The 'Steaks' Are High as Crossmaglen and Markethill Schools Reach Angus Youth Final

Two local school have reached the final of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

 St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen are researching beef consumption and the young consumer for their finalist assignment whilst Markethill High School are looking at the theme of food provenance. They are both competing against Enniskillen Royal Grammar and Lecale Trinity Grammar School in Downpatrick.

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge aims to inspire secondary level pupils who have a passion and curiosity about their local agri-food industry, to gain practical experience and expand their knowledge. Through a year-long journey, successful finalists are challenged to research farming and food production methods that can meet the changing needs of the marketplace with minimal impact on the environment. And they get to put these principles into practice with their own mini-herd of Angus cross calves to rear and sell, learning about the dynamics of a modern beef industry.

All four teams recently attended a media training workshop at the home of Cool FM / Downtown Radio. The workshop was tailored to provide the teenagers with the knowledge and tools they need to connect with audiences, both within and outside of the agricultural community on the research work they are carrying out on sustainable beef production. They were introduced to best practices in digital content creation and online safety, ensuring they understand how to engage with online audiences in a responsible and effective manner. Victoria Quinn, breakfast presenter on Downtown Country; Cool FM’s Paulo Ross, and Keith Law, Head of Creative at Bauer Media NI, shared their professional knowledge about leveraging media platforms to maximise audience engagement. The session also included hands-on exercises where the students crafted and recorded audio scripts with the help of the studio team.

A Future-Focused Approach to Agricultural Education

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge, delivered in partnership with Certified Irish Angus, aims to do more than teach farming techniques. By equipping young people with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape, ABP is looking to future success in an ever-evolving sector. George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland which has a site in Newry, explains, “As the next generation steps up to shape the future of farming and agrifood, equipping them with the tools to communicate is essential.”

For more information visit www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com