Kepak and Bord Bia are seeking applicants for an initiative, the Young Sheep Farmer Forum, designed to inspire the next generation of Irish sheep farmers.

The Young Sheep Farmer Forum, also supported by Mountbellew Agricultural College, is set to empower young farmers, aged between 17 and 25, to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the sector, ensuring a dynamic future for sheep farming in Ireland.

The forum will bring together 10 young farmers from different educational backgrounds across Ireland to form a discussion group.

Meeting monthly from April to September 2025, participants will explore the full sheep market - from farm to fork. Highlights of the programme include:

On-farm workshops and site visits: Learn best practices with visits to research centres like Teagasc, as well as commercially viable enterprises;
Industry insights: Gain first-hand exposure to international perspectives with a visit to Bord Bia offices and Rungis - the largest market in France where Kepak supplies lamb;
Policy influence: Collaborate on farm-focused recommendations aimed at informing the government’s Budget 2026.

Irish sheep farming faces declining flock numbers, an aging demographic, and rising environmental and market challenges. This is your opportunity to:

Tackle these issues head-on with fresh ideas;
Enhance the appeal of sheep farming as a rewarding, progressive career;
Facilitate critical knowledge transfer and showcase the sector’s sustainability and profitability.

Participants in the forum will be able to enjoy an array of benefits, with just a few of these listed below:

Advocacy and awareness: Communicate the value of sheep farming to your peers;
Education and knowledge sharing: Access top-tier farming methods through workshops and visits;
Career and business development: Benefit from mentorship and real-world learning opportunities;
Community and collaboration: Network with fellow young farmers and industry experts;
Innovation and sustainability: Lead student-driven solutions to modernise the sector.

This forum is perfect for individuals who:

Are actively involved in a sheep flock;
Are creative problem solvers with a drive to make a difference;
Possess strong communication and teamwork skills;
Have a valid driving licence and their own mode of transport for travel.

Participants in the Young Sheep Farmer Forum are expected to attend six full-day group sessions and one exciting overseas event during the summer of 2025 (approximately one meeting per month from April through September).

Application deadline: March 20, 2025.