ABP Angus Youth Study Tour Opens Doors to Careers in Agrifood
The four finalist teams in this year's ABP Angus Youth Challenge have returned from an immersive four-day study tour, giving them a unique behind-the-scenes look at every stage of the modern beef supply chain.
6 July 2026: This year’s four finalist teams in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge have just completed at study tour with ABP and Certified Irish Angus. The teenagers who are all in Yr.11 are representing Blessed Trinity College Belfast; Ballymena Academy; St. Patrick’s College Dungannon and St. Patrick’s College Keady in the final. Their trip entailed a four-day educational experience that provided an insight into every stage of the modern beef supply chain, from dairy calf to beef rearing and on-farm production through to processing, higher education, sustainability and consumer expectations. The tour is just one of the prizes awarded to the teams that make it through to the final of the competition.
The tour began at ABP's Dungannon facility, where students gained an understanding of one of Europe's leading beef processors. Presentations from the ABP team explored sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing and the importance of producing beef that meets evolving consumer and retailer expectations. A butchery demonstration provided an understanding of carcass composition, primal and retail cuts, demonstrating how production decisions made on-farm ultimately influence meat quality, yield and value.
The pupils then met with representatives from the Ulster Farmers' Union, who explained the organisation's role in representing farmers and influencing agricultural policy. An afternoon at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, included a hands-on steak cookery challenge under the tuition of the Livestock and Meat Commission and a practical introduction to food safety in the campus labs.
Day two started with a visit to the calf-rearing enterprise of John Egerton in County Fermanagh showcasing best practice in calf health, nutrition, housing, welfare and biosecurity within an integrated beef production system supplying ABP. Students saw first-hand how management of this early stage underpins the production of healthy, efficient Angus cattle capable of meeting processor and market specifications. The trip then continued to Harte Peat Farm in County Monaghan, where finalists observed how robotic technology and progressive farm management practices were being successfully incorporated into a commercial livestock enterprise.
Next day the group flew over to England for a morning at Harper Adams University, one of the world's leading institutions for agricultural education and partner with ABP in The Programme for the Improved Sustainability of Red Meat (PRISM 2030.) The tour concluded with an afternoon an dcelebration barbecue at ABP's Demonstration Farm. Here the students gained a practical insight into the work being carried out to support a more sustainable future for farming. They learned about ABP’s integrated beef supply chain, feed conversion rates, and the different technologies being used to improve efficiency, performance and sustainability on farm.
Commenting on the value of the trip, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland George Mullan, said “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge study tour is designed to successfully connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural and beef processing, leaving students inspired and better equipped to pursue future careers within our agri-food industry.”
Charles Smith General Manager of Certified Irish Angus added, “Throughout the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants strengthen their knowledge, communication, teamwork and leadership skills while building lasting relationships with fellow finalists, mentors, farmers, processors, educators and industry leaders. In addition to winning Angus cross calves to rear, the study tour is a much sought-after highlight for those fortunate enough to reach the final.”
Teachers, club leaders or parents of teenagers who are entering Year 11 this September can find out more about how to enter the 2026-2027 competition at www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com.