Pupils and teachers from four Northern Irish schools recently found themselves immersed in the complexities of the global food chain as part of the 2025 ABP Angus Youth Challenge international farm-to-fork study tour.
Accompanied by ABP and Certified Irish Angus representatives, this trip offered the students an international perspective on the food chain.
This year’s itinerary included visits to ABP’s Linden site in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, and the Egerton family farm in Co. Fermanagh to highlight the food group’s carbon reduction programme.
The students was also introduced to the PRISM 2030 programme and ABP’s integrated beef supply chain, where traceability, animal welfare, and reducing environmental impacts are considered at every step of the process.
A visit to Hearte Peat Farm in Co. Monaghan showcased how ABP’s technology and robotics are being adopted on farm.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s Loughry Campus in Co. Tyrone provided members of the tour with information on study opportunities and the work of the Food Innovation Centre in assisting industry to improve efficiency to meet the needs of a dynamic marketplace.
The pupils even got to cook their own Angus steaks with the guidance of a Livestock and Meat Commission demonstrator.
An oversea visit to Brussels included a meeting with Invest Northern Ireland’s Executive Office to learn about European export markets for Northern Irish beef and a site briefing on the workings of the EU Parliament.
A final stop at a 10ha diversified farm outside Brussels, with a turnover of €660,000, demonstrated the potential of innovation and diversification.
ABP schools’ competition
The ABP’s Northern Irish schools’ competition will open for entries again at the start of the new school year in September.
Finalists win a year-long experience of rearing their own Angus-cross calves, explore environmental sustainability, and develop practical business and life skills.
In addition, finalists benefit from financial proceeds from selling their animals to ABP; professional coaching in communication and interview skills; and a £1,000 prize for the overall winning team’s school or club.
George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is more than just competition.
“It’s about creating opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how farming and food production is evolving for the future”, he added.
General manager of ABP Angus Youth Challenge partner organisation, Certified Irish Angus, Charles Smith, said: “This programme inspires young people to connect with agri-food in a modern way.
“By combining hands-on learning and business insights our aim is to help pave the way for the next generation of innovative, educated and environmentally conscious farmers and food producers”, he explained.
