A Laois farmer has been honoured by the Sustainable Livestock Village at this year’s Tullamore Show and National Livestock Show.
Liam Barton from Rathdowney was recognised as a standout entrant in the Sustainability Photo Competition for his photo “Growing a Future from the Ground Up.”
Mr Barton is a young farmer working to build a sustainable heifer-rearing enterprise on approximately 50 hectares of owned and leased land near Rathdowney.
His system focuses on maximising the value of grass through careful grazing management, incorporating white and red clover into all reseeding programmes.
He has invested heavily in roadways, paddocks, and water systems to support a 20 – 30 day grazing rotation, alongside sufficient slurry storage for the winter months.
Clover plays a central role in the system, not only delivering nitrogen savings but also improving live weight gains and fertility in his livestock.
Following the Clover 150 programme, Mr Barton actively reduces artificial fertiliser usage while maintaining pasture quality and ensuring the long-term persistence of both grass and clover species.
The judges praised his entry as a model of resilience and effectiveness, combining low-cost grass-based farming with strong environmental outcomes.
His aim is to develop a system that is profitable, sustainable, and future-proof, farming smarter, not harder.
The competition attracted strong entries from across Ireland, each showcasing the creativity and commitment of farmers to environmental stewardship.
The Sustainable Livestock Village at the National Livestock Show is a hub for showcasing innovative, environmentally conscious farming practices.
Through workshops, demonstrations, and competitions, it highlights ways to balance productivity, profitability, and environmental care.
SEE ALSO – Victor Conroy – A story of second chances, sport, and inspiration
