About Maria Phelan

Maria Phelan is a pioneering certified organic farmer based in Co. Laois, with over 16 years of experience in dairy, beef, and tillage. She is one of just 90 certified organic dairy farmers in the Republic of Ireland, running a fully robotic, year-round calving system to meet growing demand for organic milk. Her milk supplies The Village Dairy, and she is a founding member of the Irish Organic Milk Suppliers (IOMS), a farmer-led initiative committed to shaping the future of organic dairy in Ireland.

What sets Maria apart is her commitment to farming in harmony with both nature and animal welfare. She practices CCC (cow-calf contact) where calves remain with their mothers, a nurturing system rarely seen in modern dairy. Her farm is deeply rooted in principles of self-sufficiency, but also collaboration. By contract growing with neighbouring farmers who are transitioning to organics, helps build a resilient local supply chain. These partnerships provide farmers with a stable income, and the benefit of  Maria’s experience and mentorship in organic farming.

At Fields Good, Maria joins the panel “Are All Farmers Regenerative and Does It Really Matter?” bringing her practical insights from organic farming to explore what soil-focused, resilient farming looks like, whatever the label.