Tuesday, 15th April, 2025: Kepak, a leading Irish food company, today launched its Young Sheep Farmer Forum – a dynamic new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
The Forum was officially launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, at an event hosted on one of Kepak’s supplier farms, owned by Damien Flynn in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.
Set against the backdrop of Teagasc’s 2024 National Farm Survey – which found the average age of Irish sheep farmers to be 56 – the Forum aims to inject fresh thinking and renewed energy into the sector. Developed in collaboration with Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, it brings together 13 young farmers from diverse educational and sheep farming enterprise backgrounds (including part-time and full-time farmers) to address the key challenges facing Irish sheep farming. By actively engaging young people in the future of farming, the Forum supports Ireland’s wider goals around generational renewal; a critical priority for the long-term sustainability of rural communities and agricultural production. In 2023, Less than half (46.5%) of farm holders had a succession plan in place, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO, 2023).
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 aims to support the next generation in shaping a future-focused and resilient sheep sector.
Minister Martin 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. It’s encouraging to see industry leaders investing in young talent, fostering innovation, and creating real opportunities for engagement and leadership within the sector. I’m delighted to launch this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact across the country.”
Brian Tormey, CEO of Kepak Meat Division Ireland, added:
“At Kepak, we are committed to supporting the future of Irish agriculture. The Young Sheep Farmer Forum reflects our 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.”
Programme Highlights
· On-Farm Workshops & 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 & Global Market 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 & 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 ahead of Budget 2026, ensuring that young farmers have a real voice in the future direction of the sector.
Collaborative and Youth-Focused
The Forum is designed to be collaborative and solutions-driven, with strong partnerships across education and industry. Participants have been selected from Kepak’s supplier base as well as students from ATU Mountbellew, ATU Letterkenny, Teagasc, UCD, University of Galway and other institutions. 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.
Applications for future Forum cohorts will open in 2026, with Kepak committed to expanding the initiative in line with industry needs and youth interest.
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