30 April 2025

Helping shape the future of Irish sheep farming at Mountbellew Agricultural College

Christopher Scally, Distance Education Course Co-Ordinator with Mountbellew Agricultural College, charts the launch of the Young Sheep Farmer Forum, which aims to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers.

Mountbellew Agricultural College (MAC) is proud to announce its involvement in a pioneering new initiative designed to empower the next generation of sheep farmers in Ireland. The Young Sheep Farmer Forum, launched by Kepak in partnership with Bord Bia and MAC, brings together 15 dynamic young farmers from across the country to explore innovative, sustainable and future-focused approaches to sheep farming.

Officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, at Kepak supplier Damien Flynn’s farm in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, the forum addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Irish agriculture today: generational renewal. According to the 2024 Teagasc National Farm Survey, the average age of Irish sheep farmers stands at 56. This new programme aims to inject fresh thinking and renewed energy into the sector.

Participants have been carefully selected from Kepak’s supplier base, alongside students from MAC, ATU Letterkenny, Teagasc, University College Dublin and the University of Galway, representing a broad cross-section of Ireland’s agricultural talent. The varied sheep production systems of the participants is a catalyst to stimulate new ideas and foster recommendations which will be brought forward to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the 2025 Forum concludes in September.

Over the course of the next few months, these participants will engage in a comprehensive programme that includes:

On-Farm Workshops and Site Visits: Including trips to Teagasc Athenry and top-performing commercial sheep farms.
Industry and International Market Exposure: A highlight will be a visit to Rungis, the world’s largest wholesale food market in France, where participants will meet buyers of Irish lamb.
Policy Development and Advocacy: The programme will culminate in the creation of farm-level policy recommendations to be presented to the Department of Agriculture ahead of Budget 2026.

The forum promotes collaboration, leadership, and practical experience – all key values shared by MAC. Through this initiative, students will not only develop new skills and gain insight into global markets, but also have the opportunity to influence agricultural policy at a national level.

Speaking about the initiative, Brian Tormey, CEO of Kepak Meat Division Ireland, said: “The Young Sheep Farmer Forum reflects our ambition to support a resilient, forward-looking sector that supports farmers, strengthens communities and meets evolving market demands.”

Minister Martin Heydon added that “the future of Irish sheep farming depends on our ability to inspire and support the next generation.

“Kepak’s Young Sheep Farmer Forum is a strong step in that direction. It’s encouraging to see industry leaders investing in young talent, fostering innovation, and creating real opportunities for engagement and leadership within the sector. I’m delighted to launch this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact across the country.”

Christopher Scally, co-facilitator from MAC, believes this Forum has the ability to bring about real change in the sheep sector: “Investment like this in the youngest generation of sheep farmers is encouraging from a succession point of view.

“Succession is one of the biggest hurdles young sheep farmers encounter when farm planning. This partnership approach has the ability to offer industry insights and strategic recommendations for the viability of the sector as a whole.”

Ciarán Kinahan of MAC added: “I am delighted to be part of the Sheep Forum as a facilitator alongside Christopher Scally. It’s a great opportunity to work with a talented group of young students, and I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Kepak, Bord Bia and everyone involved in this exciting initiative.”

Mountbellew Agricultural College is delighted to support this initiative and congratulates the students selected to participate. Their involvement reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to excellence in agricultural education and leadership development.

The progress of the forum can be followed on the dedicated TikTok account – @kepak.onfarm

For more information on Mountbellew Agricultural College, visit here.