Richard & Geraldine Brennan

Richard and Geraldine Brennan are organic farmers from Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. The farm has evolved over time – it once supported beef, barley and a flock of sheep, but in recent years they have gradually moved the system fully into tillage. Since 2023 the farm has been gradually transitioned into organic production, a change Richard approached step by step to gain confidence with the new system. Farming fits around Richard and Geraldine’s work running the family grocery shop and pub in the local village.

The farming system now centres on organic tillage with spring oats as the main crop, alongside fertility-building crops such as red clover to maintain soil health. Without livestock on the farm, fertility is built through clover, straw incorporation and cover crops. In some seasons, Richard may bring in sheep or grazing animals to manage grass or cover crops before ploughing, helping prepare land naturally for the following crop.

Nature and biodiversity are an important part of the farm landscape. Richard has planted hundreds of trees, dug a wildlife pond and allows hedgerows and field corners to grow naturally. A stream runs through part of the farm and provides a wildlife corridor. Through activities such as moth monitoring, tree planting and creating pollinator habitats, Richard continues to deepen his appreciation for the wildlife on the land. Community connections are also central – he regularly exchanges ideas with neighbouring farmers, hosts visitors, and hopes to grow more organic vegetables for sale in the family shop, strengthening the link between the farm and the local community.

Nominator (Shane Casey, Carlow Biodiversity Officer):
Richard and Geraldine have been nominated following the 2025 ""Carlow Farming for Nature Celebration"", coordinated by Carlow County Council, in partnership with Carlow IFA, Carlow ICA, Leinster ACRES, Teagasc, LAWPRO, NPWS, Carlow FFN Ambassadors, Carlow County Development Partnership, and other nominating bodies operating within the county.
Formally sheep farmers, Richard and Geraldine are now in tillage, partly converted to organic, with the rest in conversion, currently using red clover to build soil fertility and growing husky oats. They installed a large pond several years ago, as the land had previously been drained, in addition to native tree planting under previous agri-environmental schemes, and are members of FarmBioNet, a Europe-wide Farmer-focused Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network.
They have an active presence within the wider community, through their family-run combined-shop/café/pub in the village, but also as members of the local Tidy Towns Pollinator Group, with their own garden being actively managed for pollinators, in line with AIPP guidance.