Recognising farmers integrating farming and forestry
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 outstanding leadership and innovation to successfully integrate their farm and forestry enterprises. Teagasc Forestry Advisor, Noel Kennedy tell us more.
Teagasc is delighted to announce the opening of the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award as part of the highly attractive suite of 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards recognising the dedication, innovation, and stewardship that shape Ireland’s forests.
Now in its 8th year of sponsorship, the call for entries for the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award has officially opened and will close on 19th December 2025.
The 2026 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 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.
Meet the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner
The winner of the 2025 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award was Roscommon suckler farmer Brian Flanagan (pictured above), who was presented with his prizes at an RDS ceremony last April.
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 his farm family’s future.
“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,” Brian Flanagan commented.
How to enter
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 here.
Remember the closing date for entries is the 19th December 2025.
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 advisor. Advisor contact details can be found on the Teagasc Forestry section of the Teagasc website.
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. Other Award categories are:
- The Silvicultural Excellence and Innovation Award Category
- The Community Woodland Award Category
- The Native Woodland Conservation Award Category