Mayo farmer chosen to take part in new Young Sheep Farmer Forum
DARREN McGuire, a young farmer from Mayo, has been chosen to take part in the new Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Forum - a dynamic new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through innovation, sustainability and leadership.
From Westport, Darren is a final-year student at Mountbellew Agricultural College and is actively involved in the family farm, which manages 250 crossbred and hill ewes.
He has gained valuable experience through a work placement with a Teagasc advisor, working alongside hill farmers.
The forum was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, 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 15 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 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.”
Programme highlights include on-farm workshops and site visits, industry and global market exposure, policy dialogue and influence, with the forum designed to be collaborative and solutions-driven, with strong partnerships across education and industry.
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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