Flock and price-bonus prizes for ICM young sheep farmer contest
Irish Country Meats (ICM) has announced details of a competition for farmers aged 25 or younger with a total prize fund of over €10,000.
Titled 'Flocks of the Future,' the competition is supported by Teagasc, Sheep Ireland, and Bord Bia and is described by ICM as 'an initiative to support and encourage young entrants into sheep farming'.
Four winners will be selected, with each receiving a mini-flock comprising of a five-star ram and five breeding hoggets, worth over €2,500 in total. Winners will also receive access to one-on-one advisory supports, industry insights, and a 20c/kg price bonus on lambs sold to ICM under the initiative.
The prize includes tailored supports from ICM, Teagasc, Bord Bia, and Sheep Ireland.
How to enter
To enter the 'Flocks of the Future' competition, applicants must submit a short video outlining their plans for the flock, as well as a written entry answering three key questions around flock management, sustainability, and the role that ICM can play in supporting their success.
The closing date for entries is June 12, 2025.
Young farmers can click here to download the application form.
Commenting on the initiative, managing director at ICM, Jerome Aherne said: 'Irish sheep farming is facing a generational challenge.
'Through this competition, we want to give young farmers the opportunity, support, and confidence to establish and grow their own flocks.
'We're proud to play a role in securing a sustainable and vibrant future for the sector.'
In keeping with the theme of supporting young farmers, ICM will also sponsor the 'Battle of the Ag Colleges', a competition among Ireland's top agricultural students.
ICM and its affiliates constitute the specialist sheep meat division of ABP Food Group.
ICM processes and markets a full range of lamb products and is a supplier to retail, foodservice, and manufacturing customers across Europe.
The company has processing facilities in Camolin, Co. Wexford and Navan, Co. Meath, and is a key supporter of innovation and sustainability in Irish sheep farming.
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