FFN Festival Speakers | 2026
About Norman
Tillage Farmer • FFN Ambassador
Norman Dunne is both a Farming For Nature Ambassador and a tillage farmer based near Maynooth, Co. Kildare, where he works alongside his father Michael to manage a 400-acre arable farm that operates under regenerative tillage principles.
Conservation Agriculture & Soil Health
In recent years, Norman has led a shift away from intensive practices towards conservation agriculture, focusing on soil health, reduced inputs and biological farming methods. Using techniques such as direct drilling, multi-species cover crops and diverse rotations, he is rebuilding soil structure and fertility while maintaining productive cereal crops.
Biological Innovation & Research
His openness to innovation includes experimenting with biodynamic and Korean Natural Farming approaches to strengthen soil biology and crop resilience. Norman is an active member of BASE Ireland and is passionate about sharing his experiences with other farmers around the country and beyond.
Biodiversity & Birdlife Return
A particularly rewarding outcome has been the remarkable return of birdlife, with species such as barn owls, skylarks, kestrels and lapwings now thriving on the farm. His journey reflects a practical and hopeful path towards more nature-friendly tillage farming in Ireland.
As a Farming for Nature Ambassador, Norman shares his experience with regenerative tillage, conservation agriculture, and biological farming methods, highlighting the link between rebuilding soil biology and the remarkable return of local birdlife.
See Norman at the Festival
Join Norman at the Farming for Nature Festival and hear his insights on regenerative tillage and biological innovations.
