5-Day Natural Farming Intensive Training

A 5-day Korean Natural Farming intensive training course in Ireland in summer 2026. Taught by Ireland’s Natural Farming pioneer Tom Stack, alongside a diverse team of teachers and soilsmiths, this will be a 5-day intensive training programme in person in south Limerick.

Group of people standing in a greenhouse listening to a man demonstrating with his hands.
Overview

About this course

The course will be based on the pioneering techniques of Korean Natural Farming (KNF), developed by Master Choand advanced by Chris Trump. The trainers will share their knowledge of Korean Natural Farming technology, technique, and philosophies across five days, including practical guidance to increase your profits and improve your sustainability.

NOTS are part-funding this course in summer 2026. Participants booking through NOTS save more than 350 on the full course price.

What you'll learn

Topics covered

The IMO process:

80% of natural farming is the IMO process. When you restore your soil, you restore your entire farm. This course will be highly hands-on, with plenty of time spent practicing each step of the IMO process, so you leave confident in your ability to do it yourself.

  • IMO 1 - Collection. Gather wild microbes from your local environment.
  • IMO 2 - Storage. Preserve and manage your collected cultures.
  • IMO 3 - Wake Up and Party. Activate and expand your IMO population.
  • IMO 4 - Prime for Your Farm. Adapt microbes to your specific soil and climate conditions.

Natural nutrients and inoculants

Hands-on practice making powerful farm-grown inputs that replace costly fertilisers:

  • FPJ. Fermented Plant Juice, a natural growth booster.
  • FAA. Fish Amino Acid, rich in nitrogen and essential nutrients.
  • OHN. Oriental Herbal Nutrient, a natural health tonic for plants and animals.
  • WCA. Water-Soluble Calcium, strengthens plant cell walls and improves soil structure.
  • LAB. Lactic Acid Bacteria, a powerful probiotic for soil, compost, and animal health.
Who it's for

Is this course right for you?

This course is for working farmers, growers, and land stewards who want to understand natural farming through practice, not just reading or watching videos.

You do not need to be organic, already regenerative, or technically confident. You do need to be ready to observe, ask questions, make inputs carefully, and think about what applies to your own farm.

The five days

What to expect

This is a hands-on course, not a classroom lecture. Over five days, you’ll move between the farm kitchen, polytunnel, yard, and fields, learning how natural farming works inside a real Irish dairy system.

You’ll make key inputs yourself, observe soil and livestock, discuss the role of indigenous microorganisms, and look at how the principles can be adapted to your own farm, garden, or growing system.

Course details

  • Time: 9am to 4pm daily
  • Food: Naturally farmed, organic, and regenerative meals included
  • Teaching: Soilsmiths, farmers, and natural farming teachers from Ireland, Europe, and the USA
  • Guest sessions: Homeopathy for farming and ancestral food practices
Included

What's included

  • Food provided – Nourishing, farm-to-table meals (breakfast & lunch included in course price).
  • Camping – Stay close to the land, camping available at an additional fee.
  • Option to join Yoga and Tai Chi classes – Reconnect body and mind.
  • Friday Night Music & Party (ticket included) – Celebrate with live music and good company.
  • Saturday – Farm walk to see natural farming in action at Summerhill farm and option to take take part in breathwork session led by the fantastic Gary Patterson.

Every participant will receive ‘take home’ KNF inputs so they can immediately put their new knowledge into action at home.

Preparation

What to bring

  • Clothes and footwear suitable for farm work in any weather
  • A notebook
  • An open mind
Location
SummerHill Natural Dairy Farm Cloonee, Ballygran, Co. Limerick, Ireland
Duration
5 days
Dates
June 29, 2026
to
July 3, 2026
price
600
EUR
status
Open
lead instructor
Book Your Place
Book Your Place
about course
How long are the courses?

Most courses run for two to five days depending on the topic. Intensive training courses cover the full IMO process and farm-made inputs across five days. Shorter workshops focus on a single skill or stage. Each course page lists exact dates, duration, and what is covered.

Who is the course for?

