Kildare sheep farmer contributes to sector recommendations report

THE Young Sheep Farmer Forum (YSFF), supported by Kepak, Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, has submitted a farmer-led recommendations report to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon to secure the future of Ireland’s sheep sector.

Tom Larkin (Meath), Billy Smyth (Meath), Nicola Kennedy (Kildare), and Mark Norse (Wicklow), formed part of a group of 15 farmers who participated in the Young Sheep Farmer Forum over the last number of months. (The collaborative initiative includes 15 recommendations created by its farmer members to tackle succession, improve land access and strengthen the viability of the sheep sector in Ireland which is currently at a crossroads. While sheepmeat exports were worth over €400 million to the Irish economy in 2024, 37% of farmers are aged 65 and older, highlighting the need to support the development of a resilient sector that strengthens rural communities and meets evolving market needs.

The YSFF report highlights practical solutions to reverse the decline in sheep numbers and make farming attractive for the next generation. Key proposals include a phased farm retirement scheme, seven-year EU-supported model to incentivise land transfer.

Other proposals include improved TAMS supports, education reforms, price bonuses, marketing initiatives and a one-stop shop for succession planning and land access.

To help make these policy ambitions into tangible outcomes to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers, Kepak is also taking direct action with the launch of the new Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group.

The new Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group is open to existing and new Kepak suppliers under 35 years of age, registered as flock owner or flock keeper of a Bord Bia Quality Assured Lamb Flock. The initiative provides both financial incentives and professional development opportunities to young farmers. Benefits for members include social and information events and include bonus payments on in-spec lambs:

€0.20/kg on “O” and “R” grades; and €0.30/kg on “E” and “U” grades along with a additional €0.10/kg bonus for culled ewes.

Further details on specifications and weight bands are available from Kepak’s Lamb Procurement Team in Athleague.

Minister Martin Heydon welcomed the report:

The Young Sheep Farmer Forum’s report provides practical recommendations that reflect the everyday reality of young farmers and the real challenges they face on the ground.

“Generational renewal is a key priority for my Department and initiatives like the Young Sheep Farmer Forum very much complement the Government’s dedication to supporting the sustainability and viability of Irish agriculture.”