The winners of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards were announced in Dublin today (October 4, 2016) with presentations to ten of Ireland’s top dairy farms by hurling legend Henry Shefflin.
The top prize for best quality milk was awarded to Tom and Moya Power from Drumhills Farm, Cappagh, Co.Waterford who supply their milk to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd. Tom and Moya were accompanied by Tom’s parents Jim and Brid Power and received a prize of €5,000 and the coveted NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup.
Tom and Moya Power were also awarded with an ‘Excellence in Milk Quality’ award along with Ian and David Lambeton from Fahan, Co Donegal who supply milk to Aurivo Co-op and Arthur, Ann and Conor O’Leary from Kilmallock, Co Limerick who supply milk to Kerry Agribusiness.
Tom Power said of his success, “One of the key elements I took from farming alongside my parents is their emphasis on attention to detail in every aspect of farming practices. Another crucial element to our farm is our helping team. Although my father, Jim, has taken a step back over the years he is still a machine to work with and an encyclopaedia of knowledge alongside my mother Breda.”
Zoë Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council, and Kevin Lane, Chief Executive of Ornua, also commented on the event. “The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise the hard work and determination of Irish dairy farms all year round. Their relentless effort and attention to detail is what ensures that Irish Dairy as an industry continues to excel,” said Ms. Kavanagh.
“It is no accident that Irish dairy products are regarded as the best in the world. Our farmers and their families commitment to delivering world class quality milk, day in day out, coupled with our grass based farming systems has enabled us to build successful markets for dairy products around the world,” Kevin Lane added.
Professor Pat Wall from UCD spoke on behalf of the national judging panel, which included Dr. David Gleeson (Teagasc) and Dr. Jack Kennedy (Irish Farmers Journal). He thanked the farmers and co-ops for participating in the national awards.
“The ten shortlisted dairy farms were put through intensive scrutiny involving rigorous analysis of milk quality reports and technical data spanning a full 12 month period and included an inspection of their farms by the judges, which allowed us to get insights into the farm’s practices around areas such as milking routine, animal welfare and sustainability” said Professor Wall. “All of the finalists clearly demonstrated excellent standards in food production. They are leaders in their industry and showcase the utmost standards in sustainability, hygiene, animal welfare and quality.”
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Cóil
