November 19, 2025 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tony Grogan farms 22 hectares in the Glen of Aherlow, Co. Tipperary, rearing a purebred Aberdeen Angus suckler herd under a fully organic system since 2015.
With the River Aherlow, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for freshwater pearl mussels, bordering his land, Tony manages the farm with precision and care, adapting his methods to suit the landscape, from hilly terrain to river plain. Instead of spreading slurry, Tony composts and carefully covers his farmyard manure, preserving its value and avoiding nutrient loss. He then spreads it strategically, using weekly grass measurement data to guide where it’s needed most. This targeted approach not only protects water quality but supports a healthier soil ecosystem without excess input.
Tony has embraced a long rotation grazing system, working with what the land naturally supports: “What’s grown in my field is what’s suitable for it.” This hands-off, observation-based approach has encouraged the return of native plants like lady’s smock, red clover, self-heal, and mint. The restored swards support a more diverse insect and soil life and it’s had an impact on herd health too. With low parasite loads confirmed by faecal egg counts, Tony rarely needs to dose his animals, allowing him to maintain organic compliance without compromise.
