Powys pupils put Welsh Lamb in the spotlight at NSA Welsh Sheep 2025

19 June 2025

Primary school pupils from Powys took centre stage at this year's NSA Welsh Sheep 2025 event, showcasing their culinary creativity in a hands-on cooking experience celebrating Welsh lamb.

Pupils from Ysgol Mynydd Du in Talgarth, and Archdeacon Griffiths School in Llyswen, travelled to the host farm near Hay-on-Wye, where they participated in a series of interactive cooking sessions.

Guided by food professionals, the pupils prepared lamb meatballs using a variety of fresh ingredients including garlic, spinach, onions, chard, kale, and spices. Each child then scored their own dish out of ten, adding a fun and reflective element to the experience.

The initiative formed part of a wider collaboration between Powys County Council, NSA Welsh Sheep, and Castell Howell Foods, who generously supplied the lamb for the event.

In the lead-up to the event, the participating schools were among four local schools that featured Welsh Lamb on their lunch menus, with roast, boned and rolled legs of lamb served to pupils - highlighting the importance of local, nutritious food in school meals.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: "This venture was a fantastic example of how we can connect our young people with the rich agricultural heritage of Powys while promoting healthy, local food.

"By involving schoolchildren in the preparation and enjoyment of Welsh lamb, we not only supported our local farmers and food producers, but also helped to build a deeper understanding of where our food comes from. It was a hands-on, memorable experience that brought learning to life and strengthened the ties between our schools, communities, and the rural economy."

Edward Morgan, from Castell Howell Foods, said: "This was a great opportunity to work with Powys County Council's Catering Team and promote the NSA event across schools in the area. Aligning school activities with farming and the supply chain is important, and we were delighted to help bring this event to classrooms."

Helen Roberts, NSA Welsh Sheep organiser, commented: "This initiative was a welcome addition to the event and engaged with the Next Generation, which is so important within our industry to showcase the nutritious and healthy food that we produce, which is vital for a well-balanced diet."

This successful project highlighted the value of collaboration between education, agriculture, and the food industry, and reinforced Powys County Council's commitment to promoting local produce and experiential learning in schools.