A Cavan farmer has won a top Teagasc prize that recognises excellence in forestry sustainability.
Owen Cooney, who farms 35 hectares in Co Cavan, recently picked up the 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm Foresty Award for his innovation in farming sustainability.
Owen has been planting and managing trees and successfully integrating forestry into his farm over many years.
With a mixture of both conifers and broadleaves, close to 30% of Owen’s farm is now under forestry and he has developed an efficient management system that provides an income, as well as biodiversity, shelter and landscape benefits.
Owen said he’s delighted to win the Teagasc farm forestry award and added that his love for forestry and planting has helped him explore and develop other farming opportunities.
