Ballymena Academy students earn place among Northern Ireland’s top young farming talent

(L-R) Samantha Dunlop and Katie McNeilly who are representing Ballymena Academy in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

Two Ballymena Academy students have returned from an intensive four-day study tour after reaching the final of one of the agri-food industry’s most prestigious youth competitions.

Year 11 pupils Samantha Dunlop and Katie McNeilly were selected as one of just four finalist teams from across Northern Ireland in the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge, securing a place among the country’s leading young agricultural innovators.

Their success has already seen them begin rearing five Aberdeen Angus cross calves as part of a year-long project exploring how genetics can improve efficiency and performance in beef farming.

A behind-the-scenes look at the beef industry

The study tour gave finalists a rare opportunity to experience every stage of the modern beef supply chain, from farm to processing plant and ultimately to the consumer.

The programme began at ABP’s processing facility in Dungannon, where students learned about responsible sourcing, sustainability initiatives and the growing influence consumer expectations have on the way beef is produced.

A butchery demonstration provided further insight into how decisions made on farms, including breeding choices and animal management, can directly affect meat quality, yield and value further down the supply chain.

The finalists also met representatives from the Ulster Farmers’ Union to discuss the wider challenges and opportunities facing Northern Ireland’s farming sector.

From laboratories to livestock innovation

The team from Ballymena Academy with some of the other pupils they are competing against in the 2026 ABP Angus Youth Challenge

The tour continued at CAFRE’s Loughry Campus, where the students took part in a practical steak cookery challenge led by the Livestock and Meat Commission.

They also received an introduction to food safety testing and laboratory procedures, helping to highlight the science and regulation that underpin the food industry.

Visits to a number of progressive farming enterprises showcased best practice in calf rearing, animal welfare, nutrition and herd health, while also demonstrating how emerging technologies are increasingly shaping modern farming methods.

The finalists then travelled to Harper Adams University in England, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading agricultural universities.

The institution is also a research partner with ABP through the PRISM 2030 sustainability programme, which focuses on improving the environmental performance and long-term sustainability of food production.

Focus on genetics and sustainability

The tour concluded at ABP’s Demonstration Farm, where students explored feed efficiency, precision technologies and practical measures aimed at improving sustainability across the beef sector.

For Samantha and Katie, whose families both have farming backgrounds, the experience reinforced their ambition to help farmers better understand and utilise genetic information within their businesses.

Their project over the coming year will investigate how Angus genetics used by dairy farmers can influence the performance and efficiency of cattle further along the beef supply chain.

The work aims to make complex genetic information more accessible and practical for farmers making breeding decisions.

Preparing the next generation of agri-food leaders

George Mullan, Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between education and industry experience.

“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, which delivers the programme alongside ABP, said the initiative provides valuable opportunities for participants beyond the competition itself.

“Throughout the ABP Angus Youth Challenge participants strengthen their knowledge, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. In addition to winning Angus cross calves to rear, the study tour is a much sought-after highlight for those fortunate enough to reach the final.”

Applications open for next year’s challenge

With Samantha and Katie now embarking on the next phase of their project, organisers are encouraging a new generation of young people to consider applying for the 2026-2027 challenge.

Teachers, youth leaders and parents of pupils entering Year 11 this September can find out more about the programme and application process by visiting www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com.

For Ballymena Academy, the achievement represents another example of local students making their mark on the national stage while helping to shape the future of Northern Ireland’s globally important agri-food sector.