Tyrone teens invited to enter agri competition to develop key ski

TYRONE teens with a love of all-things farming and motivation to learn have been encouraged to sign up for a skills development competition, launched recently by agribusiness, ABP.

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge offers a unique opportunity for those aged 14-15-years-old living across the North to gain hands-on experience in beef production, and compete to win a mini-herd of Angus cross calves, valued at approximately £3,500 compliments of ABP and Certified Irish Angus.

Teams of two to four individuals can take part by representing their school, club, or society.

Finalists will not only rear their own calves with guidance from a College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) mentor, but they will also retain the proceeds from the sale of their animals to ABP.

As an additional reward, teams that advance to the final stage will embark on an exclusive farm-to-fork inspiration trip with ABP and Certified Irish Angus.

The programme is designed to complement GCSE studies, with a focus on practical learning that aligns with several academic subjects.

In addition to agricultural skills, the finalists will receive training in communication, presentation, and interview techniques, to support them academically and for future work.

Entry is by video submission via the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website.

A selection of teams will then be invited to showcase their ideas at a high-profile exhibition event at Balmoral Park on October 25, where a panel of judges will determine which teams progress to the finalist stage. The overall winning team will be awarded a cheque for £1,000 for the benefit of their school or club.

Entrants can take part regardless of whether they live on a farm or not, and participation can also count towards the skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh/Joint Award.

Entries close on September 30.

l For more details, please with the ABP Angus Youth Challenge website or contact schools@certifiedirishangus.ie