10 dairy farms shortlisted for the NDC Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
Ten of the country’s top dairy farms have been selected as national finalists in the 2016 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Each year, dairy co-ops throughout the country are invited to nominate their top suppliers for the awards.
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 then arrange to visit each of the finalist farms for an inspection.
Zoe Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council (NDC), said that 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.
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.
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.
“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 and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards for 2016 will be announced on October 4.
2016 National Finalists NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards:
Cork
Thomas and Laura Griffin Co. Cork Nominated by: Barryroe Co-op
Tim and Breda Hurley and family Co. Cork Nominated by: Lisavaird Co-op
Sean and Treasa Moher Co. Cork Nominated by: Dairygold Co-op
Donegal
Ian and David Lamberton Co. Donegal Nominated by: Aurivo Co-op
Limerick
Arthur, Ann and Conor O’Leary Co. Limerick Nominated by: Kerry Agribusiness
Tipperary
Gary, Emma and Martin Horan Co. Tipperary Nominated by: Arrabawn Co-op
John, Margaret and Denis O’Dwyer Co. Tipperary Nominated by: Tipperary Co-op
Nicky and Philip Thornton Co. Tipperary Nominated by: Centenary Thurles Co-op
Waterford
Tom and Moya Power Co. Waterford Nominated by: Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd (GII)
Wexford
Jim and Derry Byrne Co. Wexford Nominated by: Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII)
