Angus Youth Challenge to set up alumni network
The organisers of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge are confirming that the format of the competition will be amended into the future.
It is already a uniquely successful schools’ competition - the aim now is to make the initiative even more relevant and attractive to secondary school teachers and students across Northern Ireland.
Driving this new momentum will be the creation of an ABP Youth Challenge Alumni Network.
George Mullan is the managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland.
He commented: “Work to establish the new network is already underway.
“It will provide for past finalists to stay connected, share experiences, and support one another as they progress through their education, training and future careers.
“We hope it becomes a lasting network that reflects the spirit of the finalists programme."
Chair of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, Charles Smith agrees, stating:
“It is to be hoped that members of the Alumni Network will have a role in further developing the Angus Youth Challenge during the period ahead.”
Meanwhile, the scope of the competition continues to grow.
Record entries have been received for the 2027 Youth Challenge with 43 schools represented at the recent 2026 awards’ ceremony.
The four finalists taking part in next year’s competition will be selected from this cohort over the coming weeks.
Mullan said: “The Angus Youth Challenge has broken new ground in providing students attending schools across Northern Ireland with an opportunity to gain a significant insight into the farming and food sectors.
“And this will lead to more young people wanting to follow careers within both industries.”
The ABP representative said that their commitment extends from education to new initiatives, such as ABP’s Future Farmers’ Programme.
He explained: “Our engagement with our younger suppliers will build their understanding of our business and help them plan for their future.
“Together, these initiatives reflect our belief that a resilient agri-food sector depends on investment in people, knowledge, relationships and creating opportunities for those who will lead it forward."
Mullan added that one of the stand-out aspects of this year’s Challenge has been the camaraderie between finalists.
“Coming form different backgrounds, these young people have build friendships, established a rapport and learned from one another throughout their journey.
“In a world spent increasingly on-line, the value of this genuine human connection should never be underestimated.
“The ability to interact face-to-face, form new relationships in the real world matter as much now as was always the case," he said.
