National Hill Sheep Conference Proceedings

This year, the Teagasc Hill Sheep Conference focussed on aspects of animal health, an important local ACRES co-operation project, organics and genetic improvement within our hill flocks.

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The latest published sheep census statistics of Dec 2021 show that there were 36,163 sheep flocks in Ireland, an increase of 1.6% from 2020. The number of breeding ewes increased by 2.1% on 2020 figures to 2.7 million ewes. Sheep farming is a significant part of our agricultural industry with more than 1 in every 4 farms in Ireland involved in sheep production.

The Irish hill sheep sector plays an important role in the economic health of rural economies and the maintenance of the natural landscape in many of Ireland’s most scenic areas. Low output and often depressed markets for male store hill lambs has resulted in low margins for this sector. Teagasc is committed to supporting sheep farmers throughout Ireland. My colleagues in Knowledge Transfer, Education and
Research work closely with farmers and stakeholders to assist hill sheep farmers to improve technical efficiency, margins and meet the requirements of the various support schemes.