Sheep Hearding Challenge – Photo Credit: Laura Myles
The 9th edition of the AgroChallenge, which is being held in the UK for the first time, is being hosted by EUROPEA UK with the competition’s events taking place at Easton College and the Norfolk Showground.
The competition brings together students from land-based colleges from across Europe, in teams of 4, who will put their agricultural skills to the test in 18 events across the two days.
At Easton College, students will take on a range of hands-on, technical challenges that reflect the core skills of modern agriculture.
Practical agricultural skills, problem-solving, and teamwork will be tested through challenges including precision tractor driving, reassembling a hydraulic system, and seed recognition.
At the Royal Norfolk Show, the teams will step into the public arena to demonstrate their livestock knowledge, machinery skills, and real-time decision making.
The grand finale will see the teams going head-to-head in a fast-paced barrel race in the Grand Ring, in front of one of the largest agricultural audiences in the country.
Mark Nicholas, CEO, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, said: ‘We are thrilled to be hosting the 9th AgroChallenge at the Royal Norfolk Show. The UK’s largest two-day agricultural Show is the perfect place to celebrate the next generation of farmers in Europe, and we look forward to welcoming the national teams and giving them a proper Norfolk experience’.
While the teams will be competing keenly for the title of AgroChallenge 2026 winners, the ethos of the event is about much more than this.
Charlie Askew, EUROPEA UK National Coordinator, comments: ‘The AgroChallenge is not just a competition. It is a celebration of Europe’s next generation of farmers and a tribute to the spirit of agriculture – hard-working, passionate, forward-looking, and deeply rooted in community.”
‘This year’s AgroChallenge promises to be an enriching and memorable experience for the students, providing opportunities to connect with their peers and industry professionals from across Europe. It is also a chance to showcase their skills and inspire others to pursue careers in farming and the wider land-based sector.’
Sponsorship opportunities
The organisers of AgroChallenge 2026 are inviting local businesses to support this transformative international event for young people.
Businesses can sponsor the event for a value of up to £2,000. Sponsorship will help provide accommodation and meals for the participants, as well as materials and equipment for the competition tasks.
Sponsorship in kind, in the form of equipment or materials (from uniform and safety wear, to tools, equipment, and food and beverages for participants and volunteers), would also be welcomed.
Interested businesses can find out more by contacting agrochallenge2026@ccn.ac.uk.
