Competitors flock to shearing event

The sheep sector is the third most important farming enterprise in terms of numbers. It also plays an important role in environmental protection in hill and mountainous areas, writes Ray Ryan.

Sheep throughput up 7% for third year, reaching 2.61m head

THE total value of Irish sheep meat exports is estimated to have increased by over 4% in 2013 to reach €220m, and while the breeding flock declined slightly, a return to growth is expected this year.