Speaking at the official opening of Sheep 2018 Farm to Fork, Andrew Doyle, minister of state for food, forestry and horticulture, said it was a great opportunity for all stakeholders in the sheep industry to interact and for farmers to meet experts in production, training, research and processing.

This industry is one that has proven to be resilient. It is one that has proven to be environmentally friendly

“As the Department and as a sheep farmer I’d like to reassure everybody that we are committed to this industry, to this sector,” he said.

“This industry is one that has proven to be resilient. It is one that has proven to be environmentally friendly. It is one that can help us meet many of our targets in the future when it comes to environmentally friendly, sustainable farming and one that complements some other more high profile sectors. It is one that is more adaptable to many farming environments.”

He drew specific attention to the stands focused on farm inheritance and partnership. He said it was something that has been pushed at national level to encourage land mobility and see the transfer of land into younger, trained hands.

Weather

Referencing the current weather challenges Irish farmers are facing, the minister said: “In the year that has thrown up just about everything that the weather can throw up at farming, I came down here six weeks ago for launch of this event and while it was a lovely day some of the paddocks on the way up had pools of water.

“Ironically, those are the only fields showing signs of healthy grass growth. Every year throws up different challenges.”

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