Ballymena schools reach semi final of ABP Youth Challenge

Pupils from two Ballymena schools of an agri-food skills development initiative for Northern Irish teenagers. Ballymena Academy and Castle Tower School are among 14 teams are competing for the chance to win their own Aberdeen Angus cross calves to rear and to take part in a skills development programme with ABP.
By Elinor Glynn
Published 8th Oct 2020, 08:30 BST
Pictured are the ABP team from Castle Tower School in Ballymena. From left, Joshua Boville, Zach Glover, Scott Allen and Daniel Currie.Pictured are the ABP team from Castle Tower School in Ballymena. From left, Joshua Boville, Zach Glover, Scott Allen and Daniel Currie.
Pictured are the ABP team from Castle Tower School in Ballymena. From left, Joshua Boville, Zach Glover, Scott Allen and Daniel Currie.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions judging of the semi-finalists took place online with a panel of judges assessing the teams’ video submissions on their knowledge of premium Northern Irish Angus beef production and their interest in particular aspects of the beef supply chain.

The judges were drawn from leading organisations and individuals across the farming, agri-food and education sectors and included Queen’s University Belfast; Southern Regional College; the Ulster Farmers Union; the Livestock and Meat Commission; Ulster Bank; ASDA, DAERA; CAFRE, and Business in the Community NI.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Congratulating the pupils on reaching the semi-final, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan said: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge aims to help bridge the gap between school and employment for our young people. ABP is committed to supporting the next generation transition to the world of work, especially at this challenging time. Indeed, I’m delighted that the competition is also open for new entrants to take part in the 2021 programme.”

Most Popular
Ballymena Academy team: Pictured are from left Rebecca Robinson, Beth Hanna and Jessica Livingston who are reached the semi-final of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge teamBallymena Academy team: Pictured are from left Rebecca Robinson, Beth Hanna and Jessica Livingston who are reached the semi-final of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge team
Ballymena Academy team: Pictured are from left Rebecca Robinson, Beth Hanna and Jessica Livingston who are reached the semi-final of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge team

Each team that gets through to the final stage will be presented with five Aberdeen Angus cross calves to rear through to finishing over an 18-month farm-to-fork skills development programme. They will benefit financially from their sale to ABP. One overall winning team will also receive a £1,000 cash prize for their school.

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is organised in partnership with the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group.

A team of two-four individuals can enter for a place in the 2021 programme by the closing date of November 27.

*Please note socially distanced photos may have to be cropped for web publication purposes.

Related topics:Ballymena AcademyBallymenaAberdeen AngusABP Angus Youth Challenge