Quality Milk Awards 2020: Who are the finalists in the Atlantic counties?

11 finalists have been shortlisted for the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2020, which sets out to find and celebrate the top quality milk farmers in Ireland.

Given this year’s constraints and to ensure the achievements of these families are recognised, the finalists will be showcased, and the winner revealed, on nationwide television during a three-minute special extended ad break of the Late Late Show on Friday, October 30.

Irish farming is more than just a business, it is a way of life. Irish farmers learn their craft from their parents and grandparents before them. In every sense, Irish farmers are #MadeForThis.

You can read more here about the four finalists from the Co. Cork are; you can read more here about the rest from Munster; or you can learn more about who was shortlisted in Ulster/Leinster here.

Cormican Farm – Galway: Arrabawn Co-op

Eamon Cormican with his wife Mary and two daughters, Alison and Rebecca, farm in Claregalway, Co. Galway.

Eamon inherited the farm from his father and is now the sixth generation. He has been farming all his life and milking cows since he was a young teenager.

Eamon loves the outdoor life aspect of farming and said he enjoys the early start to the working day. A man of strong faith, Eamon believes he would not be where he is today without the help of God.

He counts hurling among his interests and is involved in the local church and prayer meetings.

Starrett Farm – Donegal: Aurivo Co-op

Richard Starrett’s farm in Killendarragh, Lifford, Co. Donegal, is a true family operation. The father-of-three lives on the farm with his parents, his wife Wendy and children, David, Holly and John.

Richard studied agriculture in the 1980s and took over the farm in 1994 when his father took the early retirement scheme. The Starrett family are originally from Armagh and Richard’s grandfather purchased the farm in 1934, the same year Richard’s father was born.

Richard’s favourite memory is getting the new milking parlour in 1986. Richard believes that bigger is not always better in farming, and this year plans to focus on improving other aspects of his farm.

He is especially focused on sustainability and thinks it is important for children to learn where their food comes from. The farm has won a number of awards in the past.