
“The pupils showcased their creativity and farming knowledge with their interpretations of this year’s theme. The ‘farming through the seasons’ templates were excellent with an array of colourful materials being used – glitter, wool, straw, recyclable materials and even gravel to name a few! ‘Farming through the seasons’ photography competition incorporated key events in the farming calendar such as silage, sheep shearing, newborn animals and a number of entries featured some budding next generation farmers! The pupils quartern poems depicted farming through the four seasons showcasing harvesting, pollination, bringing new life into the world, the importance of supporting local homegrown produce and how many farmers enjoy attending local agricultural shows in the summer months!
“The aim of this year’s school’s competition theme was to provide an opportunity for teachers, parents and guardians to start the discussion about the importance of food production, farming and our unique family farm structure in NI. We hope the pupils enjoyed participating in this year’s competition and have learnt how farmers work hard 365 days of the year throughout the various seasons to produce the nutritious, high-quality produce on our tables.”
Joe McDonald, Head of Corporate Affairs Asda NI, said, “As a proud sponsor of the schools’ competition, it was fantastic to see such a large volume of entries this year with pupils from both urban and rural areas across NI submitting their superb artwork and poetry. Creating awareness of where our produce comes from is vital and this competition is a great opportunity to do so – educating children on the ‘farm to fork’ story.”
The UFU, BOIOFW and Asda would like to congratulate the winners of the UFU’s 2023 schools’ competition:
- Special schools: Conor Cassidy – Willowbridge School, County Fermanagh
- Foundation (Playgroup, Nursery and Pre-School): Sadie McClinchie – Bawn Bunnies, County Armagh
- Foundation (P1 and P2): Mia McCormack – Gortin Primary School, County Tyrone
- Key Stage 1: Sid Shaw – Kirkinriola Primary School, County Antrim
- Key Stage 2: Mariah McIntosh – Hazelbank Primary School, County Antrim
The runners-up of the 2023 “Farming through the seasons” schools’ competition is as follows:
- Special schools: Tynan McWilliams – Sandelford School, County Derry
- Foundation (Playgroup, Nursery and Pre-School): Finn Carolan – Dungannon Nursery School, County Tyrone
- Foundation (P1 and P2): Roni-Hazel Bunting – Lowwood Primary School, County Antrim
- Key Stage 1: Gaby Lyons – Edwards Primary School, County Tyrone
- Key Stage 2: Emily May Clarke – St Patrick’s Primary School, Ballygalget, County Down
//ENDS
