County Fermanagh countryside. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) post primary school competition was launched to stimulate interest in the next generation of young people who will become the future of the agri-industry.
Please see below for further competition details.
Note: The UFU require all schools to register their interest with lhawkes@ufuhq.com and nmcgovern@ufuhq.com by Wednesday 15 October 2025.
What is the competition?
The competition will allow pupils to express their thoughts on the future of farming in Northern Ireland and think about diversification and adapting new technologies, whilst enhancing their communication and interpersonal skills, in preparation for interviews for college, university or employment. In groups (minimum two and maximum five), pupils will be provided with four farm case studies (choosing one) where they will devise a business plan/proposal on how to make the farm more financially viable and environmentally sustainable.
The competition is split into two stages:
Stage 1:
A short video of the groups business plan (Max 5 minutes)
Closing date: Wednesday 22 October 2025 with finalists notified on Friday 24 October 2025.
Stage 2:
A 15-20 minute presentation to the judges on how the group will implement their business plan taking into consideration:
Followed by a 10-minute question and answer session from the judges.
Finalists will deliver presentations on week commencing 17 November 2025 (venue TBC).
Rules
- The competition is open to all GCSE Agriculture and Land Use, A-Level/BTEC and agri club students.
- Groups (minimum two and maximum five).
- More than one entry is permitted per school.
Prizes sponsored by the Ulster Farmers’ Union
- First place: £750 for the school, Winter Fair/ Balmoral Show tickets for pupils and accompanying teacher and UFU branded merchandise.
- Second place: £500 for the school, Winter Fair/ Balmoral Show tickets for pupils and accompanying teacher and UFU branded merchandise.
To send entries or find out more information, email:
UFU communications officer Lynsay Beattie at lhawkes@ufuhq.com and Niamh McGovern nmcgovern@ufuhq.com.
