Sowing the seeds of success

DECIDING to plant trees on part of fertile farm land in Clogheen, Co Tipperary, over 10 years ago took courage. But in reality the diversification into forestry and agri tourism in 2003 was forced upon John and Breeda Moran of Ballyboy House.

Their 140-acre farm, located at the toes of the Knockmealdown Mountains, was locked up for six years due to an outbreak of Bovine TB. It was a traumatic experience for the couple, who were also operating a farm guest house since 1991.

Deciding to plant 73 acres with trees and rent out the remainder for farming was equally challenging.