Finalist Schools 2016
Background to SCHOOLS COMPETITION
The Irish Angus Producer Group , along with its processor partners , ABP Ireland and Kepak Group , devised a competition in an effort to further increase awareness of Certified Irish Angus Beef among consumers and to further promote the benefits to farmers and their families .
The aim of the competition is to encourage young second level students to become involved to a greater extent in their families ’ farms and to gain an understanding as to how beef produced on those family farms is marketed in a manner that represents the care and attention that has gone into the production and processing of their animals , through to a satisfied customer .
Such was the success of the event in Croke Park in March 2016 for shortlisted schools , we intend to hold this event again on 15 March 2017 with shortlisted schools to select the five finalist schools for 2017 .
Stage 1 > Must be groups of students > By way of a 3 minute video which explains and develops the following : - Introduction of the students and the school - Role of Ag Science within the school - Understanding of the three main sponsors of the competition
- Plans for the promotion of the Certified Irish Angus Beef brand if successful in winning calves .
> Video should be sent on a USB by post ( non- returnable )
> Closing date for receipt of entries is 1 November 2016 .
Stage 3 > Five finalist schools win five six month old Angus Cross calves each .
> Students will rear calves through to slaughter to coincide with their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science project .
> The calves may be reared on the students ’ family farms or by arrangement with Irish Angus Producer Group
> Each finalist will be assigned a theme for their project .
> Students will benefit fully from the financial gain derived from the production of the cattle .
> One school will be chosen as the overall winner and will receive € 2000 payment towards their further education .
National Ploughing Championships 2017
> At the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017 , the students will receive their five Irish Angus calves which they will follow through to slaughter to coincide with their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science project .
> The students will make reports at set milestones through the lifetime of the animals and will visit farms , processing and retail facilities to gain an understanding of how each relies on the other .
> A final presentation of their projects will be made to a panel of Agricultural , Beef and Food Industry experts where an overall winner will be selected .
Finalist Schools 2016
Athlone Community College , Co . Westmeath
CBS The Green , Tralee , Co . Kerry
St . Brogan ’ s College , Bandon , Co . Cork
Stage 2 > Selection of shortlist > Interview based on video > After interview , selection of entries invited to attend an exhibition event in Croke Park on 15 March 2017 which will be attended by the Agriculture industry representatives .
> Establish a stand in the Event Centre in Hogan Stand promoting their school and their idea .
> Selection of five finalists .
2016 Winners & Teachers – Sacred Heart Secondary School , Clonakilty , Co . Cork .
Students from CBS The Green , Tralee , Co . Kerry explaining their project to industry professionals in Croke Park .
Rice College , Westport , Co . Mayo
Colaiste Treasa , Kanturk , Co . Cork
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