Inside the Beef Supply Chain: ABP Angus Youth Challenge Offers Unforgettable Career Insights

The four finalist teams in this year's ABP Angus Youth Challenge have returned from an immersive four-day study tour, giving them a unique behind-the-scenes look at every stage of the modern beef supply chain.

Tour Highlights

The tour began at ABP's Dungannon facility, where students gained an understanding of one of Europe's leading beef processors. Presentations explored sustainability initiatives, responsible sourcing, and the importance of producing beef that meets evolving consumer and retailer expectations. A butchery demonstration provided an understanding of carcass composition, primal and retail cuts, demonstrating how production decisions made on-farm ultimately influence meat quality, yield, and value.

Meeting Industry Leaders

The pupils then met with representatives from the Ulster Farmers' Union, who explained the organisation's role in representing farmers and influencing agricultural policy. An afternoon at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus included a hands-on steak cookery challenge under the tuition of the Livestock and Meat Commission and a practical introduction to food safety.

On-Farm Learning

Day two started with a visit to the calf-rearing enterprise of John Egerton in County Fermanagh, showcasing best practice in calf health, nutrition, housing, welfare, and biosecurity within an integrated beef production system supplying ABP. Students saw first-hand how management of this early stage underpins the production of healthy, efficient Angus cattle. The trip continued to Harte Peat Farm in County Monaghan, where finalists observed how robotic technology and progressive farm management practices were being successfully incorporated into a commercial livestock enterprise.

International Perspective

Next day the group flew to England for a morning at Harper Adams University, one of the world's leading institutions for agricultural education and partner with ABP in The Programme for the Improved Sustainability of Red Meat (PRISM 2030). The tour concluded with an afternoon and celebration barbecue at ABP's Demonstration Farm, where students gained practical insight into work supporting a more sustainable future for farming.

Industry Voices

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.”

Charles Smith, General Manager of Certified Irish Angus, added: “Throughout the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants strengthen their knowledge, communication, teamwork and leadership skills while building lasting relationships with fellow finalists, mentors, farmers, processors, educators and industry leaders.”