Kerrygold and the National Dairy Council (NDC) have announced the 14 Irish farming families, representing seven counties and 14 dairy co-operatives nationwide, who have been shortlisted as finalists for the 2023 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The awards celebrate the highest standards of dairy production in Ireland with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
Recognised across the dairy sector as Ireland’s leading dairy farming awards initiative, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards honour dairy farming families from across the country who work tirelessly to produce the milk that earns Ireland its international reputation for quality and sustainably produced dairy.
Here we are focusing on three farm families from Co. Tipperary, Co. Limerick and Co. Kerry who have made it onto the shortlist.
Milk Quality Awards finalist – Lonergan Farm
The Lonergan farm is located in Drangan More, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. John lives on the farm with his wife, Martina, and their daughter Cora.
John has harboured a deep passion for farming since the age of 12. Officially taking the reins of their family farm at 27, John now hopes to pass the farm down to Cora, who shares an equal love for the land.
Martina plays an integral role in the farm and the Lonergan’s close-knit relationship fosters a strong partnership between the three.
Together, Martina and Cora stand as shining examples of the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture.
The Lonergan’s have witnessed the transformative journey of farming – from the horse and trap era to embracing modern technologies.
MacNamara Farm
John MacNamara alongside his wife, Olivia, farm in Gormanstown, Hospital, Co. Limerick. Their four children, Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe and Padraic, all contribute to the running of the farm.
John believes that working together fosters a strong family connection and ensures the MacNamara family values are ingrained on their family farm.
The farm’s legacy traces back to John’s father Pat, who entrusted John with its care after he completed the Green Cert at Teagasc, Kilmallock.
John’s passion for farming was instilled from an early age. As the eldest of six children, he developed a robust work ethic and love for the land.
With an understanding that the milk leaving his yard will shortly be on the consumers’ table, John takes immense pride in producing a product that is of the highest quality.
Mason Farm
Niall Mason, a fourth-generation farmer from Tralee, Co. Kerry is joined on the farm by his wife Deirdre and their two-year-old son Freddie.
The Mason family has proudly owned and operated the farm since the early 1900s. In 2022 Niall and Deirdre took full ownership of the farm, after a five-year partnership working with his parents, who both remain actively engaged in the farm’s daily operations.
Niall’s forward-thinking approach is characterised by his relentless pursuit of innovation on the farm, driven by a belief that standing still is never an option.
He actively participates in local discussion groups and is always eager to embrace new techniques that will enhance the farm’s sustainability.
Niall places a strong emphasis on the importance of caring for the land with the same dedication as to their cows, prioritising practices such as grass measurement and low fertiliser usage.
The Mason’s farm management decisions are guided by data, facts and statistics, instilling confidence that they are consistently guiding the farm toward a greener, sustainable future.
For further information and to view more information on this year’s finalists please click here.
