Sheep grazing in upland areas could help offset wildfire threat

IFA have said farmers need to be encouraged to continue sheep farming and sheep grazing in mountainous areas, which could reduce the threat of wildfires

IFA are seeking €40/ewe producing lambs for sheep farmers in hill areas.

Sheep farming, particularly in hill and mountain areas, is an effective mechanism for upland vegetation management and offsets the threat of wildfires.

Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Sheep Committee chair Adrian Gallagher said rebuilding the national sheep flock is the “obvious and most effective mechanism” to manage upland areas and reduce the risk of fires.