A young Ballaghaderreen farmer says the sheep welfare scheme must be increased to ensure a future for the sector.
Kevin Hartigan is just one of hundreds who took part in today's IFA Protest in Roscommon town, highlighting the income crisis on sheep farms.
The west Roscommon native believes support of €12/ewe is not adequate and the Government must provide €30/ewe.
He says farmers must follow a number of measures under the scheme and it's only right they be rewarded for this.
Speaking to Shannonside FM news at today's protest Kevin stated with high input costs and little support many farmers are considering leaving the sheep sector.
'There is no doubt that the entire sector is on its knees right now, and we could use the government's help.
I think it's time to support the sheep sector, as the pig community received good support there last year.
Most farmers are getting out of sheep now, they are not letting rams out, and while they are planning lambing, they are getting out of sheep
There are good measures that must be implemented in the sheep welfare scheme, and if farmers are required to do these things, they should be compensated for it.'
