October 24, 2016
24 October 2016––The country’s top prize for best quality milk has been awarded to Tom and Moya Power, from Drumhills Farm, Cappagh, Co.Waterford who supply their milk to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd.
The winners of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards were announced in Dublin on the 4th October 2016 with presentations to 10 of Ireland’s top dairy farms by hurling legend Henry Shefflin. Winners Tom and Moya Power 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 & Moya Power were also awarded with an ‘Excellence in Milk Quality’ award along with Ian and David Lamberton 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 and Moya are the 5th generation of their family to farm at Drumhills farm where they have welcome support from Tom’s parents Jim and Brid. “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,” says Tom. “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.”
“Drumhills farm is a great example of how farming families, all over the country, pull together, pool their strengths and produce great results” said Zoë Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council. “By taking pride in what they do, the Powers have built a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable family business.” “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.
Kevin Lane, Chief Executive of Ornua said:
“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.
“At Ornua, we are very proud to sponsor the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards as they celebrate the dedication, unique knowledge base and excellent husbandry skills of Irish dairy farmers. By honouring the best in dairying, Irish people can see the important role Irish dairy has in the Irish economy.”
Ten times All-Ireland hurling champion Henry Shefflin said that the consistently high standards achieved by the national finalists and winners reflected a tremendous commitment, a fine eye for attention to detail and a keen interest in looking at ways to improve and sustain what you’re doing. “All of the finalists here today can take pride in the knowledge that they are performing at the peak of their industry. As a consumer of Irish milk and dairy produce, I’m delighted to see the dedication to standards exemplified by the shortlisted farms.”
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.”
Learn more about this year’s winners at www.qualitymilkawards.ie #MADEFORTHIS