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.