Organic lamb series comes to Mayo farm

A SERIES of three organic lamb finishing events, ‘From Farm to Fork’, aims to bring together farmers, researchers, processors and industry leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges for organic lamb production. The events are designed for both organic and conventional sheep farmers who want to improve finishing performance and profitability.

Each event will combine practical on-farm demonstrations with the latest research and expert discussion, giving attendees valuable insights they can apply to their own enterprises.

Highlights will include:

* A live demo of drafting lambs with the aim of helping farmers make better decisions in terms of choosing lambs fit for slaughter.

* Latest research from Teagasc, Athenry, on the organic lamb finishing feeding trials.

* Financial analysis of finishing lamb.

* Discussion forum: Processors and industry stakeholders will debate the challenges and successes of finishing lamb and accessing premium markets for organic lamb.

The first event in the series takes place on Wednesday, August 5, at 6.30 p.m. on the farm of Micheal Holmes, Newfield, Mulranny, F28 FR50. This event takes place on a farm that combines commonage with enclosed grazing across both productive and more challenging land types.

Micheal farms predominantly Mayo Blackface and crossbred ewes, lambing from late March and early April. Since entering organics in 2023, he has successfully adapted to the system, overcoming challenges such as sourcing organic feed and controlling weeds.

In 2025, Micheal finished all of his lambs organically and produced over 18kg carcases for Irish Country Meats. The majority were finished from grass, with the remainder supplemented using organic concentrates and hay produced on the farm.

Micheal is a firm advocate of weighing and assessing lambs before sale. A highlight of the event will include a live demonstration of weighing and grading lambs that will interest both organic and conventional sheep farmers.

The organic lamb finishing events offer a unique opportunity to learn from leading organic producers, hear the latest research, and engage directly with processors and industry experts.

Whether you are already farming organically or considering the transition, these events will provide practical advice, valuable networking opportunities and the latest thinking on producing high quality organic lamb profitably, while meeting the demands of an evolving marketplace.

The events are supported by leading organisations including Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Bord Bia, the Irish Organic Association, Organic Trust, IFA, ICM, ICSA, Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, NOTS, OBLIG, and INHFA.

For more information, or to register to attend, visit teagasc.ie/organicevents.