The future of sustainable farming took centre stage at the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park recently, with 28 school teams from across Northern Ireland competing at our 2024 Exhibition. Their exhibition displays included topics from farming practices and environmental stewardship to the intersection of agriculture with politics.

91 Yr.11 pupils took part for the chance to win a place on the ABP Angus Youth finalist programme. The teams that are selected will then be awarded their own mini herds of Angus cross calves, courtesy of ABP and Certified Irish Angus. The teenagers will be tasked with rearing their calves sustainably under the expert guidance of a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.

At the end of the year-long programme, finalists will sell their fully reared cattle to ABP, keeping the proceeds as a reward for their hard work. Additionally, one stand-out team will earn a £1,000 cash prize for their school or club.

Praising this year’s semi-finalists George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said,

“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an opportunity for teenagers to get involved in agriculture and food production. Every team today demonstrated a clear passion for the future of our industry and it’s inspiring to see that interest represented here by young people from every county in Northern Ireland.”

The teams that make it through to the next stage will be announced on 22 November on the ABP Angus Youth Challenge You Tube Channel.

Congratulations to Aughnacloy College, Co. Tyrone, who have claimed the top prize in the prestigious ABP Angus Youth Challenge. Jack Steenson and Alexander Smith were named overall winners, beating three other finalist teams in the 2024 final. The challenge equips young people with practical skills in sustainable beef production while encouraging innovative thinking for the future of the industry.

As finalists, the students were awarded a mini-herd of Angus cattle to rear, which served as a hands-on learning experience whilst developing projects about beef production. Jack and Alexander’s project focused on "passing on a vibrant farming culture to future generations." Their unique initiative culminated in the creation of a rhyming children’s storybook, illustrated with contributions from 12 local primary schools, designed to educate young readers about sustainable farming practices.

At an awards ceremony in the Logan Hall Jack and Alexander were presented with the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and a £1,000 cheque for their school by representatives of ABP, Certified Irish Angus and the Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs. Runners up in the competition were Dromore High School. Sarah Gilchrist from St. Colmcille’s won the award for Outstanding Individual Achievement.

28 School Teams Compete to Win Angus Calves at ABP Youth Challenge Exhibition

Children's Book on Sustainable Farming Earns Tyrone Teens Top Prize in ABP Angus Youth Challenge