Are you a sheep farmer looking to improve your sheep farm using the latest technology?

Teagasc is inviting expressions of interest for the BETTER Farm Sheep programme. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your farm for a sustainable future.

Teagasc hill and lowland BETTER sheep farmer since 2018, Tomás O'Toole said: “For me, the big benefit from the Teagasc BETTER Sheep programme was the plan it gave me for the farm which allowed me to utilise both the hill and lowland ground better.

"Over the years the data recording has also built up a picture of my flock’s performance which allowed me to make better management decisions at mating and throughout the year.

"The changes implemented as part of the programme have helped to improve the overall performance of the flock,” O'Toole added.

This programme offers a unique opportunity to enhance your farm’s efficiency and sustainability with expert guidance and the latest research-backed methods.

The programme is looking for hill sheep farmers in counties Cork and Kerry, in particular. If you are open to innovation and keen to improve your enterprise, you are encouraged to apply.

The closing date for expressions of interest in the programme is 5:00p.m on Friday, March 21, 2025.

The programme aims to develop and test farm practices that benefit the wider sheep sector. Farmers involved will focus on:

Grassland management;
Breeding improvements;
Efficient production methods.

Each farm follows a customised plan, ensuring tailored support for growth and sustainability.

Participating farmers work closely with Teagasc advisors and researchers. The programme includes:

Comprehensive farm review: Farmers assess their current systems and identify areas for improvement;
Technology integration: Electronic identification (EID) is used to track sheep performance, including lamb growth and ewe fertility;
Grassland monitoring: Farmers record grass supply and review it with Teagasc advisors;
Financial tracking: Farm financial data is collected through the National Farm Survey;
Knowledge sharing: Farmers share experiences and performance results through discussion groups and farm visits.

Teagasc hill and lowland BETTER sheep farmer since 2017, Francis Gonley, added: “When I joined the BETTER Sheep programme, one of the key parts of the farm plan was to put in place a breeding policy and a replacement plan for my hill flock.

"This helped to improve the breed and age structure of the flock which has had a positive knock-on effect on the overall performance of my flock.

"While these changes took time, being in the programme with the advice and recording that went with it gave me the confidence to stick with the plan and see the benefits,“ Gonley added.

Teagasc is looking for farmers who:

Are open to change and committed to improving their sheep farm;
Want to increase financial returns and labour efficiency;
Are willing to engage in performance recording and data sharing.

Submit your expression of interest before 5:00p.m on Friday, March 21, 2025.