Students selected for calf-rearing competition
A GROUP of students from St. Louis Community School in Kiltimagh have met the Irish Angus calves that they will rear for 18 months as part of a unique competition.
The Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition, run by Irish Angus Producer Group in association with ABP and Kepak, aims to encourage second-level students to gain an understanding about the care and attention required to produce and market the highest quality beef for consumers. In addition to rearing the calves, the students will complete a research project focussing on a different aspect of farming and the food chain.
John Connaughton, Ava Charlton, Nathan Hession, Orlaith Gilmartin, James Cunnane from St. Louis were one of five groups chosen to take part in the competition.
The students will research the theme ‘Farming traditions and environmental challenges in the west’, which will explore the value of farming to the community, the suitability of Irish Angus to farming systems in the west of Ireland and how farmers can improve their carbon footprint.
The announcement comes after a competitive application process, where student groups vying to take place in the competition presented their project ideas to a panel of industry judges at a high profile event in Croke Park.
The five finalist groups will each receive five Irish Angus Cross calves in September, which they will be required to rear for 18 months until their slaughter in 2021.
Charles Smith, general manager, Irish Angus Producer Group, said: “We were delighted to bring our students to Dovea Genetics in Thurles to meet their calves for the first time. It is so encouraging to see such enthusiasm and ambition from students right across the country.
“The successful students were chosen from more than 30 school groups who were selected to present their ideas and they are very impressive young adults. Our training day today provides an opportunity for the students to meet their calves and fellow finalists, and to get an insight into the valuable experiences and challenges they will face over the next 18 months.”