There’s still time to enter the ABP Angus Youth Challenge which won the Training and Skills Development Award, sponsored by Lantra, at the recent 2026 Farming Life Awards.

The award was presented to ABP and its delivery partnership Certified Irish Angus at Culloden Estate Belfast for contribution to training and skills development of young people.

ABP Northern Ireland managing director George Mullan said: “We are delighted that the impact of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge has been recognised with the Training and Skills Development Award at the Farming Life Awards.

“The Challenge gives young people the opportunity to gain experience and meet people in the agri-food industry and see first-hand the range of opportunities available.”

This year’s ABP Angus Youth Challenge finalists from St Patrick’s High School, Keady; Blessed Trinity College, Belfast; Ballymena Academy and St Patrick’s College, Dungannon. The overall winning team will be announced on 22nd October at an awards ceremony in the Eikon Centre, Balmoral Park.

placeholder image — This year’s ABP Angus Youth Challenge finalists from St Patrick’s High School, Keady; Blessed Trinity College, Belfast; Ballymena Academy and St Patrick’s College, Dungannon. The overall winning team will be announced on 22nd October at an awards ceremony in the Eikon Centre, Balmoral Park.

Charles Smith, general manager of Certified Irish Angus added: “There is still time to enter the 2026-2027 ABP Angus Youth Challenge. So, we would encourage anyone who has responsibility for a 14–15-year-old in a family, club or school setting to help them avail of this special opportunity.”

The year-long challenge gives young people aged 14-15 the chance to develop practical knowledge, research experience, industry awareness and transferable skills through a unique farm-to-fork programme.

The programme combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving participants the opportunity to research an agriculture related topic, develop and present their ideas, work with industry experts. Finalist teams then take responsibility for rearing their own mini-herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle through to finishing and pocket the proceeds of their sale to ABP.

The skills the challenge develops extend beyond farming. Students develop research, digital, teamwork, communication and presentation skills as they plan and deliver their projects.

Members of the ABP/Certified Irish Angus table at the 2026 Farming Life Awards with the award for Training and Skills Development sponsored by Lantra.

Their projects are linked to their GCSE studies and have covered subjects including beef and the consumer; bovine genetics, carbon reduction, farm succession, women in agriculture and the wellbeing of farming families.

Finalist teams also receive mentoring from CAFRE and take part in industry visits, workshops and media opportunities.

Finalists are given the opportunity to take part in an international study tour, visiting farms, research and education facilities and agri-food businesses.

The programme has attracted young people from a wide range of backgrounds and does not require participants to come from a farming family or live on a farm.

Interested parties can find out more and enter at the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website or by contacting Certified Irish Angus education manager Orlaith McLauglin who is avail to assist with the entry process and visit interested schools or clubs.