Limerick farmers are honoured for their love of the land

THE YEAR 2025 was a good one on the land for Limerick farmers Martin Crowe and John Liston who won Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards.

The initiative celebrates farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly farming. Martin and John are two very deserving recipients.

READ NEXT: Limerick IFA’s annual Nollaig na mBan lunch on this Saturday

In derogation, Martin runs a conventional dairy farm near Doon. He manages 190 cows across 140 hectares while proving that a high-output farm can work in harmony with nature. Inspired by his children, he has cut chemical nitrogen use by 40%, introduced multi-species swards, and created ponds and riparian zones to protect local water quality and biodiversity.

By opening his farm for walks and knowledge-sharing, he hopes to demonstrate to other dairy farmers that farming for nature doesn't affect productivity.

Fellow award winner, John is a long-standing organic farmer in Dunnaman near Croom, who has managed his 80-hectare family farm since the late 1970s. Transitioning from dairy to a low-input, grass-based suckler system, he now rears 60 Aberdeen Angus cows entirely off grass while maintaining a profitable, resilient operation.

A champion of biodiversity, John has planted trees, hedgerows, and created ponds and wetlands that support rich wildlife and natural water management. Blending generations of farming tradition with sustainable innovation, he continues to inspire and encourage others to explore biological-based farming.

In total, 18 nominees were put forward by a panel of agri-environmental organisations, government bodies, and the wider Ambassador network for their commitment to biodiversity, community, and producing good food. Each farmer was interviewed and their farm visited by members of the executive committee of Farming for Nature before being chosen for the Ambassador Award.

“Wanting to leave the land in a better place for the next generation was a common theme among this year’s nominees,” said Sarah Coonan, spokesperson for Farming for Nature.

 “It reminds us that preparations for climate change need to start today, to ensure Irish farming continues for generations to come.”

John and Martin are two of twelve new ambassadors and are joining existing Limerick ambassadors Seán Condon, Gearóid Maher, Tom Stack and Tom and Michael Keane in a growing network of land stewards across Ireland who are building a healthier, more nature-friendly countryside.

The Ambassador Network now comprises 115 farmers, representing every county and farming system in Ireland. This network is committed to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and showing that farming for nature is a source of pride and purpose.

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project. Its mission is to support and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside. The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly practices.

Nominated by their peers, these farmers demonstrate that protecting nature and running a viable farm business can go hand in hand. These awards are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.