Day 1 – Linden Foods & CAFRE, Dungannon
Pupils began their tour at Linden Foods in Dungannon, where they received a guided tour of the retail packing area. They then travelled to the CAFRE Food Innovation Centre, where they observed a professional cookery demonstration on how to cook steak to perfection. Following this, they took part in a steak cooking challenge—with the boys emerging victorious! The day also included a visit to the robotic lab, exploring the future of food production from farm to fork. To conclude the day, pupils presented their group research projects, each focusing on a specific theme related to the trip.
Day 2 – Farm Visits in Fermanagh and Monaghan
The second day began with a visit to John Egerton’s farm in Fermanagh—familiar territory for some of the boys who had visited previously. The group then travelled to Harte Peat Farm in Monaghan. This visit provided a new perspective, as it was their first in-depth look at a dairy farm, having focused mainly on beef farms until now. They were particularly interested in the technology used in modern dairy farming, and were encouraged to learn that a healthy work-life balance is achievable even in large-scale agricultural enterprises. Afterwards, the group departed for Brussels.
Day 3 – European Parliament, Brussels
Pupils were granted security clearance to enter the European Parliament, where they explored the scale and scope of the institution across its various buildings. Later in the day, they presented their group work to representatives from the Northern Ireland Executive, showcasing the knowledge and insights gained during the trip.
Day 4 – Bezoekdeboar Farm & Return Journey
On the final day, pupils visited Bezoekdeboar Farm, where they learned how a small-scale operation has achieved success through a farm shop model, raising and finishing calves on limited acreage to supply their own retail outlet. The group then began their journey home, bringing with them a wealth of experience and new understanding of the agricultural sector.
