Pictured are some of schools that took part in this year’s ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition at Balmoral Park

31 school teams totalling 100 Yr. 11 pupils had to pitch their ideas and knowledge 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.”

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an education-employer partnership which support attainment and raises aspirations to work in agrifood through:

• Encouraging research & innovation
• Developing employability skills
• Curriculum alignment to GCSE’s subjects
• Mentoring
• Hands-on experience of farming responsibly
• Inspiring community citizenship