St Colmcille’s quartet in final of Youth Challenge

St Colmcille’s quartet in final of Youth Challenge

6 December 2023

FOUR Year 11 students from St Colmcille’s High School in Crossgar are celebrating after reaching the final of the 2023-2024 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

Zara Mulhern, Sarah Gilchrist, Scarlett Twomey and Zara Smyth will now receive a mini herd of Angus cross calves to rear, courtesy of the beef processor ABP and the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group.

The students will be able to pocket the proceeds when they sell their finished cattle to ABP at the end of next year.

During their year-long skills development experience as finalists, the students will be working on a research project aimed at informing consumers about sustainable beef production with the support of a College of Agriculture Food Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) advisor.

They will also take part in a study tour and training opportunities to learn more about ABP’s international business.

The 31 teams involved competed for a place in the final with St Colmcille’s being just one of four schools to make it through to the final.

Congratulating the successful pupils, George Mullan, Managing of director of ABP in Northern Ireland said: “We are thrilled to see how this talented group of teenagers will raise the profile of sustainable food production through their school and in the community.

“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is an important part of our education outreach.

”By encouraging innovation and rewarding achievements, it is inspiring ambitious young people to consider employment in our sector.

He added: “They are the future of our industry and this initiative shines a light on the wide variety of roles that Northern Irish agrifood can offer them.”