A series of three events focused on organic lamb finishing are set to take place at locations across the country next month.

The 'From Farm to Fork' events will bring together farmers, researchers, processors, and industry leaders to examine the opportunities and challenges in organic lamb production.

According to Teagasc, the events will provide practical advice, networking opportunities and the latest thinking on producing high-quality organic lamb profitably, while meeting the demands of an evolving marketplace.

Organic

The first event will take place on the farm of Micheal Holmes, Newfield, Mulranny, Westport, Co. Mayo on Wednesday, August 5 at 6:30p.m.

Micheal farms predominantly Mayo Blackface and crossbred ewes, lambing from late March and early April, on a mixture of enclosed grazing and commonage.

Since entering organics in 2023, he has successfully adapted to the system, overcoming challenges such as sourcing organic feed and controlling weeds.

In 2025, Micheal finished all his lambs organically and produced over 18kg carcasses for Irish Country Meats (ICM).

The evening will include a live demonstration of weighing and grading lambs that will interest both organic and conventional sheep farmers.

Lamb

The second event will be held in Kenmare Livestock Mart in Co. Kerry at 7:00p.m on Tuesday, August 11. This event will feature a practical live demonstration of drafting lambs, designed to help farmers identify animals that are fit for slaughter and make more informed finishing decisions.

Attendees will hear the latest findings from Teagasc's organic lamb finishing feeding trials, followed by an analysis of the financial performance of lamb finishing systems.

The evening will conclude with a discussion featuring processors and industry representatives on the challenges and opportunities associated with finishing lambs and accessing premium markets.

Events

The series will finish on Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30p.m on Joe Nolan’s farm in Fenagh, Co. Carlow.

Joe operates a 98ha organic sheep and tillage enterprise, integrating spring cereals, protein crops, grassland, red clover swards, riparian grassland, and native woodland.

The farm includes a 310-ewe March lambing flock, 20 pedigree Charollais ewes and around 300 store lambs carried over the winter.

Since converting to organics, Joe has altered the sheep system, moving towards the Easy-Care breed of sheep.

The farmer has also developed a comprehensive flock health plan that balances productivity with organic principles.

The events are supported by Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM), Bord Bia, the Irish Organic Association and the Organic Trust.

The series also has the backing of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA), the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA), ICM, Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, the Organic Beef and Lamb Innovation Group (OBLIG) and National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS).