Farming and forestry can complement each other in many ways to drive farming and wider sustainability. The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises farmers who demonstrate leadership and innovation to successfully integrate their farm and forestry enterprises. Noel Kennedy tell us more.
The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is part of the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards recognising the dedication, innovation, and stewardship that shape Ireland’s forests.
The winner will receive €2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal with a prize of €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit for the runner-up.
The closing date for entries has been extended to 30th January 2026.
The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Category recognises progressive farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits. The category aims to promote the positive sustainable contribution of forestry as an integral enterprise within the wider active farming profile. It acknowledges the farmer’s role in actively managing the forest and promoting tree planting as a key underpinning of wider farming sustainability encompassing sound commercial management, environmental protection and encouragement of biodiversity.
The winner of the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award was Roscommon suckler farmer Brian Flanagan.
Currently in conversion to organic beef production, Brian has planted 11ha out of a total farm area of 30ha comprising both commercial and broadleaf forests which he is actively managing. He believes the financial and environmental contribution from the forests is an important element to achieving his vision of a sustainable organic beef enterprise for he and his young family.
Brian commented “I’m delighted to have won the Teagasc award. I feel it’s great that the forest has got recognition of the farming and biodiversity benefits that it brings.”
Commenting on the launch of the awards Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department said: “Teagasc is again delighted to be associated with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category. Well planned and actively managed forests and woodlands have strong potential to fit in with and complement other farming systems. Teagasc works closely with many farmers and landowners in supporting the integration of forestry as a valuable enterprise within the overall farming mix.”
The 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is your opportunity to be recognised for your farming and forestry achievements.
To apply, simply download the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award application form.
The winners of the RDS Forest and Woodland Awards will be announced in April 2026 at an awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall.
For more information about the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award talk to your local Teagasc forestry adviser.
2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are Ireland’s national forestry awards, they recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners who are employing the principles of climate-smart agriculture on their properties including
Other Award categories are:
- The Silvicultural Excellence and Innovation Award Category
- The Community Woodland Award Category
- The Native Woodland Conservation Award Category