Write a comment
A record 39 school teams from across Northern Ireland competed in the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge Exhibition at the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, marking the largest participation since the competition began in 2017. Teams from St Joseph's High School, Crossmaglen and St Patrick’s School, Keady took part.
Hosted by ABP in partnership with Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, the exhibition brought together Year 11 pupils to present their ideas on key issues affecting agriculture, food production and land use. The teams were judged by a panel of industry and education representatives, with those progressing to the final stage set to be awarded their own mini herd of Angus cross calves to rear sustainably with the support of a CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentor.
in the final of the competition is the team from St Patrick’s School, Keady - pupils
Sally McKee, Grainne Anderson and Minnie McKee.
Over the course of next year, the finalists will also receive communication and interview training, complete a research project, study trip, and sell their finished cattle to ABP, retaining the proceeds for themselves. The overall winning school or club will receive a £1,000 cash prize at the end of the programme.
The response from schools reflects a broader trend evidenced by the increased uptake for the CCEA-accredited GCSE in Agriculture and Land Use. George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said: "The standard of entries was outstanding, showing the curiosity and talent that exists among our young people. It's encouraging to see such passion for the future of the agrifood industry which is central to Northern's private sector economy."
Charles Smith, General Manager of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, added: "The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is supporting the next generation of our industry. The response to the competition from rural and city schools demonstrates the growing awareness of the wide range of employment opportunities across the supply chain."
Guest speaker at the event, agricultural scientist Dr Sinclair Mayne, highlighted the impact that the ABP Angus Youth Challenge is having on young people. He said: "There are great opportunities for innovation, personal satisfaction and growth across a wide range of careers from research, education, knowledge transfer, supply and processing sectors, and farming. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is inspiring young people to explore these opportunities."
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge programme reflects ABP's wider commitment to promoting agricultural education, sustainability and skills development, helping to secure the future of one of Northern Ireland's most important industries.
