Careers: Tyrone teens win ABP Challenge for passing on sustainable farming

Two Year 12 pupils from Aughnacloy College, Co Tyrone, have been awarded the top prize in the 2024 ABP Angus Youth Challenge – which took place on 25 October – impressing judges with their innovative project on sustainable farming and renewable energy.

Jack Steenson and Alexander Smith, both from farming families, completed their project on ‘Creating a Vibrant Farming Culture for Future Generations’.

The duo researched how farmers could enhance more sustainable enterprises on their farms which can be passed on to the next generation of farmers.

To begin, they visited farmers in their locality to see how they had used biodigesters, solar panels and wind turbines to make use of the resources on their farms to create green energy. The second step was to inform more people about the benefits of these technologies.

Jack and Alexander were determined that their approach should focus on young people in particular and they visited local primary schools and presented their ideas to the students. This led to their big idea, the Pass it On children’s sustainability booklet. The booklet focused on the research findings on renewable energy on their farms and the sustainability recommendations.

As well as passing their book on to many local schools and public figures involved in agriculture, it was shared in 11 different countries in the EU, including the European Parliament.

George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland said, “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge exemplifies how education and farming can work hand in hand to drive sustainable practices today and into the future. Jack and Alexander are passionate young farmers and an inspiration to the young people hoping to win a place on our next finalist programme.”

Dromore High School secured the runner-up spot with their project “Promoting Diversity within the Beef Supply Chain,” while teams from St Colmcille’s High School and the Royal School Armagh were also in the final.

Sarah Gilchrist from St Colmcille’s High School won the award for outstanding contribution by an individual.

Throughout the past year, all finalists had been tasked with rearing their own Angus beef cattle with the support of a CAFRE mentor.

The teams have successfully finished their animals early by the Department of Agriculture’s Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme which is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of beef farming.