The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) in partnership with Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend (BOIOFW) and sponsors Asda, are pleased to confirm the winners of the 2026 ‘Grow it, know it. eat it!’ schools’ competition. The annual competition was open to all playgroups, nursery, pre-school, primary and special schools in Northern Ireland, challenging pupils artistic and creative abilities.
UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan, extended a vote of congratulations to prize-winners and everyone who took part in this year’s competition.
“I want to wish all winners and participants a massive congratulations for taking part in this year’s competition. It was immensely competitive once again with over 4,000 entries and each one showing a great deal of effort, care and creativity,” said Mr McLenaghan.
“This year’s schools’ competition has enabled pupils to gain a better understanding of the work farmers do to put high-quality food on our shelves and learn about the generations of farming which has shaped our NI landscape and continues to support our economy.
“Hopefully the competition has helped to initiate vital conversations amongst teachers and parents about supporting local produce, and sparked parents to always check labels when shopping,” added the deputy president.
“Unfortunately, a lot of children are unaware of where their food comes from and it is important that we change this narrative, helping pupils to understand the ‘Grow it, know it, eat it!’ narrative, and the labour that farmers put into producing the high-quality produce that they enjoy eating daily.”
Joe McDonald, Head of Corporate Affairs at Asda NI, said, “The Asda team is delighted to see the schools’ competition going from strength to strength. The entries were of a high standard and as always, the children have really impressed with their talent.”
The UFU, BOIOFW and Asda would like to congratulate the winners of the UFU’s 2026 schools’ competition:
- Special schools: Diesel Rea, Glenveagh School SEN
- Foundation (Playgroup, Nursery and Pre-School): Katie McKenna, Denamona Pre School
- Foundation (P1 and P2): Croía McManus, St Mary’s Mullymesker
- Key Stage 1: Sam Martin, Cortamlet PS
- Key Stage 2: Katelyn Baxter, Gortin PS / Harry Donaldson, Derrygonnelly PS
The runners-up of the 2026 ‘Know it, grow it, eat it!’ schools’ competition:
- Special schools: Molly McMahon, Rathore
- Foundation (Playgroup, Nursery and Pre-School): Ella Mae Luckie, Little Explorers Pre School
- Foundation (P1 and P2): Charlie Hawkes, McClintock PS
- Key Stage 1: Isabella Wilson, Drumadonnell PS
- Key Stage 2: Sophie Lervy, Gortin PS
Third place in the 2026 schools’ competition were:
- Special schools: Brody Kennedy, Buddy Bear Trust Conductive Learning Education School
- Foundation (Playgroup, Nursery and Pre-School): Charlie Crawford, Enniskillen Integrated Nursery
- Foundation (P1 and P2): Jack, Cortamlet PS
- Key Stage 1: Heidi Pollock, Ballytober PS
- Key Stage 2: Constance Baird, Anahilt PS
The deputy president added, “Last year, an award was introduced in memory of the late Jennifer Hawkes’, to recognise her contribution to the UFU Rural Affairs committee and dedication to the annual schools’ competition. This years’ ‘Jennifer Hawkes perpetual trophy’ was awarded to Katelyn Baxter, Gortin PS for her outstanding creativity and effort.
“I would urge all schools to organise an educational trip to a local participating farm on the dedicated schools’ day. The free interactive schools’ day provides pupils with the opportunity to experience life on a working farm while supporting farmers to deliver the “Know it, grow it, eat it’ narrative and reconnect with consumers,” he said.
