Big year ahead for the schools in ABP Angus Youth Challenge final

The four schools now competing in the final of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge are Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Lecale Trinity Grammar School, Downpatrick, Markethill High School, and St. Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen.

As finalists, each team are rearing their own mini-herd of Angus-cross calves provided by ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. Over the next ten months, these young farmers will gain hands-on experience in sustainable beef farming, supported by expert guidance from a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.

 The teenagers will also be delving into research themes critical to modern beef farming. Each team will champion a sustainability-focused topic, researching and promoting its importance within their schools, communities, and the wider agri-food industry.

Throughout the coming months their performance will be evaluated. The team delivering the most successful outcomes overall stand to win an additional £1,000 for their school or affiliated club.

Beyond practical farming experience, the finalists will also benefit from training and travel opportunities, gaining insights into ABP’s global operations and the broader agribusiness landscape. They will even receive a financial reward when their calves are sold to ABP, ensuring they experience every stage of the beef supply chain from farm to fork.

 George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP Northern Ireland, congratulated the finalists:

“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge inspires young people to innovate, learn, and develop practical skills that are vital to the future of beef farming. This competition also showcases the diverse career paths and opportunities available in the agrifood sector. We look forward to seeing how these talented teams bring their projects to life and develop ideas to tackle the challenges facing our industry.”

 You can stay up to date on their journey by following #ABPAngusYouth on Instagram and Facebook.

Enniskillen Royal Grammar School

Topic: One Health - the link between animal, human and plant health

Lecale Trinity Grammar School

Topic: Raising Awareness of Animal Welfare Standards

Markethill High School

Topic: Food Provenance - Do you know what you eat?

St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen

Topic: Sustainable Beef Consumer and the Young Consumer

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

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.