Who are the 2026 ICM Flocks of the Future winners?
The Navan, Co. Meath and Camolin, Co. Wexford-based lamb processor, Irish Country Meats (ICM) has announced the six winners of its 2026 Flocks of the Future initiative.
Now in its second year, the initiative aims to support the next generation of Irish sheep farmers through allowing young farmers access to high-quality breeding stock, expert guidance and industry support.
Each of the six winners will receive a mini-flock comprising of a 5-star ram and five breeding hoggets, valued at over €2,500 in total.
The 2026 Flocks of the Future winners are as follows:
- Keva Keogh (22), Co. Dublin;
- Grace Hoare (23), Co. Offaly;
- Abigail Marley (17), Co. Mayo;
- Dylan Gilligan (22), Co. Leitrim;
- Patrick Moran (19), Co. Kerry;
- Mark Norse (24), Co. Wicklow.
As well as receiving the ram and five breeding hoggets valued at over €2,500, the young farmers will benefit from tailored support from Irish Country Meats (ICM), Bord Bia, Teagasc and Sheep Ireland.
This will including one-to-one advisory support, industry insights and guidance throughout their journey.
Participants will also receive a 20c/kg bonus on lambs supplied from their Flocks of the Future animals to ICM for the first three years of the initiative.
Commenting on the initiative, managing director at ICM, Daniel Lyons said: “Supporting the next generation of farmers is central to the future of the Irish sheep sector.
"Through Flocks of the Future, we are proud to provide young farmers with access to quality genetics, expert advice and practical support as they continue to develop their farming businesses.
"The quality of entries was excellent and clearly reflected the passion and enthusiasm all the applicants have for sheep farming.”
Agri-sustainability manager at ABP, Stephen Connolly, said: “We are proud to continue the Flocks of the Future initiative and support the next generation of sheep farmers across Ireland.
"The successful applicants represent the ambition, dedication and forward-thinking approach that will help shape the future of our industry.”
According to a statement from ICM, the Flocks of the Future initiative "forms part of ICM's wider commitment to supporting generational renewal within Irish sheep farming and encouraging sustainable practices across the sector".
"By investing in young farmers and providing access to quality genetics, expert advice and industry support, the initiative aims to help shape the future of Irish sheep production."
