ABP Angus Youth Challenge is back

61 teenagers from 14 schools across the province are competing in this year’s semi-final of the ABP Youth Challenge, an agri-food skills development initiative for teenagers.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2020, 08:53 BST
Angus Beef Competition. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography Copyright 2019Angus Beef Competition. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography Copyright 2019
Angus Beef Competition. Photo Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography Copyright 2019

Judging of the semi-finalists will take place online next week due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Teams must present their ideas and displays on camera to convince a panel of independent judges of their knowledge of premium Northern Irish Angus beef production and their interest in aspects of the local beef supply chain.

The judges represent leading organisations across the farming, agri-food and education sectors including Queen’s University Belfast; Southern Regional College; the Ulster Farmers Union; the Livestock and Meat Commission; the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association; Ulster Bank; DAERA; CAFRE, and Business in the Community NI.

The judging of the 2020 ABP Angus Youth Challenge semi-finalists will take place online next week. Judges include representatives from the agri-food and education sectors. 14 schools involving 61 teenagers in total have stepped up to the challenge. Four teams will be selected to go through to the next stage. They will be awarded Angus cross calves in October to rear during an 18-month skills development programme with ABP and Northern Ireland Angus Producer Group. The competition will open again for new entrants on 5th October 2020.The judging of the 2020 ABP Angus Youth Challenge semi-finalists will take place online next week. Judges include representatives from the agri-food and education sectors. 14 schools involving 61 teenagers in total have stepped up to the challenge. Four teams will be selected to go through to the next stage. They will be awarded Angus cross calves in October to rear during an 18-month skills development programme with ABP and Northern Ireland Angus Producer Group. The competition will open again for new entrants on 5th October 2020.
The judging of the 2020 ABP Angus Youth Challenge semi-finalists will take place online next week. Judges include representatives from the agri-food and education sectors. 14 schools involving 61 teenagers in total have stepped up to the challenge. Four teams will be selected to go through to the next stage. They will be awarded Angus cross calves in October to rear during an 18-month skills development programme with ABP and Northern Ireland Angus Producer Group. The competition will open again for new entrants on 5th October 2020.

Four teams will be selected to progress on to the next stage – an 18-month skills development programme. Under the guidance of ABP and the NI Angus Producer Group the finalists will be rewarded with a hands-on experience of rearing Angus cross calves and profiting from their sale to ABP; whilst gaining employability skills and knowledge of the beef industry.

They will rear their calves to ABP’s sustainable Blade Farming protocols which prioritise efficiency and carcass quality at an earlier finishing age.

The proceeds of the sale of each team’s calves to ABP will be awarded to each group. One overall winning team will also receive a £1,000 cash prize for their school.

This year’s semi-finalists are aged between 14-16 years old and represent 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; Dromore High School; Gaelcholáiste Dhoire Dungiven; Magherafelt High School; Omagh Academy; Royal School Armagh; and Saintfield High.

Commenting on the company’s continued commitment to the initiative, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan said: “ABP is committed to playing its part in developing the next generation for a sustainable of the local agri-food sector.

“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge aims to help bridge the gap between school and employment. We’re delighted so many schools can take part during these challenging times. ABP appreciates the support of the principals and teachers to the competition.

“I would also like to thank the judges and the organisations they represent. It is a clear signal of the benefits the competition brings to young people.”

The schools currently engaged in the 2019 – 2021 finalist programme are Aughnacloy College, Fivemiletown College, the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and Wallace High School. The competition will also open to new entrants on 5th October 2020. For details of how to take part visit: www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com

Related topics:ABP Angus Youth ChallengeAngusSouthern Regional College