We’re excited to announce a new mentorship initiative with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) for ABP Angus Youth Challenge finalists. Each team that reaches the final stage will now benefit from a dedicated mentor selected from CAFRE’s beef and sheep advisory team. The mentors will work with their teams over 18 months, encouraging them to reach their full potential and inspiring them to apply best practice in the rearing of their Angus cross calves.
They will be able to tap in to CAFRE’s expertise relevant to their assignments by exploring and applying modern techniques and technologies for example in reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and the use of animal health plans.
Explaining the rationale for the initiative, Liam McCarthy who is Head of Supply Chain Development for ABP in Northern Ireland said, “ABP is delighted that CAFRE is providing this valuable resource to our ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants. Covid-19 restrictions have created a challenging environment for the learning and development of our young people. The mentors will help bring an exciting and motivating dimension to the finalist programme. We believe this additional interaction will be extremely beneficial to the participants during these difficult times.”
CAFRE’s Head of Beef & Sheep Branch, Paul McHenry added, “Our advisors are looking forward to working with their mentees and to bringing out the best in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants.”
The five finalist teams and their mentors are: Ballymena Academy, Co. Antrim - Assignment theme: Future-proofing beef farming through agri-technology; Mentor: Stephen Flanagan
Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle - Assignment theme: Exploring the benefits of a holistic approach to animal performance; Mentor: Natasha Ferguson
Castle Tower School, Co. Antrim - Assignment theme: The Positive Impact of Farming & Agriculture on our Lives; Mentor: Hannah McNelis
Magherafelt High School, Co. Londonderry - Assignment theme: Meeting expectations of consumers for a quality eating experience; Mentor: Jack Friar
Omagh Academy, Co. Tyrone - Assignment theme: Explore the opportunities for a low carbon Angus beef brand for Northern Ireland Mentor: Gareth Beacom
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an agri-skills development competition for 14-16 year olds. It operates in conjunction with the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group. Teams from Aughnacloy College, Fivemiletown College, the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and Wallace High School will their finalist programme this month (December). They will then take part in a panel interview in January 2021 after which the overall winning team from this group will be announced.
Hannah McNelis
Castle Tower School Team Mentor
Gareth Beacom
Omagh Academy Team Mentor
Jack Friar
Magherafelt High School Team Mentor
Natasha
Ferguson
Cross and Passion College Team Mentor
Stephen Flanagan
Ballymena Academy Team Mentor