Sean Glancy

Sean Glancy, a multigenerational farmer, shares his journey from traditional dairying to a new chapter rooted in native woodland planting. Farming 44 hectares of family land near Hill Street with his wife Lucy, he reflects on how times have changed from hand-milking 60+ cows in his father’s day to the challenges of modern dry stock farming on heavy clay soils. With increasingly unpredictable weather, wetter seasons, and difficult ground conditions, parts of the farm have become harder to manage and less viable for grazing. Now in their 70s, the couple decided to plant 12 hectares of heavier, less productive land with native trees, including oak, ash, holly, and rowan. Rather than working against the land, they see forestry as a practical, environmentally responsible solution, one that protects rivers and lakes, supports biodiversity, and provides a stable, tax-free annual income of around €12,000. They speak honestly about resistance within the farming community to tree planting, but argue that it doesn’t have to mean giving up farming altogether. By selecting wetter or more difficult fields, farmers can continue working the majority of their land, just more efficiently and sustainably. The farm also holds deep respect for heritage, including an ancient fort steeped in Irish folklore and tradition, reflecting a long-standing connection between land, history, and belief. For this couple, planting trees isn’t about stepping away from farming, it’s about adapting, working smarter, and embracing change. Their message to others, especially older farmers, is simple: take a fresh look at your land, consider your options, and don’t be afraid to move forward.