Record number of teams at 2023 ABP Angus Youth Exhibition

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.”

St. Killian's College Carnlough Win 2023 ABP Angus Youth Challenge

Three pupils from St. Killian’s College Carnlough are the overall winners of the 2023 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.  Emma Mitchell, Alex McAlister, and Peter Agnew all come from farming families. They impressed the judges with their sense of pride and responsibility in carrying on the agriculture traditions of the Glens of Antrim.

ABP Angus Youth is an employer-education partnership which enhances what is taught in the classroom by offering a ‘learning by doing’ approach in conjunction with Certified Irish Angus. The winners demonstrated real leadership by bringing a year-long assignment on ‘A Health Approach to Agriculture’ to life with the help of their CAFRE mentor Sineád Mathers. This included promoting sustainable agriculture through the establishment of an ECO Club in their school. The trio also shared useful information and advice about soil health; mental health and animal health with their wider community through participation in the “Heart of the Glens Festival.”

The pupils received their trophy and a £1,000 cheque from Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan and the General Manager of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, Charles Smith.

This year’s Runners-up were Down High School, Downpatrick whose theme was ‘Utilising Science to Capture Carbon’. The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award went to Orlagh Donaghy of St. Louis Grammar School, Ballymena.

Congratulating the award winners Mr Mullan said, “As a leading employer and business partner within Northern Ireland’s farming and food sector and a ‘Youth Friendly Employer,’ ABP is committed to supporting ambitious young people make the transition from education to working in our industry. We are delighted with the impact ABP Angus Youth Challenge  is having on raising aspirations and attainment.”