The 2026 Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference will take place on Wednesday, February 18, in Westport, Co. Mayo.

This year’s conference at the Westport Woods Hotel will feature a mix of conference papers and a panel discussion.

First up will be a paper from Dr. Frank Campion, Teagasc sheep researcher, who will present the latest findings from the Teagasc Hill Sheep Research Programme, including the results of the trials of finishing both organic and conventional hill lambs.

These studies will highlight the challenges and opportunities that are available to hill farmers to best market their lambs.

Water quality 

Teagasc said the water quality of the rivers and streams in the Irish uplands has always been important, especially from an environmental sustainability point of view.

Dr. Shaun Roarty, Teagasc Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) advisor will present a paper outlining the work being done on maintaining and improving the quality of water in upland areas.

Roarty will point out important steps that farmers can take to ensure that the quality of watercourses remain high. 

Commenting on this year’s conference, Roarty said upland farmers can "play a critical role in the reinstatement and management of good and high-status upland waterbodies".

These provide essential ecosystem services such as high-quality water supply, carbon sequestration, flood attenuation, and biodiversity support.

"While reaffirming the value of these resources, our upland waterbodies face unique and complex challenges, particularly in relation to hydromorphology and pesticide occurrences," he added.

A panel discussion on the opportunities that lie ahead for marketing hill lamb will take place.

The members of the panel discussion are:

Seamus McMenamin, sector manager for sheepmeat and livestock at Bord Bia;
James Smyth, general manager, Irish Country Meats;
Brendan Joyce, hill sheep farmer, Co. Galway;
Teresa Gibsey, Ballinrobe mart manager.

The conference starts at 7:00p.m on February 18.

No prior booking is required and there is no charge to attend this event.