Lamb processor Irish Country Meats (ICM) has announced it is set to host on-farm lamb production events in counties Wexford and Meath.

Sheep farmers from across the country are invited to attend the walks.

They are aimed to giving lamb producers the opportunity to hear practical advice on breeding, genetics and animal health as well as industry insights into store lamb systems and finishing periods.

The ICM team will be joined by Teagasc specialists as well as local veterinary practitioners to provide technical advice to farmers on all issues relevant to lamb production.

The farm walks will take place on the following dates and locations:

Wednesday, July 29: The farm of Tom O’Connor, Askinvillar Lower, Kiltealy, Co. Wexford Y21 V218;
Thursday, August 6: The farm of Bernard Fox, Corballis, Ballivor, Co. Meath C15 EK26.

Both of the on-farm events will commence at 6:30p.m sharp and refreshments will be provided to all in attendance on the evening.

Host farms

Tom O'Connor, Co. Wexford

Tom O'Connor is an eighth-generation family farmer running a sheep and beef operation in Co. Wexford.

Approximately 240 mid-season ewes are lambed annually on the farm with all progeny brought through to finish at ICM Camolin.

Tom runs a flock of Suffolk X Belclare ewes and breeds his own replacement ewe lambs.

Along with this, there are 60 spring-calving suckler cows on the farm with a great emphasis on finishing progeny at a young age.

Bernard Fox, Co. Meath

Bernard Fox operates a family sheep and beef farm in Co. Meath.

A flock of 640 mid-season ewes are lambed on the farm each year with the progeny brought through to finish and slaughtered at ICM Navan.

Bernard runs a flock of Suffolk and Suffolk X Belclare ewes and breeds his own replacement ewe lambs.

The sheep on the farm are joined by 55 spring-calving suckler cows, with the offspring brought to stores on a steer and heifer system.