A new Young Farmer Forum, launched by Kepak in partnership with Musgrave, Ireland’s leading retail, wholesale and foodservice company, will bring together the next generation of farmers from across Ireland to build skills, share knowledge and support the long-term sustainability of Irish beef and sheep sectors. The programme was officially launched at Mountbellew College in Galway, a leading agri education hub, reflecting its strong focus on skills and education.
Building on the success of the Young Sheep Farmer Forum, launched in 2025, the expanded beef and sheep programme will run through a structured series of events designed to support shared learning across farmers, industry, education and retail.
Developed in collaboration with industry and education partners, including Mountbellew Agricultural College, the programme will focus on practical, on-farm learning and real-world business skills to support decision-making, resilience and long-term sustainability at farm level. Those taking part, all under the age of 35 and from within the Kepak supplier base, will play an active role in shaping the programme, ensuring it remains grounded in the real on-farm experience.
Participants will also take part in full supply-chain learning visits across SuperValu and Musgrave Marketplace, providing insight into how beef and lamb move from farm through processing to supermarket shelves and into wholesale and foodservice channels. It also includes exposure to international best practice, including a visit to the Sommet de l’Élevage Livestock Show in France.
The 2025 Forum delivered a farmer-led recommendations report to Government, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group to support succession, land access and sector viability. The expanded Forum will continue to build on this work.
The Forum comes at an important time for Irish agriculture, as the sector continues to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the need for continued support and knowledge-sharing.
Frank McGeeney, Beef Business Unit Director from Kepak
“We’re at a pivotal moment for beef and sheep farming in Ireland. Supporting young farmers to build viable, sustainable businesses is essential to the future of the sector. This Forum is focused on practical skills, real on-farm experience and developing the next generation of leaders who can drive efficiency, sustainability and long-term growth.”
This new forum is a shared supply-chain initiative and Musgrave’s insight will actively shape the learning and capabilities of participants who take part in the programme. The forum is structured as a programme of events for shared learning across farmers, industry, education and retail.
Graham Caulwell, Director of Sustainability and Regulation at Musgrave
“Through our food retail and wholesale brands SuperValu, Centra and Musgrave Marketplace, we see first-hand the importance of working closely with farmers to deliver a sustainable supply of high-quality Irish beef and lamb. As a retailer with a presence in every community across Ireland, this partnership with Kepak reflects our long-term commitment to supporting farmers, helping them navigate challenges and build resilient, future-focused businesses.
“At Musgrave, over our 150-year history, we have always championed locally sourced produce and are proud to support 1,800 Irish food and drink producers. SuperValu is the greatest supporter of Irish produce in the country, with 100% of fresh meat across SuperValu and Centra sourced from Irish, Bord Bia Quality Assured farms. This initiative takes a holistic, end-to-end approach – strengthening the supply chain while also creating an opportunity for us to listen to and learn from farmers, whose knowledge and innovation have sustained the sector for generations and will continue to shape its future.”
Aoife Mahony, past and present participant in the Young Farmer Forum
“I’m delighted to be taking part in the Forum again this year and to build on the work we started last year, as we continue to work towards a more viable future for Irish farmers. I really enjoyed the programme and found it hugely beneficial, particularly the range of experiences and the opportunities to engage directly with other farmers, industry stakeholders and policymakers.”
The programme will focus on key areas including production efficiency, financial planning, sustainability and knowledge transfer. Participants will take part in a mix of workshops and on-farm sessions, with exposure to best practice in beef and sheep systems, grassland management, animal health and emerging technologies.
Interested to learn more?
Keep an eye on our social media channels to keep up with the forum:
TikTok: @kepak.onfarm
Instagram: @kepakgroup