Tyrone native to share research on securing the future of Irish sheep farming at Nuffield Ireland Conference

SEAMUS McMenamin, who was raised in West Tyrone and now lives in Newbliss, Co Monaghan, will present the findings and recommendations of his two-year Nuffield Ireland Scholarship at the Nuffield Ireland annual conference, 'Farming the Future - People, Purpose, Possibilities', on Friday, November 6 at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

Raised on a suckler and sheep farm in West Tyrone, Seamus holds a BSc in Geography and an MSc in Sustainable Rural Development and Project Management from Queen’s University Belfast.

He began his career with the Livestock and Meat Commission before joining Bord Bia, where he is sector manager for sheepmeat and livestock and also supports the Irish beef category.

He serves on his GAA club committee, his local school board and the CAFRE Advisory Committee in Northern Ireland, and lives in Monaghan with his wife, Charlotte and their four children.

Seamus’s report, ‘Supporting Generational Renewal in the Irish Sheep Sector: Building Viable, Modern and Resilient Farming Pathways’, draws on travel across five continents and 12 countries.

It finds that volatile incomes, high labour demands and competing opportunities off the farm have made it harder to attract and retain new entrants, at a time when sheep farming plays an important role in maintaining agricultural activity in marginal areas and supporting the rural economy.

International experience showed that the challenge is not unique to Ireland or to sheep. Seamus concludes that the issue is not a lack of interest in agriculture, nor a lack of commitment within the sector, but “a series of interconnected barriers” that undermine the confidence of potential entrants, even where genuine interest exists.

Seamus will reveal his recommendations for making sheep farming a viable and attractive option for the next generation at the conference.

Nuffield Ireland chair, Graínne Dwyer, said: “Seamus’s report tackles one of the most important questions in Irish farming: how we make sure there is a next generation to take it on.

"He combines a deep knowledge of the sheep sector with insight from around the world, and we look forward to hearing his recommendations.”

The Nuffield Ireland 2026 annual conference, ‘Farming the Future - People, Purpose, Possibilities' will boast a diverse line-up of speakers and panellists, with delegates being given the opportunity to hear panel discussions on ‘Producing More Than Food – Farming, Nature and the Next Generation’, and ‘Beyond the Farm Gate – Understanding Tomorrow’s Consumer’, as well as a keynote on ‘The Farm of 2050: How AI, Robotics and Data Will Reshape Agriculture’.

Confirmed speakers include Dr Catherine Farrell (Trinity College Dublin), Aisling Meehan (agricultural solicitor), Claire Brennan (Making Farms Work for Women), David Kerr (dairy farmer and Farming for Nature ambassador), Paul Kelly, (IBEC’s Food Drink Ireland), Richard Cooper (Our Food Roots), Mandy Hennebry (Tirlán) and Dr Siobhán Jordan (Teagasc).

More speakers will be confirmed in advance of the conference.

The four returning 2025 Nuffield Ireland Scholars will present their findings and recommendations in two scholar panels, each followed by an expert response and moderated discussion.

Seamus will present in the first day, with an expert response from Prof Jim McAdam.

Michael Berkery, chairman of the FBD Trust, said: “As founding investor of Nuffield Ireland, FBD Trust is proud to support this year's conference as the organisation marks 30 years.

"The Nuffield programme provides a valuable opportunity for scholars to learn from international best practice and bring fresh perspectives back to Irish agriculture. FBD Trust recognises the important role that the programme plays in developing future leaders within Irish agriculture.

"We look forward to hearing the findings of the returning Scholars, which reflect extensive research and international experience.

"We congratulate them on their achievement and look forward to seeing the impact of their work across the sector.”

Booking and further information for the 2026 Conference and Banquet:

https://ti.to/nuffield/nuffield-ireland-2026-conference-farming-the-future