Sheep farming information event to take place in Mayo
Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis will host a Land Mobility Service Future Flocks Programme event on Thursday, May 28, at 7.30 p.m. The successful initiative aims to encourage generational renewal, innovation and long-term sustainability within the Irish sheep sector. The current programme has proven hugely successful and has already reached capacity. A new programme will commence in July, and Dawn Meats is encouraging prospective new members under 40 and who are Dawn Meats suppliers, to attend tomorrow’s information event in Ballyhaunis.
The Land Mobility Service will be present to discuss: Generational renewal challenges and opportunities; land access and opportunity types; partnerships and business planning; examples of successful Land Mobility Service arrangements.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting young farmers, creating viable pathways into farming and strengthening the long-term resilience of rural communities and livestock production systems across Ireland.
Dawn Meats developed the Future Flocks Programme to support the next generation of sheep farmers. Open to sheep farmers aged 18–40, the programme provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, technical guidance and a greater understanding of processing, market specifications and the wider supply chain.
Participants also benefit from expert advice on flock health, sustainability and business management, alongside practical support measures aimed at improving efficiency, animal performance and environmental sustainability.
The initiative aligns with wider industry objectives around climate action, biodiversity, succession planning and improving the economic viability of sheep farming.
The Land Mobility Service believes programmes such as Future Flocks are critically important in creating opportunities for young farmers, particularly those facing barriers around land access, succession and establishing viable enterprises.
The Land Mobility Service facilitates sustainable and practical arrangements between landowners and farmers through services including long-term leasing, share farming agreements, partnerships, succession planning support and mediation services.
By working collaboratively with industry stakeholders, the service aims to keep land actively farmed, encourage collaborative farming models and support generational renewal across Irish agriculture.
Dawn Meats continues to invest in sustainability and farmer-focused initiatives across its supply chain as part of its wider sustainability strategy, including programmes focused on emissions reduction, biodiversity, farm efficiency and long-term resilience.
The Future Flocks Programme is expected to support participating sheep farmers through knowledge transfer, flock development and practical on-farm improvements, while strengthening the long-term sustainability and profitability of Irish sheep production.