ABP Angus Youth Challenge Celebrates Success at Balmoral Show and Sustainability Awards

ABP used its platform at the 2025 Balmoral Show to actively engage with young people about careers and opportunities in agriculture, with a special focus on its graduate programme and its award-winning ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

Visitors to the ABP stand at Balmoral could view Angus-cross calves, symbolising the unique prize that is awarded to each finalist team—their own mini-herd to rear through to beef as part of the competition.

Adding to the celebrations, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was honoured with the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year award at the Business Eye Sustainability & ESG Awards held on 15 May 2025. This accolade recognises the programme's significant impact on youth development and sustainability education in Northern Ireland.

George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, commented:

“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is about more than just competition—it’s about creating opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the agri-food supply chain.”

ABP Angus Youth Challenge Nominated for 2025 Business Eye Award

We’re proud to share that the ABP Angus Youth Challenge has been shortlisted for a 2025 Business Eye Sustainability & ESG Award.

This nomination recognises the impact of the programme in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category—highlighting how the Challenge supports young people across Northern Ireland to build skills for the future of sustainable farming and a future in the agrifood sector.

Through the ABP Angus Youth Challenge, school teams get the chance to rear their own mini herd of Angus cross calves, develop business plans, and explore real-world topics like sustainability in beef production. With the backing of ABP and our partner Certified Irish Angus, participants also grow their confidence, teamwork and communication skills throughout the year-long experience.

Being shortlisted is a strong endorsement of the passion, effort and innovation shown by our participants, their teachers, families, and everyone who helps make the programme possible.

Let’s keep showing what young people in agriculture can achieve!

We’ve been shortlisted