Ballymena Academy pupils crowned champions of 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge
Katie McNeilly and Samantha Dunlop of Ballymena Academy are winners of the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge. They are pictured with the ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and ABP’s Managing Director in Northern Ireland, George Mullan, guest speaker Sophie McAllister, Teacher Laura Clotworthy and Charles Smith, General Manager of Certified Irish Angus.
Sunday 25 October 2026
Two Ballymena Academy pupils have been crowned overall champions of the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge after impressing judges with an innovative project exploring how genetics could help farmers produce beef more sustainably and profitably.
Year 12 pupils Samantha Dunlop and Katie McNeilly claimed the top honour at an awards ceremony and exhibition held at Balmoral Park on Thursday 22 October, receiving the prestigious ABP Angus Youth Challenge Cup and a £1,000 cash prize for their school.
Their winning project investigated how genetic information can help farmers make smarter breeding decisions, potentially improving animal performance, reducing production costs and supporting more sustainable beef farming.
Taking classroom research into the farming community
Samantha and Katie explored how genomic information and genetic indexes can guide farmers when selecting cattle for desirable characteristics, including easier calving, faster growth, improved carcass quality and shorter finishing times.
Rather than keeping their research in the classroom, the pupils took their findings directly to the farming community.
They organised a Farmers’ Supper, bringing together local farmers and agricultural industry representatives to discuss livestock genetics, and produced a practical guide explaining how genetic selection can support breeding decisions.
The judges were particularly impressed by the pupils’ curiosity, energy and joyful approach throughout the Challenge, recognising their ability to translate scientific research into information farmers could use.
Their achievement secured Ballymena Academy the overall title ahead of three other finalist teams from across Northern Ireland.
North Belfast pupils take runners-up honours
All four finalist teams at the 2026 Angus Youth Challenge awards ceremony held in the Logan Hall, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, on 22 October.
Blessed Trinity College in North Belfast finished as runners-up with a project designed to strengthen understanding of agriculture among young people growing up in an urban community.
Pupils Brooke Devlin, Hayleigh Hayles, Callum O’Neill and Deaghlán McFarlane, who had no direct farming experience before the Challenge, developed their project around the theme ‘Where Our Food Comes From’.
With support from their teacher, who acted as their host farmer, the team gained hands-on experience rearing their own Angus cattle.
They subsequently brought the animals to their school's Open Night and developed a Farm to Fork Roadshow for local primary schools, using interactive activities to explain food production, animal welfare and career opportunities in agriculture.
Judges praised the team's determination to bridge the gap between farming and urban communities, highlighting how they captured the interest of pupils and families across North Belfast.
Individual achievement recognised
The Outstanding Achievement by an Individual award went to Gráinne Anderson from St Patrick’s High School in Keady, County Armagh.
Gráinne was recognised for her contribution to a project examining how agricultural technology could help create a more gender-equal future in farming.
Working alongside teammates Minnie McKee and Sally McKee, she investigated how technological advances can reduce physical demands, improve efficiency and open up more opportunities for women working in agriculture.
Judges described Gráinne as an outstanding ambassador for both the Challenge and women in farming.
Sustainable grazing systems explored
The fourth finalist team, from St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, comprised Gary Gillespie, Dara Cush and Darragh McCann.
Their project examined the role of grazing systems in sustainable Angus beef production, comparing grass-based and forage-based approaches.
The pupils considered how different feeding and grazing methods can influence animal performance, production costs and environmental sustainability.
All four finalist teams have also received the proceeds from the sale of their animals to ABP, providing an additional financial reward for their participation.
Celebrating the next generation of agriculture
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is delivered by ABP in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group, giving young people opportunities to develop their knowledge of beef production and explore challenges facing the agricultural industry.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, ABP Managing Director in Northern Ireland George Mullan and Certified Irish Angus General Manager Charles Smith congratulated the finalists on their achievements.
Farmer and rugby player Sophie McAllister also attended as guest speaker, sharing insights from her experiences in agriculture and sport.
Following the ceremony, 43 school teams presented their early-stage project ideas at the ABP Angus Youth Challenge exhibition, competing for places in the next final.
For Ballymena Academy, the overall victory recognises not only Samantha and Katie’s scientific research but also their success in connecting classroom learning with the practical decisions facing farmers — demonstrating the contribution young people can make to the future of agriculture.
