Kilham Church Of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Food and Farming Day 2025
Kilham Pupils Get a Taste of Rural Life at Driffield Food and Farming Day
Driffield Showground, Wednesday 21st May 2025 — Children from Years 5 and 6 at Kilham C of E Primary School swapped their classrooms for sunhats and sunshine this week as they enjoyed a memorable day out at the annual Food and Farming Day, hosted at Driffield Agricultural Showground.
Beneath clear blue skies and in glorious spring sunshine, the pupils were treated to an action-packed, hands-on experience exploring the vital role farming plays in daily life. Organised and funded by the Driffield Agricultural Society, the event brought together local farmers, food producers and agricultural experts to give children a deeper understanding of how food is grown, harvested, and brought to our tables.
The day began with wide eyes and dropped jaws as the children got up close to some of the largest machines in modern farming. A colossal combine harvester, a towering pea viner, and a powerful wood harvester sparked both awe and curiosity as the children learned how these machines revolutionise farming across the region.
One of the highlights for many was witnessing a live sheep shearing demonstration. Watching the wool come off in one expertly handled fleece gave the children a real appreciation for the skill and care involved in animal husbandry.
Elsewhere around the showground, pupils met producers who shared how everyday items like bread, beer and rapeseed oil are made — turning grain into loaves, hops into ales, and seeds into golden oil. The children asked thoughtful questions and were fascinated to learn about the science and tradition behind these products.
The farming animals were also a major attraction, with pigs, chickens, and cattle all making an appearance. Farmers spoke about how they care for their livestock and the importance of welfare in producing high-quality food.
The farming animals were also a major highlight. Children had the chance to meet pigs, chickens and cattle, while farmers explained the importance of high animal welfare standards. As part of their learning, the pupils were introduced to the Red Tractor Assurance scheme, which guarantees that food has been responsibly sourced, safely produced, and comes from farms that meet rigorous standards. They also learned about the British Lion mark, found on eggs, which ensures that eggs come from UK farms with high standards of hygiene, hen welfare and traceability.
Sessions also highlighted the importance of supporting British meat producers, helping pupils understand how buying British supports local farmers and ensures food is fresh, sustainable and fully traceable.
In another engaging session, the children discovered the history of the tractor, tracing its evolution from horses and then steam-powered giants to today’s GPS-guided four-wheel drive machines. The working dogs were also a crowd-pleaser, as skilled handlers demonstrated how both gun dogs and sheep dogs are trained to support farmers in the field and on the farm.
The day offered a rich blend of education, interaction, and fun, helping the children connect what they learn in school to the real world around them.
Kilham C of E Primary School would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Driffield Agricultural Society for hosting and funding the event, and to all the volunteers and local farmers who generously gave their time, expertise and enthusiasm. It was a day the children will not forget — one filled with learning and a lasting appreciation for food, farming, and rural life.
