Gerard Deegan talks about his forestry journey

From Dairy Farmer to Forester: One Man's Journey to Diversify and Reclaim Control Meet Gerard Deegan, an organic beef farmer just outside Mullingar, County Westmeath. After decades in dairying, a health scare in his mid-50s, and no clear successor led him to a big decision: diversify into forestry. In this video, Gerard shares his journey - from planting 100 acres of hardwood and softwood in 2012, to navigating the setback of ash dieback, to rebuilding with a diverse mix of oak, beech, sycamore, sweet chestnut, and improved birch. He explains why diversity is the key to resilience against disease and pests, and how forestry has become both an environmental asset and a long-term financial plan for his farm. Gerard also opens up about the deeper value of forestry - the carbon sequestration, water filtration, and ecological benefits, but also the human ones. From forest schools bringing kids back into nature (and away from their phones) to the sense of reconnecting with the land, this is a story about more than trees - it's about resilience, self-sufficiency, and building something that lasts. Check out: www.gov.ie/forestryforyou