Sheep farming will take centre stage at the first ever EU Congress of Sheep Farming and Associated Traditions in Galway in May of next year.

The congress will take place in Claregalway Castle on 29 and 30 May and the theme is building capacity and new opportunities.

The future development of sheep farming, food production, wool and its many products, sustainable practices, innovation and more will all be covered during the two-day event.

Panel discussions

On day one, there will be panel discussions with farmers, industry experts, chefs and producers, with support from Teagasc, Bord Bia and other Government agencies and participating companies. These will be hosted by Countrywide's Damien O’Reilly.

Day two of the congress will have a show theme to it, with the public invited to see over 20 sheep breeds, sheepdog trials and competitive sheep shearing demonstrations, which will include world champion Ivan Scott.

Many of Ireland’s woollen mills, hand weavers, crafters and artisan food producers will also be present on the day and there will be a farm-to-fork feel about day two.

It will also include a yarn spinning installation, talks and workshops in spinning, weaving and dyeing wool.

Project Baa Baa

The congress will form part of Project Baa Baa, a Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture project, which celebrates all things sheep.

There will be 11 different events over the course of Project Baa Baa, from sheep farming and associated traditions in farming, food production, wool, agri-tourism, innovation and sustainability, from the traditional to the contemporary.

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