Sheep 2018 - Farm to Fork Open Day Launched

Saturday, 7th July 2018 in Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway

SHEEP 2018 - Farm to Fork, the major national sheep event for 2018, is being launched today, Thursday, 24 May, in Teagasc Athenry by Andrew Doyle T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Sheep 2018: Farm to Fork will take place on Saturday, 7 th July 2018 in Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway. It’s the biggest sheep event in Ireland this year. It will also have major food exhibition for the first time this year. Gates will open at 10.00am, with the day concluding at 5.00pm.

Teagasc has linked up with Galway County Council and Bord Bia to host a dedicated Food Village which will include: food science, cooking demonstrations, artisan food, and food markets. Information relating to establishing a food company will also be available. This ties in with Galway having been designated the European Region of Gastronomy so there will be a significant emphasis on food, showcasing everything from farm to fork.

Professor Michael Diskin, Teagasc sheep enterprise leader said: “There is a positive outlook for the sheep sector so this is an ideal opportunity to highlight all aspects of the sheep industry, from primary production right through to wool production to showcasing lamb as a wholesome convenient food. We are delighted to have teamed up with Galway County Council in hosting a food village this year. I would also like to acknowledge the support of Irish Country Meats, and thank all the organisations involved in organising the event.”

Attractions on the day will include: sheep breed competitions, sheep breed displays, demonstration of sheepdog training, and an extensive range of commercial exhibitors. Technical information on all aspects of sheep production will be provided by Teagasc researchers, advisors and specialists. This will cover areas like grassland management, breeding, nutrition and flock health. The villages throughout the site will include practical workshops demonstrating the best techniques for managing flocks.

There will also be much to interest hill sheep producers and an extensive village on environmental awareness and management. The opportunities for wool and wool products will be highlighted while market opportunities for sheep meat will be outlined by the meat industry. Key health and safety messages for farmers over the summer months will be delivered and the education options for young people considering a career in farming or in food production will be highlighted.

Sheep 2018: Farm to Fork, is proudly supported by Irish Country Meats.

It is organised by Teagasc, Galway County Council, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sheep Ireland, Bord Bia, UCD, and Irish Farmers Journal.

Additional sponsorship is provided by: FBD Insurance, Germinal Seeds, Zoetis, MSD, Chanelle Group, Tuam Farm supplies/ Cormac Tagging.

Sheep 2018: Farm to Fork will be a great day out for the entire family and a must for anyone involved in the sheep industry, meeting local artisan food producers, or for those interested in setting up their own food company.