The new-look Teagasc National Sheep Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, 18 June, in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, followed by a workshop session on the farm of John Galvin, Taughmaconnell, Co Roscommon.

In a significant change to previous years, this year’s conference will combine indoor conference presentations with practical on-farm workshops, offering attendees both technical insights and hands-on learning opportunities.

The event will begin at 3pm in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, and conclude at 9pm, following a series of farm-based workshops. Attendance is free of charge, no booking is required, and all are welcome to attend.

Sheep Conference Session – Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe (3pm – 5pm)

The afternoon conference session will feature four presentations focused on key issues currently affecting the Irish sheep sector. The conference will be opened by Dr Stan Lalor, Director of Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc.

There will be four papers as follows;

Dr Avril Hobson, Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), will deliver a presentation on “Bluetongue and Other Exotic Diseases of Sheep to be Aware Of”, outlining advice for farmers regarding bluetongue virus and other emerging disease threats for the Irish Sheep Flock.

Jake Delaney, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, will discuss his research on lameness in Irish sheep flocks, examining the causes, production impacts and treatment / control options associated with infectious lameness conditions.

Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, will present findings from a recent large-scale labour survey examining facilities and practices on Irish sheep farms. This research provides a valuable insight into the facilities and common practice on Irish sheep farms and areas where improvements should be targeted to reduce the labour associated with sheep farming.

The final presentation of the afternoon will see Darren Carty of the Irish Farmers Journal provide an overview of “Markets, Schemes and the New CAP”, offering insight into current market conditions and policy current soundings around the new CAP developments and how they will affect Irish sheep farmers.

Farm-based workshops and poster session (5.30pm - 9pm)

Following the conference session, attendees will move to the farm of John Galvin, Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Co Roscommon (H53 R942) for food, poster session and the practical workshop element of this year’s event.

Food and refreshments have been kindly sponsored by Kepak. Food will be available on-farm from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. During this time, attendees can also visit a poster session showcasing current and upcoming Teagasc sheep research projects, with opportunities to engage directly with the staff involved.

The on-farm workshop programme will commence at 7pm and continue until 9pm. Four workshops will deliver the latest technologies on four key areas of interest to sheep farmers at this time of year. The topics being covered in the workshops are:

  • Breeding.
  • Lameness.
  • Parasite control.
  • Grassland management.

    • Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in all workshop stations throughout the evening, with organisers encouraging discussion and interaction between farmers, advisers and presenters.

    Michael Gottstein, Head of Teagasc Sheep Knowledge Programme said: “We are encouraging all people who are involved or have an interest in the sheep industry to attend what promises to be an informative and highly practical event. This is a new format for us in Teagasc and we hope that attendees will find the new format informative and interesting. All are welcome.”

    Admission is free and no prior booking is required.

    Event Details

    Date: Thursday, 18 June 2026.

    Conference venue: Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

    Farm venue: John Galvin’s Farm, Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Co Roscommon (H53 R942).

    Conference session: 3pm - 5pm

    Poster session and food: 5.30pm - 6.30pm

    Farm workshops: 7pm - 9pm