Two pupils from Aughnacloy College in Co. Tyrone, have taken the top prize in the 2024 ABP Angus Youth Challenge, impressing judges with their innovative project on sustainable farming. Jack Steenson and Alexander Smith, both from farming families, triumphed over competing teams with their project, “Creating a Vibrant Farming Culture for Future Generations.”

Jack and Alexander combined research on how farmers were enhancing their farms through sustainable enterprises with extensive community outreach to pass the information they had learned to future generations. Their “Pass it on” theme included a rhyming children’s story book, illustrated with the help of contributions from 12 local primary schools.

As well passing their book on to many local schools and public figures involved in agriculture it was shared in 11 different countries in the EU, including the European Parliament, as well as further afield destinations such as Egypt, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Mexico. Book sales also contributed to £1,600 being raised for the Air Ambulance NI.

Dromore High School secured the ABP Angus Youth Challenge runners up spot with their project “Promoting Diversity within the Beef Supply Chain.”

For the past year all four finalist teams had been tasked with rearing their own Angus beef cattle with the support of a CAFRE mentor whilst working on their projects. The teams have successfully finished their animals early in accordance with the Department of Agriculture’s Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme which is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of beef farming. They were able to pocket the proceeds of the sale of their animals to ABP.*

Congratulating all the award winners, George Mullan, Manging Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said, “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge exemplifies how education and farming can work hand in hand to drive sustainable practices today and into the future. Jack and Alexander are passionate young farmers and an inspiration to the young people hoping to win a place on our next finalist programme.”

Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Acting Head of Food & Farming Group also emphasised the importance of the initiative, “ the ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an excellent initiative which encourages young people right across Northern Ireland to learn all aspects of the agri-food supply chain including the fantastic career opportunities. When you add a competitive component to a real live learning environment then young people have the opportunity to thrive. I would also like to thank CAFRE advisory staff for their mentoring support within the programme and encourage all participants to actively pursue a career in agri-food. The wide suite of education programmes available at CAFRE cater for young people leaving school either at 16 or following A-Levels and there is a direct pathway into a rewarding career.”

The winners were presented with the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and a cheque for £1,000 for their school at an awards ceremony held in the Logan Hall recently.