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.

There have been four finalists from the Co. Cork area…below are the rest from Munster.

Also Read: Quality Milk Awards 2020: Who are the Co. Cork finalists?

Liston Farm – Limerick: Kerry Agribusiness

Fiachra and Mary have four children, Caitlin, Edward, Aidan and Matthew. They live on the Liston family farm in Croom, Co. Limerick, with Fiachra’s parents.

The third-generation farm is a team operation and Fiachra’s father is still very active in the farming process. Fiachra was involved in farming all his life. He studied dairy management and agricultural engineering in England and farmed in Texas, North Dakota and Arizona.

Dairy farming is one of the main industries locally in Croom and is both a big employer and network in the area. In their free time, Fiachra is involved in stage drama, Limerick’s pilgrimage to Lourdes and is chairman of the Greybridge Classic Club, a charity club that raise money for local causes through vintage tractor runs.

The Liston family farm won the Zurich Farm Safety Award last November, an annual award given to a farm that displays a spectacular level of excellence in farm safety. The whole family are involved in the upkeep of the farm to maintain the high standards they are renowned for.

Stack Farm – Kerry: North Cork Creameries

William and Maria Stack with their two children Dara and Alan farm in Moyvane, Listowel, Co. Kerry.

A fourth-generation farmer, William took over the farm from his parents, Philamena and Steve, in 2005. He likes all aspects of farming and is involved in his local community.

William attends regular farming discussion groups as it is an opportunity to constantly learn from one another while sharing ideas and practices. He feels the farming community have unique camaraderie that can’t be found in other industries.

Besides attending farm shows, the family also love swimming, hill-walking, and team sports.

Bowe Farm: Tipperary – Centenary Thurles

Mother and son duo Catherine and Edward Bowe farm in Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Edward’s father passed away in 2011 and he returned home to work in a partnership with his mother. He is the fourth generation to work on the farm.

Edward and his wife Roseann welcomed their first child, Liam, earlier this year. Edward’s great-grandfather, who was on the first-ever All-Ireland winning hurling team in 1887, first farmed the land in the early 1900s.

The Bowes are proud that farming plays a strong part in their community and neighbours help each other out. The Bowe farm were one of 500 farms to win the Cell Check Award in 2018. Edward and his family love going to GAA matches and walking the Galtee Mountains in their free time.

Further Information

For more information on the 11 finalists for the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, just click here