Each school team has received a mini-herd of Angus-cross calves from ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. Over the next ten months, they will rear their cattle with the support of 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 with the team delivering the most successful outcomes overall winning 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 employment opportunities in agribusiness. 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.

Congratulating the finalists, George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP Northern Ireland said,  “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.”

Stay up to date on their progress by following #ABPAngusYouth on Instagram and Facebook.