As well as this, ICM's general manager of the Camolin site James Byrne calls in to tell us about the lamb trade.

We also meet some of the winners of the 2025 ICM 'Flocks of the Future' competition and hear some ewe nutrition tips and profitability figures from Teagasc's Michael Gottstein.

Veterinary surgeon Donal Lynch from Slieve Bloom Veterinary, XL Vets Ireland, pays a visit to the lambing shed on Ken and Richard Mathews' farm.

Lynch fills us in on what to look out for with regards to parasites on sheep farms. He also gives us some tips from a veterinary perspective on getting newborn lambs off to a strong start in life.

The vet said: "Clostridia tied in with pasteurella is the biggest reason why lambs die".

He talks through how vaccination has a role to play in reducing issues with these types of bacteria but also notes that "changing management practices" sometimes has to be considered.

On the topic of vaccines, Lynch discusses the bluetongue vaccine and its role in Irish sheep flocks heading into the risk period.

He also gives us some of his tips on managing issues such at tricky lambings and prolapses, adding that time is of the essence when a ewe is giving birth.

He said: "If you think you can't lamb a ewe, call the vet sooner rather than later.

"If you look at a ewe and think she's going to need a caesarean, your results are going to be much better the quicker that caesarean is done."

ICM factory rep

The ICM Camolin general manager James Byrne also calls out to the farm.

The sheep processor representative tells us what type of lambs are ticking the box for ICM's key markets.

He tells us why they have 'specifications' on the type of lambs they prioritise sourcing and also explains the importance of the Quality Assurance brand and the price bonus this assurance can deliver for farmers.

We ask the ICM Camolin general manager what advice he would give to Irish sheep farmers producing lambs.

Byrne said: "To maximise farm gate profits, I would be encouraging farmers to have that QA status and get that bonus."

"We would encourage farmers to handle and weigh lambs regularly to ensure lambs are meeting those specifications."

Byrne talks about the value of weighing lambs before slaughter in getting a handle on kill-out percentages and the variation in these throughout the year.

Commenting on the farmers that ICM buys lambs from, he said: "We are procuring lambs from every county across the country."

He said that the processor deals directly with farmers in most instances but also deals with producer groups as well.

Ewe nutrition and financial figures

Back at the lambing shed, Teagasc's Michael Gottstein gives us some practical tips on ewe nutrition and mineral supplementation.

He noted that delaying supplementation can cause issues on sheep farms and said that protein content is only relevant in the final 2-3 weeks.

Gottstein paints a positive picture for profitability on Irish sheep farms, which he said has been increasing every year for lowland flocks.

He then explains some of the management practices that the more profitable sheep flocks are adapting on their farms to help further drive farm profitability.

ICM Flocks of the Future

Two of the winners from the 2025 ICM Flocks of the Future competition called to the farm to talk about the competition and share their views on the sheep industry.

Kelsey Daly from Co. Roscommon and Maria Macken from Co. Mayo outline the systems in place on their home flocks.

They share their experience with the competition and their delight at being announced as winners.

Daly said: "The prize of the five Borris ewes and the 5-star ram was as good as winning the lottery to some of us sheep farmers."

They said that the competition was open to all young people with a passion for sheep production regardless of whether they had a flock number or not.

They highlight some of the challenges and opportunities facing young sheep farmers in Ireland.