Courses are designed for working farmers, growers, and land stewards who want to learn the method in practice. No prior natural farming experience is required. We also welcome agricultural students, advisers, and people seriously considering a move into farming or growing.

What are the prerequisites for the course?

None. You do not need to be organic, regenerative, or technically experienced. You should be willing to work outdoors, ask questions, and think about how the method applies to your own land. A basic interest in soil, biology, or farming systems will help, but is not required.

Do I get a certificate?

You receive a certificate of attendance and a full set of recipe sheets, course notes, and reference materials to take home. This is a practical training course, not an accredited qualification. The value is in what you can do on your own farm afterwards.

What is the refund policy?

Cancellations more than 30 days before a course receive a full refund. Cancellations between 14 and 30 days receive a 50 percent refund or full credit toward a future course. Inside 14 days the place is non-refundable but can be transferred to another person at no charge.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. Most courses cap at 12 to 20 participants to keep the teaching practical and the group small enough for everyone to make inputs hands-on. Once a course is sold out you can join the waitlist on the course page.

what to expect
What does a typical day on the course look like?

Most courses run from 9am to 5pm with a morning teaching block, a hands-on practical block, lunch, and an afternoon working session. Each day balances learning with making and applying inputs. Evenings are free, with optional informal discussion for those staying nearby.

Is the course hands-on or lecture-based?

Mostly hands-on. Roughly 70 percent of course time is spent making, applying, or observing inputs on the farm. The remaining 30 percent is teaching, discussion, and Q&A. The whole course is designed so you leave knowing how to do the work, not just having heard about it.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Courses run rain or shine. Most of the work is outdoors, so come prepared with weatherproof clothing, sturdy boots, and layers. We move to covered areas during heavy rain when possible, but a working farm runs in all conditions and so does the training.

How physical is the course?

The work is physical but accessible. You will be on your feet most of the day, lifting buckets, mixing materials, and walking the farm. Anyone reasonably mobile can take part. If you have a specific physical limitation, let us know at booking and we can adapt or talk through whether the course is right for you.

What do I take home from the course?

You leave with all the inputs you made during the course (where practical to transport), a full set of recipe sheets, course notes, contact details for follow-up questions, and access to a private group of past participants. The aim is to give you everything you need to continue the work on your own land.

What should I bring?

Bring weatherproof outerwear, sturdy waterproof boots, working clothes you don't mind getting muddy, a notebook and pen, a refillable water bottle, and any medication you need. A full packing list is sent two weeks before the course. We provide all materials, inputs, and tools.

travel & Accomodation
Where are the courses held?

Courses are held on working farms, with exact location shared on booking. Most venues are in south Limerick or West Clare, accessible by car within two hours of Shannon, Cork, or Limerick city. Detailed directions and parking information are sent two weeks before the course.

Is accommodation included or recommended nearby?

Yes. A list of nearby accommodation options including B&Bs, farm stays, and budget hotels is sent on booking. Most are within 15 minutes of the course venue. We can also help connect participants who want to share accommodation or transport.

Are meals provided during the course?

Lunch and refreshments are included each day. Breakfast and dinner are not included, allowing participants to choose accommodation and meals that suit their preferences. Dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergies are accommodated when notified in advance.

How do I get to the course venue?

A car is the most practical option as venues are rural. Shannon and Cork airports are within two hours by road. For participants without a car, we facilitate carpooling among confirmed attendees once registration closes. Public transport to the venues is limited.

What is there to do nearby?

The west of Ireland offers strong food, music, and walking within easy reach. Many participants extend their trip to explore the area before or after the course. The joining email includes local recommendations.

Booking & Payments
What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major debit and credit cards through Stripe. Bank transfer is available for groups or invoiced bookings. Cash payment is not accepted on the day. If you need to split payment across two cards or arrange a different schedule, contact us directly.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes. Discounts are available for groups of three or more from the same farm or organisation. Contact us before booking to arrange this. We can also issue a single invoice for the whole group rather than individual payments.

Can I get a receipt or invoice for my booking?

Yes. An itemised invoice is issued on request with your booking, suitable for farm accounting or expense claims. Some training-related costs may be tax-deductible under Irish farming expense rules. Check with your accountant for your specific situation.