St Patrick's College in Dungannon pupils win ABP Angus Youth Challenge Summer Study Tour
Pupils from St Patrick's College, Dungannon have taken part in a four-day study tour as part of their prize for reaching the final of the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
Gary Gillespie, Dara Cush and Darragh McCann who are in Yr 11 were selected as one of only four finalist teams from across Northern Ireland to get through to the final of the Challenge - an agri-skills initiative delivered by ABP and Certified Irish Angus.
As finalists, each team is rearing Aberdeen Angus cross calves while investigating an aspect of sustainable Angus beef production. Gary, Dara and Darragh all have a passion for farming and their finalist theme is focused on how grazing systems can improve sustainability by enhancing animal welfare, protecting biodiversity and water quality, and reducing reliance on imported feed while maintaining efficient Angus beef production.
The study tour provided an opportunity for the pupils to learn more about every stage of the modern beef supply chain. Beginning at ABP's Dungannon processing facility, the students learned about responsible sourcing, sustainability and how consumer expectations influence beef production. A butchery demonstration also highlighted how breeding and on-farm management decisions directly impact meat quality and value.
The finalists also met representatives from the Ulster Farmers' Union before travelling to CAFRE's Loughry Campus where they took part in a practical steak cookery challenge led by the Livestock and Meat Commission and gained an introduction to food safety in the laboratory.
Visits to progressive farming enterprises in Fermanagh and Monaghan demonstrated best practice in calf rearing, animal health, welfare and nutrition.
The group then travelled to Harper Adams University in England, one of the world's leading agricultural universities before concluding the tour at ABP's Demonstration Farm where they explored feed efficiency, new technologies and practical approaches to improving sustainability across the beef sector.
Commenting on the value of the study tour, George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said: "The ABP Angus Youth Challenge study tour is designed to successfully connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural and beef processing, leaving students inspired and better equipped to pursue future careers within our agri-food industry."
Teachers, youth leaders and parents of pupils entering Year 11 this September can find out more about entering the 2026–2027 ABP Angus Youth Challenge by visiting www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com.