The Agricultural Science Association (ASA) is holding a sheep masterclass event on Wednesday 6 February at Irish Country Meats, 1 Annesley CT, Ballynakill, Camolin, Co Wexford.

The event is an exciting opportunity to see the workings of an export-orientated sheep processing facility, with a factory tour taking place on the day.

Advancements

Irish Country Meats is Ireland’s largest sheep processor, with its main plant located in Camolin. The company also has a facility in Navan.

The company has made impressive advancements in recent years in developing a strong portfolio of sheepmeat products, with value added exports continuing to replace exports of sheepmeat in carcase form.

The factory visit offers an insight into how these markets have developed in recent years, along with a company insight on the prospects for sheepmeat.

Irish sheep breeding has also made impressive progress in recent years

The morning session includes three interesting presentations.

Dr Philip Creighton will discuss grassland management, with a particular focus on developing practices that will increase flock productivity.

Irish sheep breeding has also made impressive progress in recent years, with a reversal in the downward trend in maternal traits.

Sheep Ireland's Kevin McDermott will review advancements made in recent years and will look at future plans.

Anthelmintic resistance is a growing problem worldwide, with issues in sheep well documented. Problems are also emerging in cattle.

Change of behaviour

Preserving efficacy in anthelmintics will be critical to maintaining high levels of animal performance.

Farmers will need to change their behaviour, with dosing carried out when it is required rather than routinely.

The principles and practice of preserving anthelmintic efficacy in sheep will be discussed by Professor Eric Morgan of Queens University Belfast.

Pre-registration is required and can be carried out at www.asaireland.ie/events/sheep-masterclass.

The event is free for ASA members and costs €25 for non-members.

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