Plans are progressing for Sheep 2015, the major sheep event being held in Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, on Saturday 20 June 2015. Organised by Teagasc and industry partners Bord Bia, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Irish Farmers Journal, Sheep Ireland and UCD, the event is expected to attract an audience of 8,000 to 10,000.

Kepak Group has recently been announced as title sponsor for the event, with a number of other companies providing financial support for what promises to be an event not to be missed on the farming calendar. The day is being focused primarily as a key source of technical information, but also offers a hugely entertaining setting for all the family.

Technical information will be delivered in a practical, farmer-friendly manner through a series of technical villages, displays, workshops and informative talks. Villages planned include flock health, breeding, hill sheep, grassland, environment, meat industry and marketing, education, health and safety, wool and associated crafts, as well as science and economics.

There will also be an extensive exhibition of all the different components that make up the national sheep industry. Several breed societies plan to hold competitions, with many others planning exhibits, along with several commercial exhibits.

Other activities include sheepdog training demonstrations and trials. Children’s entertainment will also be organised, with attractions planned to cater for a strong family connection.

Further information can be obtained from Frank Hynes, Michael Diskin or Norina Coppinger, Teagasc Athenry, on 091-845800. Updates will be included in the Irish Farmers Journal in the runup to the event.