Return of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge

This year, students from 13 different schools throughout the province participated in the semi-final of the ABP Youth Challenge, an initiative by the agri-food company ABP aimed at fostering skills development among teenagers. Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, the semi-final was conducted online, with teams presenting their projects and ideas via video to a panel of independent judges. The panel comprised members from prominent entities in the farming, agri-food, and education sectors, including Queen’s University Belfast, Southern Regional College, the Ulster Farmers Union, the Livestock and Meat Commission, ASDA, Ulster Bank, DAERA, CAFRE, and Business in the Community NI. Teams advancing to the next round will engage in an 18-month program designed to enhance their skills. With the support of ABP and the NI Angus Producer Group, finalists will gain practical experience by raising Angus cross calves and benefit financially from their sale to ABP. This experience aims to improve their employability skills and deepen their understanding of the beef industry. The income generated from the sale of the calves to ABP will be distributed among the teams, and the top-performing team will also receive a £1,000 cash award for their school. The schools competing in this year's semi-final included Ballymena Academy, Ballycastle High School, Banbridge Academy, Belfast Royal Academy, Castle Tower Special School Ballymena, Cookstown High School, Cross and Passion College Ballycastle, Dalriada Ballymoney, Gaelcholáiste Dhoire Dungiven, Magherafelt High School, Omagh Academy, Royal School Armagh, and Saintfield High. George Mullan, the Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting ABP's dedication to nurturing the future of the local agri-food sector and the importance of the competition in providing valuable opportunities for young people during difficult times. Schools currently participating in the 2019 – 2021 finalist program include Aughnacloy College, Fivemiletown College, the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, and Wallace High School. The competition remains open for new entries until November 27th. For more information on how to participate, visit the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website.