Exhibitors were reminded at yesterday’s launch of Sheep 2015 – taking place in Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, on Saturday 20 June – to get their bookings confirmed as soon as possible.

Exhibitor listings are currently being compiled and inclusion of companies attending the event and their contact details in media publications and event publications are dependent on entries being submitted by Thursday 4 June.

Exhibitor bookings cost €250 for an indoor 3m x 4.5m stand, with a greater space allowance for outdoor stands. Brochures detailing more information and a booking form can be downloaded at www.teagasc.ie, by emailing sheep2015@teagasc.ie or calling 091-845274. Please note that payment will be required on booking to confirm entry.

National appeal

The event is being organised by Teagasc in conjunction with Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Irish Farmers Journal, Sheep Ireland and UCD, while Kepak Group and Musgraves/SuperValu return as main sponsors.

Other sponsorship is being provided by MSD, Zoetis, FBD and Germinal.

This year’s event is expected to build on the successful events of 2010 and 2012, with over 10,000 patrons expected to attend.

The organising committee is focusing on delivering an event lineup which includes the latest technical information, while also providing a wider offering that appeals to families and patrons outside of agriculture attending the event.

The most up-to-date technical information will be delivered in a practical manner, with 10 villages planned covering grassland management, hill sheep production, flock health, sheep breeding, environment, agricultural education, wool and wool products, meat industry and sheepmeat markets, the science of farming and health and safety.

There will be a number of workshops contained within and outside of these villages where practical demonstrations will be delivered throughout the day.

In addition, patrons will also get the latest update on research programmes currently under way in Athenry, including an overview of the latest Inzac trial, where ewes have been imported from New Zealand.

Young shepherds

A young shepherd competition will also take place at the event, with the programme currently being finalised. Information on entry and a description of the competition will be detailed in next week’s Sheep 2015 column.