Kepak has today (April 15) launched its Young Sheep Farmer Forum, an initiative designed to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through innovation, sustainability, and leadership.

The forum was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon at an event hosted by Kepak supplier and farmer, Damien Flynn in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.

Teagasc's 2024 National Farm Survey found that the average age of sheep farmers in Ireland is 56.

The forum, in collaboration with Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, brings together 15 young farmers from diverse educational and sheep farming enterprise backgrounds, to address the key challenges facing Irish farming.

Kepak said that the forum aims to inject "fresh thinking and renewed energy into the sector".

By actively engaging young people in the future of farming, the forum supports Ireland’s wider goals around generational renewal, which is "a critical priority for the long-term sustainability of rural communities and agricultural production".

In 2023, just 45.5% of farm holders had a succession plan in place, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The initiative’s core mission is to make sheep farming more attractive and viable for young people, while promoting sustainable and profitable practices.

Through youth-led dialogue, hands-on experience, and access to industry networks, Kepak said it aims to support the next generation in shaping a future-focused and resilient sheep sector.

Programme highlights include:

On-farm workshops and site visits: Participants will gain hands-on insights through visits to research institutions such as Teagasc Athenry and to high-performing commercial farms, including Kepak suppliers. These experiences will showcase the practicalities of managing profitable and sustainable flocks.
Industry and global mket exposure: Farmers will engage directly with Bord Bia and Kepak to explore international market operations. A highlight includes a visit to Rungis, the world’s largest wholesale food market in France, where Kepak supplies Irish lamb and participants will meet key European customers.
Policy dialogue and influence: The programme will culminate in a focused discussion to shape a set of practical, farm-level policy recommendations. These will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) ahead of Budget 2026, ensuring that young farmers have a real voice in the future direction of the sector.

Minister Heydon welcomed the initiative: "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.

"I’m delighted to launch this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact across the country.”

The forum is designed to be collaborative and solutions-driven, with strong partnerships across education and industry.

The group 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.