Congratulatory message from NI Education Minister to pupils at ABP Angus Youth Challenge Final

A team of students from Omagh Academy has triumphed at the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup, bringing the trophy back to Co. Tyrone for their innovative project on 'Developing a low carbon Angus beef brand.' The team, consisting of Joshua Keys, Tori Robson, James Fleming, Jill Liggett, and Allister Crawford, participated in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge finalist program since 2020, competing alongside four other teams from Ballymena Academy; Castle Tower School, Ballymena; Cross & Passion Ballycastle, and Magherafelt High School. The judges were particularly impressed by the Omagh Academy team's deep understanding of climate challenges related to emissions and their practical suggestions for how farmers can reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, thereby offering sustainable beef options to consumers. At the award ceremony held on 28th October 2021 in Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, Ballymena Academy secured the runner-up position with their project on 'Technological advancements for future-proofing beef farming.' Additionally, the team from Castle Tower School, along with their teacher, received a Highly Commended award for their enthusiastic presentation on farming. Individual accolades were awarded to Ruth Sheppard from Magherafelt High School for Outstanding Achievement and Jessica Livingstone from Ballymena Academy, who received a Judges’ Special Merit award. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister for Education, Michelle McIlveen MLA, who, as the Guest of Honour, praised the award recipients and all finalists for their dedication to the 18-month agricultural skills development program. She highlighted the ABP Angus Youth Challenge as an exemplary model of collaboration between schools and employers, benefiting both students and the agricultural sector by enhancing learning and employability skills. The competition, a collaboration between ABP and the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group, saw the Omagh Academy team awarded a £1,000 cheque for their school. ABP's Managing Director in Northern Ireland, George Mullan, emphasized the competition's role in providing young people with valuable skills and experiences within the agricultural sector, despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The event also showcased 22 new teams from 14 secondary schools, competing for a spot in the next finalist program with projects ranging from carbon sequestration and soil health to the medical uses of animal by-products and dietary comparisons between vegan and flexitarian diets. The successful teams advancing to the next round will be announced in the following month. George Mullan expressed his enthusiasm for the record participation in this year's challenge, attributing it to the competition's perceived value by students, teachers, and parents as a beneficial complement to their academic pursuits.