Local teams compete to win Angus calves at 2024 ABP Youth Challenge Exhibition
The future of sustainable farming took centre stage at the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, recently with 28 school teams from across Northern Ireland competing in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition including two local schools - St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen and Markethill High School.
The exhibition displays included topics from regenerative farming practices and environmental stewardship to the intersection of farming with politics.
The 91 Yr.11 pupils taking part were trying to impress a panel of judges about their suitability to win a place on the ABP Angus Youth finalist programme. The teams that are selected will then be awarded their own mini herds of Angus cross calves, courtesy of ABP and Certified Irish Angus. The teenagers will be tasked with rearing their calves sustainably under the expert guidance of a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.
At the end of the year-long programme, finalists will sell their fully reared cattle to ABP, keeping the proceeds as a reward for their hard work. Additionally, one stand-out team will earn a £1,000 cash prize for their school or club. This will be awarded on the basis of how they complete research projects as well as on how they manage their animals on-farm. During the finalist programme, the pupils receive communication skills training and participate in an international study tour to broaden their perspective on the industry.
Praising this year’s semi-finalists George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said, “I want to extend my congratulations to all the teachers and pupils on their impressive displays today. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an opportunity for teenagers to get involved in agriculture and food production. Every team today demonstrated a clear passion for the future of our industry and it’s inspiring to see that interest represented here by young people from every county in Northern Ireland.”
Charles Smith, General Manager of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, added: “ABP and the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group are committed to developing the next generation of the industry. The Youth Challenge is making a tangible impact not only within the schools but also their wider community.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of the outgoing Class of 2023 finalists with special guest, Martin McKendry, DAERA’s Acting Head of Food, Farming & Rural Affairs presenting the awards to the overall winning school team from Aughnacloy College. Dromore High School were runner’s up in the competition and Sarah Gilchrist from St. Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar won the award for ‘outstanding contribution by an individual’.