Festive Farming Quest was NFU Education’s latest offering for schoolchildren across the country, bringing farming to the classroom for its first-ever festive live lessons.
Building on the success of last year’s Harvest Carnival live lessons, the Festive Farming Quest attracted more than 82,000 pupils from more than 800 different schools across England and Wales.
Key Stage 1 pupils earned festive quest baubles by exploring where Brussels sprouts and Christmas trees come from and how to care for camels and a flock of sheep, while Key Stage 2 pupils took part in a festive ‘work experience’ – learning what it takes to be a farm vet, how to grow mistletoe, raise turkeys and produce award-winning Christmas puddings.
Children were also able to put their questions to farmers Coco and Daisy during the lessons, including asking why turkeys gobble, how to look after pregnant animals and how to become a farmer.
Why it matters
The Festive Farming Quest connected children with the people, animals and crops behind some of their favourite festive traditions, showcasing the breadth of British farming and its role in the celebrations.
The live lessons provide a unique opportunity for NFU Education to inspire the next generation and highlight the role our industry plays in seasonal celebrations.
“It’s about showing the breadth of British farming and inspiring the next generation.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
Building a connection with young people
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “Farmers and growers are proud to play such a central role in our festive traditions and the Festive Farming Quest is a brilliant way to bring that story into classrooms. We know that teachers and children are eager to learn more about where their food comes from, and these live lessons give them the chance to connect directly with the people, animals and crops behind Christmas.
“It’s about more than just brussels sprouts or turkeys. It’s about showing the breadth of British farming and inspiring the next generation to understand the care, skill and innovation that goes into producing food to world‑leading standards. As farmers, we want to build that connection with young people, so they not only enjoy their festive favourites but also understand the work and dedication behind them.
“NFU Education’s live lessons throughout 2025 have reached over half a million schoolchildren. By giving pupils the chance to meet farmers, vets and food producers, we’re helping them see agriculture as part of their everyday lives, celebrate the sector and ensure farming has a place at the heart of education.”
Meet the experts
NFU Education’s live lessons featured inspiring voices from across the industry:
- Coco Jalloh, a young farmer recently nominated for Farming Student of the Year at the British Farming Awards, showcasing the talent and ambition driving the next generation.
- Daisy Fossett, former NFU SYFAP (Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors) and founder of the UK’s first camel dairy, Daisy’s Dromedairy.
- Shrea Patel, farm vet at Glenthorne Vets, specialising in herd health and animal welfare.
- Will and Aidan from Matthew Walker Ltd, representing the world’s oldest Christmas pudding manufacturer, producing millions of puddings every year.
Missed out?
Lessons are now available to watch again for any schools still wanting to learn how farmers help bring Christmas to families every year:
X post from St Gerard's Catholic Primary & Nursery School
What did the teachers think?
Teachers have been sharing their thoughts after taking part in the Festive Farming Quest on social media and beyond.
Schoolchildren have responded enthusiastically to the subjects covered, while educators have praised the pace and interactive nature of the lessons.
Shepherd and sheep farmer Coco Jalloh and NFU Education Manager Jennie Devine presenting the Festive Farming Quest
“The children absolutely loved the Christmas theme. They were excited to learn that girls can be farmers too and a number of them said they would like to work in farming now. Their knowledge of plants and animals has definitely improved, and the lesson coincided nicely with what they had been learning about mammals.”
“It was excellent to have a festive theme and to explore lots of different areas of agriculture. The children were engaged throughout, enjoyed the worksheets and loved the questions on the screen.”
Farm vet Shrea Patel demonstrating how to examine a sheep
NFU Education Manager Jennie Devine presenting a segment on Brussel sprouts with farmer James Heyes for the KS1 Festive Farming Quest
NFU Chief Education Manager Joshua Payne running the livestream
“My Year 6 pupils were totally engaged, the best they have been since the NFU sessions started. The were absolutely fascinated with the 'live' birth and the resources were appropriately interesting and challenging for them. More of the same please!”
“It allowed them [the children] to generate questions and engage in deep thinking.”
Farmer Steph Dean of Woodbine Farm showing an antler to NFU Education Manager Jennie Devine
Matthew Walker Product Development Technologist Will and NFU Education Manager Jennie Devine discussing Christmas puddings
“The whole of KS1 watched the live lesson and staff have said that it was pitched perfectly for them all. We particularly liked the dance breaks as it helped the children to refocus.”
“My Year 3 and 4 class really enjoyed Festive Farming Live today – it provided them with new learning and they saw different career choices.”
Christmas tree farmer John Harper and NFU Education Manager Jennie Devine talking about Christmas trees
NFU Chief Education Manager Joshua Payne discussing turkey toys with Lucy and James of J&R Sheffield for the KS2 Festive Farming Quest
