We are delighted to welcome Louth tillage farmer Gareth Culligan as our August Ambassador.
Farming 242 hectares near Castlebellingham, Gareth has become one of Ireland’s leading practitioners of conservation agriculture. Over more than two decades, he has transformed his third-generation family farm by adopting minimum tillage before progressing to a full no-till system, placing soil health at the heart of every farming decision.
His farming system is built around the principles of no-till cultivation, diverse crop rotations and cover cropping, helping to improve soil structure, reduce erosion, retain soil carbon and lower the need for chemical inputs. Gareth has also embraced companion cropping, significantly reduced pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser use, eliminated insecticides, and carefully tailors inputs to crop needs, demonstrating that productive, profitable tillage farming can work in harmony with nature.
Nature has responded to these changes. By keeping living roots in the soil year-round, creating wildlife corridors through connected hedgerows and scrub, and establishing flowering cover crops and riparian buffer zones, Gareth’s farm now supports a wide range of wildlife, including owls, buzzards, pollinating insects and even otters along the river that borders the farm.
A founding member and former Chair of BASE Ireland, Gareth is passionate about sharing his knowledge with fellow farmers. Through farm walks, discussion groups and demonstrations, he continues to inspire others to adopt farming practices that improve soil health, strengthen biodiversity and build resilient farm businesses.
As our August Ambassador, Gareth will share his experience, practical insights and passion for conservation agriculture, highlighting how healthy soils, thriving wildlife and productive farming can all flourish together. We look forward to sharing his story throughout the month.
Read Gareths farm story here: https://www.farmingfornature.ie/nominees/gareth-culligan-2/
