A relative newcomer to the world of farming has embraced his business with wide-eyed vision – turning parts of his enterprise into a shop, an events space…and even a sauna!

That has seen Brian Dilleen of Mad Yolk Farm in Craughwell named as a new Farming for Nature Ambassador for 2025; the award celebrates farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly farming.

The first-generation farmer runs his poultry and market garden enterprise near Craughwell – where he places a big emphasis on creating a farm that is a welcome space for the community.

On buying this site four years ago, he has converted many of the dilapidated farm buildings into usable spaces including an egg packery, a farm shop, an events space and more recently, a sauna.

Brian has also planted thousands of trees on the land and the plan for the future includes turning almost the entire farm over to agroforestry; a system of incorporating trees into pasture.

This will complement his existing pastured poultry operation as trees will be planted in rows to allow the chicken tractors to continue to be moved up and down the lanes easily.

In total, 18 nominees were put forward by a panel of agri-environmental organisations, government bodies, and the wider Ambassador network for their commitment to biodiversity, community, and producing good food.

Each farmer was interviewed and their farm visited by members of the Executive Committee of Farming for Nature before being chosen for the Ambassador Award.

As one of twelve new ambassadors, Brian Dilleen joins a growing network of land stewards across Ireland who are building a healthier, more nature-friendly countryside.

Along with existing Galway ambassadors such as Aonghus Ó’ Coistealbha, Gerard Walshe and Bláthnaid Gallagher, the Ambassador Network now comprises of 115 farmers, representing every county and farming system in Ireland.

This network is committed to learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and showing that farming for nature is a source of pride and purpose.

“Wanting to leave the land in a better place for the next generation was a common theme among this year’s nominees,” said Sarah Coonan, spokesperson for Farming for Nature.

“It reminds us that preparations for climate change need to start today, to ensure Irish farming continues for generations to come.”

Farming For Nature was set up in 2018 as a non-profit project, to support and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.

The Farming for Nature Ambassador Awards are an annual celebration of farmers across Ireland who are leading the way in nature-friendly practices. They are funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Pictured: Brian Dilleen of Mad Yolk Farm in Craughwell named as a new Farming for Nature Ambassador for 2025