Pupils from St. Patrick’s High School, Keady, have taken part in a four-day study tour as part of their prize for reaching the final of the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
Sally McKee, Gráinne Anderson and Minnie McKee who are in Yr. 11 were selected as one of only four finalist teams in the Angus Youth Challenge, which is an educational initiative delivered by ABP and Certified Irish Angus. All finalist teams are also rearing five Aberdeen Angus cross calves whilst working on projects about beef farming. The Keady team are investigating how technology can help create a more gender-equal agricultural industry by reducing barriers for women in farming.
The study tour provided an opportunity for them to experience every stage of the modern beef supply chain. Beginning at ABP’s Dungannon processing facility, the students learned about responsible sourcing, sustainability and how consumer expectations influence beef production.
The finalists also met representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union before travelling to CAFRE’s Loughry Campus where they took part in a practical steak cookery challenge led by the Livestock and Meat Commission and gained an introduction to food safety in the laboratory.
Visits to progressive farming enterprises demonstrated best practice in calf rearing, animal health, nutrition, welfare and the adoption of new technologies. The group then travelled to Harper Adams University in England, one of the world’s leading agricultural universities before concluding the tour at ABP’s Demonstration Farm where they explored feed efficiency, new technologies and practical approaches to improving sustainability across the beef sector.
Commenting on the value of the study tour, George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge study tour is designed to successfully connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural and beef processing, leaving students inspired and better equipped to pursue future careers within our agri-food industry.”
Charles Smith, General Manager of Certified Irish Angus, delivery partner for the ABP Angus Youth Challenge, added: “Throughout the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants strengthen their knowledge, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. In addition to winning Angus cross calves to rear, the study tour is a much sought-after highlight for those fortunate enough to reach the final.”
Teachers, youth leaders and parents of pupils entering Year 11 this September can find out more about entering the 2026–2027 ABP Angus Youth Challenge by visiting www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com.
