2025 Finalists Announced

ABP and Certified Irish Angus four finalist school teams in the 2025-2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge have been announced. Ballymena Academy are no strangers to the competition having reached the final before. This year’s finalist duo will be working on a project focusing on genetic literacy in beef production and how breeding information can be made more accessible for farmers. With genomics and data-driven selection playing an ever-increasing role in herd performance, the team hopes to explore practical ways for producers to use breeding information to improve efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Blessed Trinity College in North Belfast have also secured a place in the final. This is the first time the school has entered the competition. The team of four plan to use their urban setting as a platform to strengthen consumer understanding of the farm-to-fork journey. Despite having no farming background, this team aims to help the North Belfast community better understand how local Angus beef is produced, responding to growing consumer interest in traceability, sustainability and food provenance.

Also in the final for the first time, the team from St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon, will investigate how increasingly variable weather patterns in Northern Ireland affect beef farming. Gary Gillespie, Dara Cush and Darragh McCann intend to examine the strengths and vulnerabilities of grass-based versus forage-based production systems. This topic addresses the challenges faced by livestock farms coping with unpredictable seasons and the need for climate-resilient systems.

The fourth finalist school is St. Patrick’s High School, Keady. Representing their school in the final for the first time - this team of three will explore how use of technology can break down barriers and create opportunities for all in farming and the wider agri-food industry. With succession, skills and talent important to the sector’s future this team intend to champion diversity and generational renewal.

Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland George Mullan said:

“The calibre of entries this year was outstanding. The challenge encourages teenagers to engage with real issues facing our industry. With a blend of rural and urban teams in the final stage, with and without family farming backgrounds, we are looking forward to how these schools not only make the most of the Challenge but also how they share their different perspectives and get to know each other when they join us for training and our study trip.”

CAFRE’s beef advisory unit will be supporting the four finalist teams as they rear their Angus cross calves and gain direct experience of what sustainable beef production looks like in practice.

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Enniskillen Royal Grammar School Wins 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge

A huge congratulations to the team from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, who have been crowned the overall winners of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

The winning team — Conor Phair, Mackenzie Wilson, Jenson Lindsay and Alfie Thompson — impressed judges with their project “One Health: The Link Between Animal, Human and Plant Health.” Their research tackled the vital issue of soil health and farmer education. As part of their work, they developed a Soil Analysis Results Guide to help farmers easily understand data and make better on-farm decisions. The guide has already been distributed to local vets, marts and agricultural stores.

Judges described the project as “an outstanding example of research applied to deliver real benefits,” praising the team for their practical and impactful approach.

The pupils also organised a ‘Healthy Soil, Healthy Future’ conference attended by more than 130 farmers and industry guests, and raised £6,540 for Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support during their time as finalists. The group received the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and a £1,000 cash prize for their school.

The team from Markethill High School — Natasha Dickson, Rachel Johnston, Ellie Gilmore and Autumn Mulholland — were named runners-up for their project “Food Provenance: Do You Know What You Eat?”

They created and published a cookbook, “A Cut Above the Rest,” showcasing Northern Irish beef dishes. The team sold 280 copies, raising £2,300 for charity, and shared their work through cookery demonstrations at the Armagh Show. Judges praised their “exceptional initiative, leadership and passion for learning,” as well as their strong social media presence and community engagement.

The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award went to Casey Jane Creegan from St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen. Working with teammate Michaela McGuinness, their project was “Sustainable Beef Consumption and the Young Consumer.” Their campaign promoted beef recipes to young audiences in a fun and engaging way.

Judges recognised Casey Jane for her enthusiasm, teamwork and community spirit.

The team from Lecale Trinity Grammar School — Ben O’Connor, Brent Magouran, Christopher Cunningham and Lochlann Hegarty — were commended as finalists for their project “Raising Awareness of Animal Welfare Standards.” They organised an Animal Welfare Conference at their school and developed educational resources for other students, inspired by an online meeting with international animal behaviour expert Temple Grandin.

Speaking at the ceremony, ABP’s George Mullan congratulated all the finalists:

“These young people have shown curiosity, teamwork and pride in local agriculture. They’re exactly what the agri-food sector needs for the future.”

2025 Runners up: Markethill High School