Longford farmers chosen to take part in Kepak Young Sheep Farmer Forum

Rachel Briody and Paddy Whyte, two young farmers from Longford, have 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.

Rachel Briody from Whiterock has a strong passion for sheep farming and all things agriculture.

She has gained valuable experience through her work placement with the Irish Farmers Journal, further deepening her knowledge of the industry.

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Rachel is eager to build a career in the sector and gain more experience in farming.

Paddy Whyte from Abbeyshrule is currently studying for his Leaving Cert and already runs his own flock of 80 ewes, supplying Kepak Athleague.

Enthusiastic and driven, Paddy is passionate about sheep farming and eager to grow his presence within the industry.

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The Forum was officially launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 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.

Programme Highlights
On-Farm Workshops & Site Visits: Participants will gain hands-on insights through visits to research institutions such as Teagasc Athenry and to high-performing commercial farms, including Kepak suppliers.

These experiences will showcase the practicalities of managing profitable and sustainable flocks. Industry & Global Market Exposure: Farmers will engage directly with Bord Bia and Kepak to explore international market operations.

A highlight includes a visit to Rungis, the world’s largest wholesale food market in France, where Kepak supplies Irish lamb and participants will meet key European customers.

Policy Dialogue & Influence: The programme will culminate in a focused discussion to shape a set of practical, farm-level policy recommendations.

These will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture ahead of Budget 2026, ensuring that young farmers have a real voice in the future direction of the sector.