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The national sheep open day for 2018 will take place on Saturday 7 July 2018 in Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway. As well as playing host to sheep breed competitions, sheep breed displays, demonstration of sheepdog training and hosting an extensive range of commercial exhibitors, it will have a food exhibition for the first time this year.
Gates will open at 10am, with the day concluding at 5pm. Technical information on all aspects of sheep production will be available on the day also. All expert advice will be provided by Teagasc researchers, advisers and specialists.
Opportunities
Anyone with an interest in hill sheep farming will enjoy an extensive village on environmental awareness and management. The opportunities for wool and wool products will be highlighted, while market opportunities for sheepmeat will be outlined by the meat industry.
Key health and safety messages for farmers over the summer months will be delivered and the education options for young people considering a career in farming or in food production will be highlighted.
Professor Michael Diskin, Teagasc sheep enterprise leader, said that this is "an ideal opportunity to highlight all aspects of the sheep industry, from primary production right through to wool production to showcasing lamb as a wholesome convenient food".
Sheep 2018 is organised by Teagasc, Galway County Council, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sheep Ireland, Bord Bia, UCD and the Irish Farmers Journal.
Sheep prices: factories pull quotes 30c/kg to 40c/kg
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