Four students from Dunshaughlin Community College, Co. Meath have been announced as the overall winners of the 2024 Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition at an awards ceremony at Croke Park.
Students Eoin O’Sullivan, Eric Allen, Liam Byrne, and David Malone secured the win after impressing the judges with their data-led approach to the cattle-rearing competition, which is now in its 10th year.
The winning group from Dunshaughlin undertook a research project exploring ‘A Holistic Approach to Improving Animal Performance’.
Winning project
From the outset of the project, the students used data to inform how their calves would be reared.
They used the Alltech ECO2 assessment tool to predict an outcome for their calves of 8.5kg carbon dioxide (CO2) per kg beef which is significantly lower than the national average.
The group conducted on-farm trials, soil analysis and used supplements in the animal diets in order to lower CO2 emissions.
The team also made sure to involve their school community in their competition experience. They developed and circulated a monthly newsletter in which updates were shared about the calves’ progress.
Announcing the winners, general manager of Certified Irish Angus, Charles Smith said: “These young men displayed an immense passion and love for farming.
“They had a huge drive and quest for knowledge that drew them further and further into the science of farming.
“Working closely with their equally enthusiastic and committed teachers and parents, the boys developed a deep understanding of every aspect of livestock production.
“Their investigation of soil health and its impact on the production cycle of beef cattle was very impressive, in particular its impact on vaccination uptakes and ultimate animal health,” Smith added.
Certified Angus Schools Competition
The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition in association with meat processors ABP and Kepak, challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves for beef production for two years.
It aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus brand while communicating the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.
The number of students applying continues to grow each year with nearly 520 students from rural and urban backgrounds applying from 24 counties in 2023.
Runners-up
The runners up in the 2024 competition were Sinéad Bracken, Chloe McDermott, Trása Bracken, and Mary Ellen Colton from Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
The students researched the topic ‘Exploring the Opportunities of Low Carbon Beef’ and created a five-point plan covering all aspects of the animals’ journey from farm to fork.
The group also fundraised over €4,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital in a raffle as part of their project.
Outstanding Achievement by an Individual Award
Gráinne Callanan from Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, Co. Tipperary received an outstanding achievement awarding her contribution to the competition.
The judges said: “Gráinne showed exceptional ability as a communicator. She captured the attention of the audiences she addressed with confidence.
“Most notable was her address to MEPs in the European Parliament visit. Her ability to explain the disconnect between the data on farm accidents that exists between member states caught the attention of all attendees.”
The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition is celebrating its 10th year in 2024 and farming experts are currently judging the next batch of potential entrants from a pool of 43 shortlisted schools.
The judges include representatives from right across the agri-food industry: ABP; Kepak; Tesco; Bord Bia; Dromoland Castle; Dovea Genetics; O’Brien Fine Foods; Irish Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association (IASTA); Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA); and Macra.
The five schools that best demonstrate an understanding of the competition, along with innovative project ideas will be announced later this year at the National Ploughing Championships in September.
On completion of the project, each of the finalists receives the financial benefit involved in the selling of the animals to the processors which amounted to an average €7,500.
The winning students also receive an additional grant of €1,000 for their further education.