Mayo town to host 2026 Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference next week

Westport is set to host one of the key dates in the sheep farming calendar as the 2026 Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference takes place at the Westport Woods Hotel on Wednesday, February 18.

The free event, which begins at 7pm, will bring together hill farmers, industry representatives and agricultural experts to discuss the future of the hill sheep sector — a vital part of farming life in upland areas of Mayo and the west.

The conference will open with a presentation from Dr Frank Campion, Teagasc Sheep Researcher, who will outline the latest findings from the Teagasc Hill Sheep Research Programme. His findings include new results on finishing organic and conventional hill lambs and the opportunities for better marketing.

With hill farming playing a significant role in parts of Mayo, the research is expected to be of particular interest to local producers looking to improve margins.

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Environmental sustainability will also feature strongly on the agenda. Water quality in upland areas will also be in the spotlight, with Dr Shaun Roarty outlining steps farmers can take to protect rivers and streams while maintaining productive systems.

“Upland farmers can play a critical role in the reinstatement and management of good and high-status upland waterbodies, which provide essential ecosystem services such as high-quality water supply, carbon sequestration, flood attenuation, and biodiversity support,” Dr Roarty said.

The final session of the evening will see a panel discussion chaired by Darren Carty of the Irish Farmers Journal, focusing on marketing opportunities for hill lamb. Industry representatives Seamus McMenamin of Bord Bia, James Smyth of Irish Country Meats and Teresa Gibsey of Ballinrobe Mart will join Galway hill farmer Brendan Joyce to discuss improving margins.

The interactive discussion will allow farmers in attendance to ask questions and explore strategies aimed at improving profitability in the hill sheep sector.

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Michael Gottstein, Head of the Sheep Knowledge Transfer Programme with Teagasc, said the conference offers “an exciting opportunity for farmers and industry stakeholders to hear about the latest research and marketing opportunities and challenges facing the hill sheep sector.”

The event gets underway at 7pm on Wednesday, February 18 at the Westport Woods Hotel. No booking is required and admission is free.