Young Mayo farmer selected recipient of prestigious award
Seventeen-year-old Abigail Marley, Glenhest, has been chosen as one of six young farmers selected for the Irish Country Meats Flocks of the Future 2026 initiative.
The programme supports the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through access to high-quality breeding stock, expert guidance and industry support.
She will receive a mini-flock comprising of one five-star ram and five breeding hoggets, valued at over €2,500.
She will also benefit from tailored support from Irish Country Meats (ICM), Bord Bia, Teagasc and Sheep Ireland, including one-to-one advisory support, industry insights and guidance throughout her journey.
Participants will also receive a 20c/kg bonus on lambs supplied from their Flocks of the Future animals to Irish Country Meats for the first three years of the initiative.
Abigail was selected from a high standard of applicants, alongside Keva Keogh (22), Co. Dublin, Grace Hoare (23), Co. Offaly, Dylan Gilligan (22), Co. Leitrim, Patrick Moran (19), Co. Kerry, and Mark Norse (24), Co. Wicklow.
Daniel Lyons, Managing Director at Irish Country Meats said: “Supporting the next generation of farmers is central to the future of the Irish sheep sector, and through Flocks of the Future we are proud to provide young farmers with access to quality genetics, expert advice and practical support as they continue to develop their farming businesses.
"The quality of entries was excellent and clearly reflected the passion and enthusiasm all the applicants have for sheep farming.”
Stephen Connolly, Agri Sustainability Manager at ABP said: “We are proud to continue the Flocks of the Future initiative and support the next generation of sheep farmers across Ireland.
"The successful applicants represent the ambition, dedication and forward-thinking approach that will help shape the future of our industry.”
Flocks of the Future forms part of Irish Country Meats wider commitment to supporting generational renewal within Irish sheep farming and encouraging sustainable practices across the sector.
By investing in young farmers and providing access to quality genetics, expert advice and industry support, the initiative aims to help shape the future of Irish sheep production.