The ABP Angus Youth Challenge, delivered in partnership with Certified Irish Angus, has won the Training and Skills Development Award, sponsored by Lantra, at the Farming Life Awards 2026.

The award was presented at the Farming Life Awards Ceremony held in the Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast in recognition of the contribution the Challenge makes to developing skills, confidence and experience among young people across Northern Ireland.

Since launching in 2017, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge has given 14-15 year olds the opportunity to combine classroom learning with practical experience, industry mentoring and exposure to the wider agri-food sector.

Developing skills for life beyond the farm

The Challenge is about much more than learning about farming.

Participants research an agricultural topic, develop their own project and learn how to communicate their ideas through video, presentations and exhibitions. They work with industry experts and develop their confidence in professional settings.

For finalist teams, the practical experience continues with responsibility for rearing five Aberdeen Angus calves through to finishing culminating in financial rewards for the teams and the overall winning school or club.

They also develop transferable skills including research, teamwork, communication, presentation, problem-solving, decision-making and time management.

The Challenge's research projects are linked to students' GCSE learning and have covered topics including genetics, carbon reduction, beef & the consumer, farm succession, women in agriculture and the wellbeing of farming families.

Learning from the agri-food industry

Students receive mentoring from CAFRE and take part in industry visits, workshops and other activities throughout the year.

A highlight for finalists is the Challenge's international study tour. The 2026 tour included visits to progressive farms in Northern Ireland and Ireland, Harper Adams University and the ABP UK R&D farm in England.

Open to young people from all backgrounds

You do not need to come from a farming family or live on a farm to take part in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

The programme is designed to give young people with different interests and strengths the opportunity to contribute, whether their interests are in agriculture, science, business, the environment, communications or another area.

The Challenge has also demonstrated its value to pupils who may not have considered agriculture or the agri-food sector as a future career option.

How to overcome barriers to young people taking up farming; the farmer’s part in protecting the environment and biodiversity; and future trends for beef were just some of the ideas and interests displayed by teenagers competing at this year’s ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition at the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park.

31 school teams comprising over 100 Yr. 11 pupils had to pitch their ideas and knowledge of farming and beef production in the hope of being one of four finalist teams to win their own mini herd of Angus cross calves compliments of ABP and Certified Irish Angus.

A broad cross section of urban and rural post primary schools took part. Common to all was the task of having to convince a judging panel of agri-food industry and education representatives that they should be the participants in the next ABP Angus Youth finalist skills development programme.

Commenting on this year’s event, George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said, “We are delighted to see such a range of young people from all over the province taking part from both urban and rural communities. Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector offers ambitious teenagers a range of employment opportunities. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is their chance to share their interests and views on agriculture and food production and connect with ABP and other representatives in our industry.”