New initiative aims to make sheep farming more attractive to young people
The average age of an Irish sheep farmer is 56.
The average age of an Irish sheep farmer is 56, but a new initiative by food company Kepak aims to tackle the issue and others impacting sheep farming.
Developed in collaboration with Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, the Young Sheep Farmer Forum plans to inject fresh thinking and renewed energy into the sector.
It has brought together 15 young farmers from diverse educational and sheep farming enterprise backgrounds to address the key challenges facing the sector. They were selected from Kepak’s supplier base and third-level educational institutions.
They will meet up to seven times over the course of 2025 to share knowledge, network with industry leaders, and co-create a roadmap for the future of sheep farming in Ireland.
The initiative’s core mission is to make sheep farming more attractive and viable for young people while promoting sustainable and profitable practices.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, who launched the initiative, said the future of Irish sheep farming depended on the ability to inspire and support the next generation.
“It’s encouraging to see industry leaders investing in young talent, fostering innovation, and creating real opportunities for engagement and leadership within the sector,” he said.
Kepak Meat's Irish division chief executive Brian Tormey said the forum reflected the company’s ambition to support a resilient, forward-looking sector that supports farmers, strengthens communities, and meets evolving market demands.
“By connecting ambitious young farmers with knowledge, networks and global perspectives, we’re helping to shape a sustainable and vibrant sheep sector for years to come,” he said.
Participants will gain hands-on insights through visits to research institutions such as Teagasc Athenry and to high-performing commercial farms, including Kepak suppliers.
Farmers will also engage directly with Bord Bia and Kepak to explore international market operations.
The activities will culminate in a focused discussion to shape a set of practical, farm-level policy recommendations, which will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture ahead of Budget 2026.
