Two Waterford students are taking on a unique challenge that will see them rear five Angus calves while researching the future of sustainable beef production.
Daniel O’Neill and Edward Moore from Ardscoil Na Mara in Waterford are among five finalist groups selected for this year’s Certified Irish Angus Schools’ Competition.
The Annestown students were presented with their Angus calves at the National Ploughing Championships by broadcaster and social media personality James Kavanagh.
Ardscoil na Mara Project
Over the next 18 months, Daniel and Edward will be responsible for rearing their calves as part of the competition, while also carrying out a research project focused on reducing carbon emissions in beef production through genomics and sustainable farming practices.
The Ardscoil na Mara students are competing against finalists from Cavan, Cork, Donegal and Kilkenny, with each group taking on a different research theme linked to the future of Irish agriculture.
A new element of this year’s competition will also see the students receive one-to-one mentorship from senior figures with expertise across the agricultural and food sectors.
Mentors include representatives from Bord Bia, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tesco Ireland and Teagasc.
Further Education for Ardscoil na Mara
Finalists receive the proceeds from the sale of the animals at the end of the project, while the overall winners receive an additional €2,000 grant towards further education.
Applications are also now open for the next cycle of the competition, with Transition Year students able to apply until October 31st.
For Daniel and Edward, the next 18 months will be about much more than simply looking after the calves, as they explore how technology, genetics and sustainable farming practices could help shape the future of beef production in Ireland.
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