The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association is holding a 'crisis meeting' in Carrick-on-Shannon tonight. Ballyconnell native and ICSA animal health and welfare chair, Hugh Farrell, says that Government support is needed otherwise the sector will go to the wall.
He was speaking to Northern Sound ahead of tonight's meeting which will highlight how, while the value of sheep meat exports increased by 17% to €476m last year, individual sheep farmers failed to make a "viable living."
Mr Farrell says there is "massive frustration" among sheep farmers and they are currently under additional pressure because of lambing season. He added how it's a "very worrying time" and sheep farmers are at crisis point as to whether to stay or get out of the business altogether.
