Seamus McMenamin comes from a suckler and sheep farm in Co Tyrone. His farming background has influenced his career choices, choosing organisations that ensure he remains closely connected to the farming sector. After graduating from Queens University, he completed a master’s in sustainable rural development and project management before joining the Livestock and Meat Commission. He is a Nuffield scholar and joined Bord Bia in 2020, where his role spans livestock, sheep and farmer engagement.

What does the livestock sector manager do in Bord Bia?

I work closely with a lot of different stakeholders and colleagues, for example with DAFM on market access for meat and live exports, with Bord Bia colleagues on consumer insights and Quality Mark promotions, and I frequently attend farmer meetings across the country giving price and market updates to support farmers. My farming background helps me understand where farmers are coming from and the importance of keeping communication open and practical.

What benefit is the job you do to Irish farmers?

A key part of Bord Bia’s role is helping farmers understand changing market demands and identifying opportunities that can add value to the work farmers do every day. Through the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) we aim to make sure that Irish sheepmeat ticks the boxes that gets it into the highest-value markets and the best-paying customers.

What are the big issues at present?

The issues vary from sector to sector, but profitability remains one of the biggest concerns. Farmers are also focused on sustainability requirements, environmental regulations, labour availability and ensuring the long-term viability of their businesses.

Being the person in Bord Bia responsible for live exports, the big current issue is keeping this channel open. It provides an important additional market for Irish livestock with over 300,000 head of cattle traded overseas last year, valued up €480m. An ongoing issue in the sheep sector over the past few years is maintaining production. Despite price improvements, numbers coming off farms have been in decline and this reduces our ability to supply customers that have been built up over the years. This is part of the wider issue of succession and labour which impacts all sectors.

Is there a future in farming and the agri food industry?

The agri food sector offers a huge variety of opportunities beyond the farm gate. Whether your interests are in science, business, marketing, sustainability, policy or international trade, there is a role for you within the industry.

My advice would be to remain open minded, continue learning and never underestimate the value of your farming background. Practical experience provides an understanding that is highly valued across the sector.

Can the decline in sheep production be stopped or even reversed?

We need to ensure that farming remains an attractive and viable career option for the next generation. Through discussions with farmers, industry stakeholders and young people considering their future, it became clear that income stability is a critical factor.

My Nuffield research examined diversification opportunities that can complement sheep production rather than replace it. The objective is to identify enterprises that can generate additional income streams, while fitting in alongside existing farm systems. There is no single solution, but if we can identify approaches that improve profitability and quality of life, we can help create a stronger future for sheep farming and rural communities.