A UNIQUE insight into all aspects of beef production is on the cards for four agriculture students from Askham Bryan College.

They are each studying for their Advanced or Higher Apprenticeships in Agriculture and were selected for the Cattleman's Academy which is run at the college in conjunction with Asda and food processors, ABP.

The study tour will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the challenges and requirements of producer, processor, retailer and consumer.

Sam Abel from near Bedale; Tom Parvin of Sessay, near Thirsk; Tom Elliott of Toulston, Tadcaster; and Oliver Inman of Wiggington, York, all work on farms in North Yorkshire and study part time at the college.

Mrs Lindsey Wedgewood, apprenticeship course manager, said the Academy would build their experience and knowledge developed and broaden their horizons into beef production across the spectrum.

She said: "These young people are able to learn from some of the country's best beef farmers, and have the confidence to ask about the systems they use, and why. Then, armed with new ideas and insight, they will go back to their own farms, with a better understanding of how the industry works and the important part each element plays in meat production."

The tour includes a visit to York auction mart with ABP procurement officer Michael Atkinson; an abattoir in Shrewsbury; ABP Doncaster to learn about retail packing and for a butchery demonstration; and Asda's retail and distribution centres in Manchester. Placements on three leading beef farms in England, Scotland and Wales will complete the experience.

o Meanwhile 23 animal management students from the college's York campus and Guisborough centre will jet off to South Africa later this month.

They will spend 17 days helping with the day to day running of the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in the North West of the country, experiencing life in the bush, and learning about the habitat and management of large animals such as rhino, elephant, giraffe and zebra.

The itinerary includes game drives, a night drive, bush walks, anti poaching patrols and rhino monitoring. A visit to Sun City is included and to Pilanesberg National Park.

Similar successful visits to the 11,763 acre Game Reserve have been held in the past.