John Liston

John Liston

Operating organically since 2002 and part of the REPS scheme, he has championed low-input farming, emphasizing the importance of resilience. Having benefited from creating a profitable system with minimal external feed and fertilizer, he keeps cattle out longer which allows greater flexibility in farm management. He rears 60 Aberdeen Angus suckler cows entirely off grass

• Actions for Nature - All along, he has prioritized environmental stewardship, planting trees, hedgerows and hare's corners that promotes biodiversity and space for nature. Currently, his 4-acre ash plantation is awaiting reconstitution and is in the process of applying for an agroforestry scheme to enhance his mixed-species planting plans. He has chipped one acre of the ash trees affected by dieback to use for bedding and resourcefully spreads it back onto the land, creating a closed-loop system. With a history of farming dating back to the 1700s and five to six generations on this land, he currently supplies the Urban Co-op in Limerick city.
• Water Is A Quick Win for Nature and Biodiversity - He has actively engaged with many initiatives for biodiversity and nature over the years. About 20 years ago, he transformed a wet corner of his farm into a pond, which also filters run off from his yard. This action has significantly increased biodiversity, attracting various species of insects, birds, and mammals. He is a strong advocate for wetlands on farms saying they are 'a quick, easy win for nature' . Additionally, he actively creating weirs on farm drains in the summer. This helps retain water on the farm, supporting wildlife during dry spells without impeding drainage. His commitment to conservation includes planting hedgerows and riparian buffers as part of both REPS and ACRES schemes.