What’s the beef?

STUDENTS from Castleknock College are taking on the challenge of rearing Irish Angus calves for 18 months as part of a unique competition.

Josh Lovely, Iarla Nolan, and Jordan Grenier (pictured above) from Castleknock College were one of five groups chosen to take part in the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition.

Run by Irish Angus Producer Group in association with ABP and Kepak, the competition aims to encourage second level students to gain an understanding about the care and attention needed to produce 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.

The Castleknock students will explore the benefits of eating beef as part of a balanced diet and examine how the Certified Irish Angus Beef brand can meet consumer needs and provide quality nutritional value to Irish diets. 

They earned their place in the competition following a competitive application process, whereby student groups presented project ideas to a panel of industry judges at a recent high profile event in Croke Park.  

The Castleknock group are one of just a handful of finalists who will receive five Irish Angus Cross calves in September, which they will be required to rear for 18 months until 2021.

The winning students will receive a grant of €2,000 for their further education.