FFN Festival Speakers | 2026
About John
Organic Dairy Farmer • Community Farm Founder • FFN Ambassador
John McHugh is an organic dairy farmer in Co. Laois who has transformed his 230-acre farm into a diverse, nature-led system focused on resilience, community, and long-term sustainability. Since moving away from intensive dairying in 2015, John has embraced organic and regenerative principles, introducing multi-species pastures, holistic grazing, and agroforestry to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
Regenerative Systems & Farm Diversity
His farm now supports a rich mix of habitats alongside diverse enterprises, including pigs and organic oats. John’s transition demonstrates how modifying traditional commercial models can restore depleted soils, build climate resilience, and stimulate natural ecosystem functions.
Community Connection & Land Education
Central to John’s vision is the Clondarrig Community Farm project, which brings people together to learn, share skills, and reconnect with the land. Passionate about creating a viable future for the next generation, he actively opens his farm to educators, local groups, and the wider community to foster learning and a thriving natural environment.
As a Farming for Nature Ambassador, John champions the transition from intensive systems to regenerative agriculture, proving that farms can act as powerful hubs for both biodiversity and community connection.
See John at the Festival
Join John at the Farming for Nature Festival and hear his perspective on regenerative dairy farming, agroforestry, and social farming initiatives.
