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.