FINALISTS ANNOUNCED IN NATIONAL SEARCH FOR TOP DAIRY FARM

Ten of the country’s top dairy farms have been selected as national finalists in the 2016 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards under the heading #MadeForThis.

Dairy co-operatives throughout the country are invited to nominate their top suppliers for the awards each year. The farms nominated for the annual awards undergo a detailed assessment by an expert judging panel based on milk quality test results and technical reports spanning a full 12 month period in order to select a short-list of finalists. The judges – Professor Pat Wall (UCD), Dr David Gleeson (Teagasc) and Dr. Jack Kennedy (Irish Farmer’s Journal) then arrange to visit each of the finalist farms for an inspection.  

“All of the national finalists in this competition are role models, demonstrating excellence not only in producing high standards of milk quality; but also in terms of best practice for standards of animal welfare, care of the environment and sustainability,” explains Zoë Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council. “We are seeing that these high standards go hand in hand with productivity as they also support improved efficiencies and economically sustainable practices on Irish farms.” All of the 2016 nominees and national finalists are registered with Bord Bia’s Sustainable Assurance Scheme with pro-active farm practices related to biodiversity or conservation of wildlife, to demonstrable work on soil nutrient planning or water, extending to initiatives such as rainwater harvesting.

Congratulating the national finalists, Kevin Lane, Ornua CEO said that Irish dairy farmers should be very proud of the high standard of milk they produce, which has earned Irish dairy an excellent reputation globally. “Ireland’s natural grass based production system is a vital ingredient to the success of the Kerrygold brand worldwide,” said Mr Lane. “Irish farmers’ unrivalled commitment to delivering world class quality milk, day in day out, has enabled us to build successful markets for dairy products around the world.” 

A celebratory campaign, under the heading #MadeForThis, will go behind the scenes of each farm to learn what makes them best of the best and why Irish dairy is the best in the world. 

The overall results of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards for 2016 will be announced on 4th October.

2016 NATIONAL FINALISTS – NDC & KERRYGOLD QUALITY MILK AWARDS:

Co. CORK

Thomas & Laura Griffin

Nominated by: Barryroe Co-op

Tim & Breda Hurley & family

Nominated by: Lisavaird Co-op

Sean & Treasa Moher

Nominated by:  Dairygold Co-op

Co. DONEGAL

Ian & David Lamberton

Nominated by: Aurivo Co-op

Co. LIMERICK

Arthur, Ann & Conor O’Leary

Nominated by: Kerry Agribusiness

Co. TIPPERARY

Gary, Emma & Martin Horan

Nominated by: Arrabawn Co-op

John, Margaret & Denis O’Dwyer

Nominated by: Tipperary Co-op

Nicky & Philip Thornton

Nominated by: Centenary Thurles Co-op

Co. WATERFORD

Tom & Moya Power

Nominated by:  Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd 

Co. WEXFORD

Jim & Derry Byrne

Nominated by: Glanbia Ingredients Ireland