ABP used its platform at the 2025 Balmoral Show to actively engage with young people about careers and opportunities in agriculture, with a special focus on its graduate programme and its award-winning ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

The Challenge offers 14–15-year-olds a hands-on 'farm-to-fork' experience, including rearing their own Angus-cross calves and working on sustainability-themed projects.

Visitors to the ABP stand at Balmoral could view Angus-cross calves, symbolising the unique prize that is awarded to each finalist team.

One of the 2025 finalist teams, St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen, were recognised at the ABP stand for their #BeefUpYourPlate social media campaign during NI Beef Week.

Judged by ABP, Certified Irish Angus, the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) and the 'Downtown Country' presenter Victoria Quinn, this team’s work won for its effective promotion of cooking with locally sourced Angus beef in a vibrant and shareable way.

Adding to the celebrations, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was presented with the Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year award at the Business Eye Sustainability & ESG Awards held at the Culloden Hotel on Thursday, May 15.

This accolade recognises the programme's significant impact on youth development and agri-sustainability education in Northern Ireland.

Managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan commented: “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is more than just a competition, it’s about creating opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the agri-food supply chain.

"We also welcomed one of the very first winners of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge on to the ABP graduate programme last September.”

Entries to the ABP Angus Youth Challenge open again this September to 14-15-year-olds in Year 11.