ICM young sheep farmer competition opens for entries
Irish Country Meats (ICM) has this morning (Monday, June 8) announced the reopening of its competition for young sheep farming enthusiasts, 'Flocks of the Future'.
The competition is open to 16-25-year-olds from across Ireland and the successful applicants will receive a mini-flock comprising a 5-star ram and five breeding hoggets with a value of over €2,500.
A statement from the lamb processor said that 2025 marked the first year of the competition, which "attracted an exceptional calibre of applicants".
"Irish Country Meats is delighted to continue the initiative for another year, helping to attract more young sheep farmers into the sector."
Winning entrants
In addition to winning the ram and five hoggets, winning entrants will receive access to expert one-on-one advisory support and industry insights.
Winning entries will also benefit from a 20c/kg price bonus on lambs supplied from the flock to Irish Country Meats.
The initiative is supported by Bord Bia, Teagasc, and Sheep Ireland.
According to ICM, the Flocks of the Future initiative forms part of the lamb processor's "wider focus on sustainability and generational renewal within Irish sheep farming".
Commenting on the launch of the competition, Daniel Lyons, managing director of Irish Country Meats, said: “Young farmers are central to the long-term future of the Irish sheep sector.
"Flocks of the Future is designed to encourage ambition, innovation and succession by supporting young sheep farmers as they establish and expand their flocks."
“The enthusiasm shown by previous participants demonstrates the bright future that exists for the industry, and Irish Country Meats is proud to continue backing the next generation.”
Kelsey Daly, Flocks of the Future participant 2025, said: “I applied for the Irish Country Meats Flocks of the Future programme because it was the first competition of its kind to recognise young sheep farmers and promote the sheep sector.
"The opportunity to win five quality breeding hoggets and purchase a top-class ram was one I couldn’t pass up."
"The video entry format allowed us to showcase our farming enterprise and explain our passion for sheep farming in an informal and engaging way."
Daly said she "thoroughly enjoyed" being part of the Irish Country Meats Flocks of the Future programme.
"I was genuinely surprised when I received the call to say I had won, and it was a great honour to be recognised as a young farmer. I very much the support given to me by ICM.
"At a time when many people are leaving the sector, initiatives like Flocks of the Future are vital in encouraging young farmers to stay involved.
"The experience has strengthened my enthusiasm for sheep farming and encouraged me to continue investing in the future of our flock.”
How to enter
As part of the application process, entrants are required to outline their plans for flock development and their future ambitions within the sector.
Applicants must submit a short video alongside the written application form.
The video should showcase their farm and address the three key questions from the application form, covering:
- Flock management;
- Sustainability;
- How Irish Country Meats can support their success.
Applicants must be aged 16-25 and have access to a flock number.
More information on the competition is available here.
The closing date for entries is July 12, 2026.
