In addition, James Byrne, Managing Director of ICM’s Camolin site, contacted us to tell us about the lamb business.
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 sheep shed on Ken and Richard Matthews’ farm.
Lynch provides us with what to look for regarding parasites on sheep farms. He also gives us some advice from a veterinary perspective on how to get newborn lambs off to a strong start in life.
The veterinarian said: “Mixing Clostridia with Pasteurella is the biggest cause of lamb death.”
He talks about the role of vaccination in reducing problems with these types of bacteria, but also notes that “variable management practices” sometimes need to be taken into account.
On the topic of vaccines, Lynch discusses the bluetongue vaccine and its role in Irish sheep flocks heading into the danger period.
He also gives us some of his advice on managing problems such as difficult pregnancies and landings, adding that time is of the essence when a ewe gives birth.
“If you think you can’t carry a ewe, call your vet sooner rather than later,” he said.
“Don’t keep trying and then call me because that makes it more difficult for me.
“If you look at a ewe and think she’s going to need a caesarean, your results will be much better the quicker the caesarean is done.”
ICM factory representative
ICM Camolin Managing Director James Byrne also calls the farm home.
A sheep processing representative tells us what type of lambs would suit ICM’s key markets.
He tells us why they have ‘specifications’ on the type of lambs they prioritize for sourcing, and also explains the importance of branding to ensure quality and the price bonus this assurance can offer farmers.
“We pay a bonus of 20c/kg for all quality assured lambs.”
We ask ICM Camolin Managing Director what advice he would give to Irish sheep farmers producing lambs.
“To maximize farm profits, I will encourage farmers to obtain quality assurance status and receive this reward,” Byrne said.
“We would encourage farmers to handle and weigh lambs regularly to ensure lambs meet these specifications.”
Byrne talks about the importance of weighing lambs before slaughter in identifying kill rates and differences in them throughout the year.
Commenting on the farmers ICM buys lambs from, he said: “We buy lambs from every district across the country.”
He said the processor deals directly with farmers in most cases but also deals with producer groups as well.
Ewe nutrition and financial figures
Back in the ewe pen, Teagasc’s Michael Gottstein gives us some practical advice on ewe nutrition and mineral supplementation.
He noted that delaying supplementation could cause problems on sheep farms, and said that protein content is only relevant in the last 2-3 weeks.
Gottstein paints a positive picture of profitability on Irish sheep farms, which he says is increasing every year for lowland flocks.
“The outlook for 2026 is for it to increase even more and for gross margin and net margin to grow even more.”
He then explains some of the management practices that the most profitable sheep flocks on their farms adapt to help increase farm profitability.
ICM swarms of the future
Two of the winners of the 2025 ICM Future Flocks competition visited the farm to talk about the competition and share their views on the sheep industry.
Roscommon’s Kelsey Daly and Mayo’s Maria McKean explain the systems in place for their local herds.
They share their experience in the competition and their happiness at being announced as winners.
“The prize for Boris’s five ewes and five-star ram was as good as winning the lottery for some of us sheep farmers,” Daly said.
They said the competition is open to all young people interested in sheep production regardless of whether they have a flock size or not.
It highlights some of the challenges and opportunities facing young sheep farmers in Ireland.
