Entries now open for 11th year of popular competition
Last week Certified Irish Angus, alongside its processor partners ABP and Kepak, officially launched the next instalment of its prestigious Schools’ Competition. The educational initiative tasks Transition Year students from across Ireland with rearing five Angus calves while also completing a research project relating to agricultural science, sustainability, and food production. The announcement took place at St Ciaran’s Community College in Kells, Co. Meath, previous participants in the popular competition.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Education Helen McEntee praised the programme for its role in connecting students to real-world learning opportunities: “This competition is a brilliant example of how education can extend beyond the classroom. It gives students a chance to explore sustainable agriculture and food production in a way that is practical, engaging, and relevant to their future development.”
Competition success
Now in its eleventh year, the competition has grown steadily in popularity, with over 2,200 students participating over the last four years. In 2025 alone, 188 school groups from all over Ireland entered the competition, representing an increase of over 20% on the previous year.
This trend aligns with the slight increase in the number of students taking Agricultural Science as a subject for the Leaving Certificate.
The competition provides students with opportunities to develop essential life skills, including public speaking and interview preparation. It also exposes students to pathways for career opportunities through graduate programmes and network connections.
Connecting rural and urban communities
The competition is open to students nationwide and has proven to be inclusive and accessible for both urban and rural schools. In recent years, groups from urban schools without agricultural experience have not only participated in higher numbers but have also excelled in their knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish agriculture.
In addition to the hands-on experience, students also benefit from the partnership that Certified Irish Angus has with Airfield Estate, the sustainable food hub, working farm and educational centre located in Dundrum, Dublin. This collaboration provides a platform for learning that bridges the urban-rural divide, helping students understand where their food comes from and how to produce food in the most sustainable way.
Speaking about the impact of the competition, Charles Smith, General Manager, Certified Irish Angus, said: “At Certified Irish Angus, we believe in the power of education to shape the future of agriculture. Alumni of our competition have gone on to forge impressive careers, with many choosing to work within the agri-food and business sectors. These ambitious young people are wonderful ambassadors for the Irish food industry, and we want to continue to nurture this pipeline of talent for generations to come”
About the competition
The Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition, run by Certified Irish Angus and its processor partners, ABP and Kepak, aims to encourage second-level students to understand the considerable care and attention required to produce and market the highest-quality beef for consumers. In addition to rearing the calves, the students will complete research projects focusing on different aspects of agriculture, the food chain, and sustainability.
Each of the finalists will receive the financial benefit involved in the selling of the animals to the processors on completion of the project. The winning students also receive an additional grant of €2,000 for their further education.
The Certified Irish Angus School’s Competition 2026/2027 is now open for entries. Transition Year students and teachers interested in applying can find full details and entry forms at: www.certifiedirishangus.ie/certified-irish-angus-schools-competition.