Two Ballymena Academy students have started rearing Aberdeen Angus cross calves after reaching the final of a Northern Ireland youth agriculture competition.

Samantha Dunlop and Katie McNeilly, both Year 11 pupils, were selected as one of four finalist teams in the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge. They received five calves to rear for a year-long project.

Their work will examine how Angus genetics used by dairy farmers influence the performance and efficiency of cattle in the beef supply chain. The aim is to make complex genetic information more accessible for farming breeding decisions.

The students recently completed a four-day study tour covering the beef supply chain. It began at ABP's processing facility in Dungannon with sessions on responsible sourcing, sustainability and consumer demands. A butchery demonstration showed how farm practices affect meat quality and value.

The tour included a meeting with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to discuss sector challenges, and a visit to CAFRE’s Loughry Campus for a steak cookery challenge and food safety laboratory introduction.

Visits to progressive farms highlighted calf rearing, animal welfare, nutrition and emerging technologies. The group also travelled to Harper Adams University in England, a research partner in ABP’s sustainability programme, and ended at ABP’s Demonstration Farm exploring feed efficiency and precision methods.

George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said the study tour connects classroom learning with real agricultural and processing experience. Charles Smith of Certified Irish Angus added that the programme builds skills in communication, teamwork and leadership.

Applications for the next challenge, 2026-2027, are open to pupils entering Year 11 this September.