Wicklow Farmer Among Six Picked for Flocks of the Future Initiative

Mark Norse from Newcastle will receive a mini flock of sheep worth more than €2,500.

A young Wicklow farmer has been selected to receive a mini flock of sheep worth more than €2,500.

Mark Norse from Newcastle is one of six young farmers chosen nationwide for the 2026 Flocks of the Future initiative. 

The 24 -year-old is a UCD graduate in food and agribusiness management.

He'll receive a five-star ram, five breeding hoggets, expert mentoring and a bonus on lambs supplied through the programme.

Mark says he will look to "achieve efficiency of growth in the lambs and expand the flock with good breeding genetics to continue the development of the herd."

Flocks of the Future is part of Irish Country Meats wider commitment to support the next generation of Irish sheep farmers, encouraging sustainable practices across the sector.