The four finalist teams in this year's ABP Angus Youth Challenge have just completed their summer study tour.

The teenagers, who are all in Year 11, are representing Blessed Trinity College, Belfast; Ballymena Academy; St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon and St. Patrick’s College, Keady in the final.

The four-day experience with ABP and Certified Irish Angus gave the students an insight into every stage of the modern beef supply chain.

The teams learned about dairy calf to beef rearing and on-farm production through to processing, higher education, sustainability and consumer expectations.

The tour is among the prizes awarded to the teams that make it through to the final of the competition.

Angus Youth Challenge

The tour began at ABP's Dungannon facility, where students heard about 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.

Students heard how production decisions made on-farm can influence meat quality, yield and value.

The pupils then met with representatives from the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) who explained the organisation's role in representing farmers and influencing agricultural policy.

Later, the students took part in a hands-on steak cookery challenge at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Loughry Campus.

Students

On the second day, the group visited the calf-rearing enterprise of John Egerton in Co. Fermanagh.

The farmer showcased best practice in calf health, nutrition, housing, welfare and biosecurity within an integrated beef production system supplying ABP.

The trip continued to Harte Peat Farm in Co. Monaghan, where the group saw how robotic technology and progressive farm management practices were being successfully incorporated into a commercial livestock enterprise.

On the following day the grew flew to England to visit Harper Adams University which is a partner with ABP in The Programme for the Improved Sustainability of Red Meat (PRISM 2030.)

The tour concluded with an afternoon at ABP's demonstration farm to view the work being carried out to support a more sustainable future for farming.

The students 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.

George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said the tour is a highlight of the competition.

"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," he said.

Charles Smith general manager of Certified Irish Angus added: "Throughout the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants strengthen their knowledge, communication, teamwork and leadership skills as well as building contacts within the industry.

"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 on the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website.