Two Co. Armagh schools have made it through to the final of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
Four Yr. 11 pupils from Markethill High School and two pupils from St. Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen have been selected as finalists, beating competition from 24 other schools teams from across Northern Ireland to gain their place.
They will now be joined by two other finalist teams from Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and Lecale Trinity Grammar School in Downpatrick, in a year-long programme exploring sustainable beef production.
Each team has been awarded their own mini-herd of Angus-cross calves to rear over the coming year by ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group.
This will enable them to gain hands-on experience in sustainable beef farming, supported by expert guidance from a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.
The challenge will also see the teenagers delving into themes critical to modern beef farming, including sustainability, innovation, and supply chain efficiency.
L-R: St. Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen Finalist Team are: CaseyJane Creegan and Michaela McGuinness
Each team will champion a sustainability-focused project, researching and promoting its importance within their schools, communities, and the wider agri-food industry.
Throughout the year, their performance will be evaluated, with the team delivering the most successful project overall earning an additional £1,000 for their school or affiliated club.
Beyond practical farming experience, the finalists will benefit from training and travel opportunities, offering insights into ABP’s global operations and the broader agribusiness landscape.
They will also receive the financial reward of selling their animals to ABP next year, ensuring they experience every stage of the beef supply chain from farm to fork.
George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP Northern Ireland, congratulated the finalists.
He 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 agri-food 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.”
