Kepak, in partnership with Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College, has welcomed the submission of a landmark farmer-led recommendations report by the Young Sheep Farmer Forum (YSFF) to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon. The report sets out practical measures to secure the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s sheep sector.
The YSFF report, developed collaboratively by young farmers, outlines 15 key recommendations aimed at tackling succession challenges, improving land access, and strengthening the viability of sheep farming. With sheepmeat exports valued at over €400 million in 2024, and 37% of sheep farmers aged 65 or older, the sector faces a critical juncture requiring urgent action to ensure generational renewal.
Key Recommendations Include:
- Phased Farm Retirement Scheme – A seven-year EU-supported model to incentivise land transfer.
- Statutory Land Mobility Body – A one-stop shop for succession planning and land access.
- Enhanced TAMS Supports – Higher grant rates (75%) and staged payments for young farmers.
- Education Reforms – Dedicated Green Cert modules on succession and online learning options.
- Sector-Specific Measures – Continuity of the Sheep Welfare Scheme, price bonuses for young farmers, and marketing initiatives such as promoting lamb in schools.
Kepak Launches Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group
To turn these policy ambitions into tangible outcomes, Kepak has announced the creation of the Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group, designed to empower and reward the next generation of Irish sheep farmers.
Membership Criteria:
Open to Kepak suppliers under 35 years of age who are registered as flock owners or keepers of a Bord Bia Quality Assured Lamb Flock.
Member Benefits Include:
- Bonus payments on in-spec lambs:
- €0.20/kg on “O” and “R” grades
- €0.30/kg on “E” and “U” grades
- Cull ewes: Additional €0.10/kg bonus
- Annual social and knowledge-transfer events to foster peer networking and professional development.
Further details on specifications and weight bands are available from Kepak’s Lamb Procurement Team in Athleague.
Minister Heydon Welcomes Initiative
“Succession planning is a complex challenge with many personal and practical factors. I commend the Young Sheep Farmer Forum, Kepak, Bord Bia and Mountbellew Agricultural College for their commitment to developing these recommendations. Generational renewal is a key priority for my Department, and initiatives like this complement Government efforts to support the sustainability of Irish agriculture.”
Voices from the Forum
YSFF members Aoife Mahony and Michael Feely stated:
“These recommendations are practical, achievable, and essential for the long-term sustainability of Irish sheep farming. The establishment of the Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Producer Group shows the industry’s determination to back the next generation.”
Brian Tormey, CEO of Kepak Meat Division Ireland, added:
“Kepak is proud to support young sheep farmers through both policy engagement and practical action. Our new Producer Group will reward younger suppliers, promote knowledge-sharing, and strengthen the resilience of the Irish sheep industry.”