CAFRE mentors for ABP youth

ABP has announced a new mentorship initiative with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) for its agri-skills development programme, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
By Una Culkin
Published 19th Dec 2020, 08:31 BST
Teacher Ciaran McCaughan and Liam McCarthy of ABP pictured with Castle Tower School pupils who are finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. The boys are rearing their five calves on Ciaran McCaughan’s farm near BallycastleTeacher Ciaran McCaughan and Liam McCarthy of ABP pictured with Castle Tower School pupils who are finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. The boys are rearing their five calves on Ciaran McCaughan’s farm near Ballycastle
Teacher Ciaran McCaughan and Liam McCarthy of ABP pictured with Castle Tower School pupils who are finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. The boys are rearing their five calves on Ciaran McCaughan’s farm near Ballycastle

Each team on the finalist programme will now benefit from a dedicated mentor selected from CAFRE’s beef and sheep advisory team.

The mentors will work with their teams over the next 18 months, encouraging them to reach their full potential and inspiring them to apply best practice in the rearing of their Angus cross calves through to finishing.

Each team has been assigned a specific project to research. They will be able to tap in to CAFRE’s expertise relevant to their assignments by exploring and applying modern techniques and technologies that for example reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and the use of animal health plans.

Stephen FlanaganStephen Flanagan
Stephen Flanagan

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Liam McCarthy, who is Head of Supply Chain Development for ABP in Northern Ireland said: “ABP is delighted that CAFRE is providing this valuable resource to our ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants.

“Covid-19 restrictions have created a challenging environment for the learning and development of our young people.

“The mentors will help bring an exciting and motivating dimension to the finalist programme. We believe this additional interaction for participants will be extremely beneficial to them during these difficult times.”

CAFRE’s Head of Beef & Sheep Branch, Paul McHenry added: “Our advisors are looking forward to working with their mentees and bringing out the best in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants.”

Natasha FergusonNatasha Ferguson
Natasha Ferguson

The five finalist teams and their mentors are:

* Ballymena Academy, Co. Antrim - Assignment theme: Future-proofing beef farming through agri-technology; Mentor: Stephen Flanagan.

* Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle - Assignment theme: Exploring the benefits of a holistic approach to animal performance; Mentor: Natasha Ferguson.

* Castle Tower School, Co. Antrim - Assignment theme: The Positive Impact of Farming & Agriculture on our Lives; Mentor: Hannah McNelis.

Jack FriarJack Friar
Jack Friar

* Magherafelt High School, Co. Londonderry - Assignment theme: Meeting expectations of consumers for a quality eating experience; Mentor: Jack Friar.

* Omagh Academy, Co. Tyrone - Assignment theme: Explore the opportunities for a low carbon Angus beef brand for Northern Ireland Mentor: Gareth Beacom.

Meanwhile teams from Aughnacloy College, Fivemiletown College, the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and Wallace High School will take part in a panel interview early in January to determine the overall winner of the 2019-2020 programme.

Related topics:ABP Angus Youth ChallengeAngusNorthern Ireland