Travelling through parts of the country, it is impossible not to stop sometimes and admire the rolling hills with sheep grazing on them or to see the spring lambs frolicking in the rolling pastures of the midlands.

There are about 2.5 million sheep in Ireland, with over 80% of the product we produce being exported.

Humble sheep

At a time when agriculture is increasingly being attacked by untruths and misconceptions, it is important to celebrate the humble sheep.

They are part of the aesthetic that makes our Wild Atlantic Way one of the most beautiful and visited parts of the world.

Sheep farming also helps to support rural economies and jobs from vets to shearers.

Sheep are grazing in areas of the country where they turn grass and even wild shrubs into energy

Ireland is covered in grasslands and most of the country is unsuitable for crop production.

Sheep are grazing in areas of the country where they turn grass and even wild shrubs into energy and finally into one of the healthiest animal proteins in the world.

Rich in essential fatty acids and high-quality protein, lamb is the ultimate health food.

We will talk through how grazed grass becomes a food source packed with minerals and vitamins.

We will tell you why this small ruminant is part of maintaining biodiversity and habitats in the uplands and how, through improved breeding and genetics, it is impacting a healthy food made in the most sustainable way.

At a time where plastics and synthetics are destroying our oceans, we take a look at why wool needs to take its place back as the clothing fibre of a sustainable future.

Did you know farmers no longer make any money from the harvesting of wool.

We ask how we, as consumers who are serious about climate change, can help sustain this industry again.

We also look at how many other products come from the humble sheep, from make-up to yogurt.

It is about time we stood back and said this is sheep farming.

The Irish Farmers Journal stand is at Row 18, Stand 403.