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# ABP Angus Youth Challenge advances to semi-finals
- URL: https://cibocom.ghost.io/abp-angus-youth-challenge-advances-to-semi-finals/
- Published: 2018-02-12T01:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T15:11:10.000Z
- Author: Cibocom
- Tags: ABP Food Group, beef

A group of young individuals from each county in Northern Ireland will be presenting their inspiring projects related to agriculture and agri-food at the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Semi-Final, taking place at the CAFRE Loughrey Campus in Cookstown on Friday, March 9th. A total of 11 teams, comprising 43 motivated youths aged between 14 and 16, have been selected to showcase their projects before a panel of independent industry specialists. Their projects highlight innovative solutions and creative ideas concerning Angus beef, covering topics such as the role of women in agriculture, the promotion of Northern Irish beef, and the agri-food sector's impact on the rural economy. To reach this stage, the semi-finalists have already created a video and participated in a panel interview. Their next step involves transforming their ideas into tangible results, demonstrating their vision and passion for the beef and agri-food industry. George Mullan, the Managing Director of ABP Northern Ireland, shared his thoughts on the first ABP Angus Youth Challenge, stating, “This contest is focused on the future of the beef and broader agri-food industry in Northern Ireland. We are confident it will motivate a new generation of professionals, from cattle farmers to food scientists and agricultural technologists, all contributing innovation and expertise. We are eager to see the original and forward-thinking proposals from our young semi-finalists, as well as their adoption of new technologies in the beef and agri-food sectors.” The semi-finalists include both girls and boys from various backgrounds, not all of whom have been raised on farms. “What they all share is a passion for our industry and a desire to make a difference,” Mr. Mullan further commented. A group of esteemed judges from the agriculture and food production industries, including representatives from CAFRE, NIMEA, NIFDA, YFCU, and LMC, will have the challenging job of selecting three finalist teams. These teams will then receive five Aberdeen Angus cross calves at a prominent event during the 150th Balmoral Show in May. They will raise these calves over an 18-month period as part of a skills development program with ABP, gaining insights into the entire beef production process. Additionally, they will earn a profit from the sale of the calves to ABP. The team that stands out the most will also receive a £1,000 cash prize for their school or club. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is a collaborative effort with the Northern Irish Angus Producers Group. Its General Manager, Charles Smith, mentioned, “The ABP Youth Challenge aims to engage with schools and clubs throughout the region to highlight the diverse career opportunities in the sector and the skills needed for the future.”