Teagasc has announced the winners of the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Awards.
County Roscommon couple Brian and Karen Flanagan were presented with their award in Dublin yesterday.
Farming on 30 hectares in Castlerea, Brian Flanagan buys in one-year old cattle and sells them on after 12-18 months. Having joined the Organic Farming Scheme last year, the number of cattle he sells will reduce next year as the farm converts to organic production.
In 2010 they planted 11 hectares of the farm and now have a mix of Sitka spruce and oak, having replaced 5ha of ash in 2017. Their reasons for planting were split between diversifying farm income and a long-term interest in trees, forests and the wider environment. They also have plans to invest in a wood-chipper to provide organic bedding from some of his harvested material.
On receiving the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Brian said: “We’re delighted firstly to have been shortlisted and secondly to have won the Teagasc award. It’s great that the woodland has got recognition of the farming and biodiversity benefits that it brings.”
Congratulating Brian and Karen Flanagan, Professor Pat Dillon highlighted how “The award acknowledges Brian and Karen’s role in successfully diversifying their family farm income streams through the sustainable integration of their forestry and farming enterprises while enhancing and protecting the farm and wider environment”. Professor Dillon added: “Brian is also an excellent example of a farmer demonstrating innovation and entrepreneurship to future-proof the family farm while improving work-life balance. Teagasc is delighted to be associated with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category.”
The 2026 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, incorporating the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, will open soon for entries. For more updates and information on this and all aspects of forest creation, management and training visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry.
