NDC & Kerrygold AwardsMilkQuality 2022 #MadeForThis
Meet the 2022 Finalists Collins Farm Pg 1 Connelly Farm Pg 2 Deasy Farm Pg 3 Egan Farm Pg 4 Hawkes Farm Pg 5 Heery Farm Pg 6
Toohey Farm Pg 13 Nicholson Farm Pg 10 O’Brien Farm Pg 11 Shorten Farm PgMaher12 Farm Pg 8 Hogan Farm Pg Moynihan7 Farm Pg 9
#MadeForThis
Welcome to the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2022 which recognises and celebrates the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. Irish farming is more than just a business. It is a way of life, handed down from generation to generation. In every sense of the word, Irish farmers are The#MadeForThis.judgesforthis year’s awards are Dr Jack Kennedy, Irish Farmers Journal; Professor Pat Wall, UCD; and Dr David Gleeson, Teagasc.
1
Collins Farm Co. Cork | Drinagh Co-op
John Collins farms in Caheragh, Co. Cork, with his father Derry. John’s mother, Mary, also resides at the family farm. John is a thirdgeneration farmer, and a first-generation dairy farmer as his father originally had a suckler farm. John took over the farm four years ago and began the transition into dairy farming in 2020. John studied Agricultural Science in Waterford before returning to the farm in 2018. He has a huge respect for other dairy farmers and having experienced several other farming operations through relief milking, he has now incorporated different practices to make his own operation more efficient. An animal lover by nature, John considers a genuine care for the herd one of the most important attributes of a successful farm.
“My dream and wish to have my own milking herd has become a Johnreality.”Collins
FARM FACTS Herd Size 45 Milk Supply Litres 252,954 TBC (weighted) 4,000 SCC (weighted) 59 Butterfat% (weighted) 4.47 Protein% (weighted) 3.64
“Top Yvonneyouwouldothernotfamily.withqualityproductqualityandtimemyI’msurewhatjobgivethat.”Connelly NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards FARM FACTS Herd Size: 95 Milk Supply: 545,637 TBC (weighted): 7,000 SCC (weighted): 40 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.49 Protein % (weighted): 3.62
2
Austin and Yvonne Connelly farm with their four daughters, Ava, Anna, Jane and Kate, in Tuam, Co. Galway. Fifth generation farmers, they are relatively new to dairy farming having made the transition just four years ago. The entire experience has been a whirlwind, albeit an enjoyable one. Converting to dairy farming had its challenges, requiring a lot of patience and control, and would not have been possible without the support and expertise of their milk advisor, local discussion groups and peer farmers. The epitome of modern farming, the four girls are constantly seeking out ways to make the processes on the farm even more efficient and effective.
Connelly Farm Co. Galway | Aurivo Co-op
3
Deasy Farm
Co. Cork | Barryroe Co-op
Seán Deasy’s family farm is in Timoleague, Co. Cork. Seán’s wife, Fiona, daughters, Gemma and Mia, and his mother, Anna, also reside at the family farm. Seán took over the farm from his own father in 1996 and Anna continues to reside in the farm’s original farmhouse. This year marks the 100th year of the farm being in the Deasy family. While on holiday in Ireland in 1922, Seán’s grandfather was asked to buy a plough but ended up purchasing the entire farm. Seán credits his wife as being heavily involved in the decision making, and always being there as a support and soundboard for him. Seán spends his spare time supporting Gemma and Mia as they play camogie, and trains Gemma’s camogie team in Clonakilty. He is chair of the Timoleague Harvest Festival this year and also enjoys contributing to two local discussion groups.
“We Seánsomegenerationtopassandfamilyonourselvespridebeingafarmhopetoitonthenextatstage.”DeasyFARM FACTS Herd Size: 86 Milk Supply: 548,450 TBC (weighted): 5,000 SCC (weighted): 100 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.58 Protein % (weighted): 3.73
Eoin Egan lives in Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry, with his wife Siobhán, two small children, Ruairí and Síne, and his parents, Frank and Mary. Eoin, Frank and Mary work in a three-way partnership, with the Egans farming the land since the early 1800s. Eoin has been farming with his parents for as long as he can remember. He always showed a huge interest in the farm from a young age and spent as much time as he could learning the ropes from his father. Frank took over the farm full time at the age of 19, and distinctly remembers taking the bus into school at the age of 14 and longing to join the farmers he passed by each morning. Frank and Eoin have a keen interest in modern science and technologies and are always looking for ways to improve processes on farm.
Egan Farm Co. Kerry | Kerry Agribusiness
NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
“Be open to and embrace the Eoinaroundother-technologiesnewthere’snowayit.”Egan
Butterfat % (weighted): 4.11 Protein % (weighted): 3.60
Herd Size: 107 Milk Supply: 659,288
FARM FACTS
SCC (weighted): 91
TBC (weighted): 5,000
4
Hawkes Farm Co. Cork | Bandon Co-op
“Farmers Jessieenvironment.”ofcaretakersofcaretakersaretheland,theHawkes
Father and daughter duo Tony and Jessie Hawkes farm together in Innishannon, Co. Cork. Tony’s wife, Ita, and other children, Lucy, Mary, Annie and Connie also reside on the family farm. Jessie is the seventh generation to farm the land. Jessie completed a pharmaceutical course in CIT despite realising halfway through that her heart really belonged at home on the farm. She has since received her green cert and has completed a best milking practice course. The Hawkes family are keen to ensure that their farm is as sustainable as possible and pride themselves on their landscape that features hedgerows, wildlife and a ringfort.
FARM FACTS Herd Size: 142 Milk Supply: 878,222 TBC (weighted): 7,000 SCC (weighted): 90 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.08 Protein % (weighted): 3.49
5
The Heery’s are real lovers of the outdoors and are heavily involved in their local community. Michael founded the local athletics club which claims numerous well-known Irish sportspeople as alumni. Geraldine, an avid cyclist, previously represented Ireland in France and has completed the Tour de France Femmes. The family’s ethos of working hard at everything you do in life is truly evident.
Father6and
son duo Michael and Gerard Heery farm in Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath. Gerard is a fourth-generation farmer, and second-generation dairy farmer. Also on the farm are Gerard’s wife, Geraldine, and his mother, Brigid. It’s a family operation, with Gerard’s brothers and nephew getting involved when required. Michael has always been open-minded to improvements and changes, and always willing to explore new ideas.
“We have to ensure Gerardtablefoodaftergenerationsthatushaveonthetoo.”Heery NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards FARM FACTS Herd Size: 93 Milk Supply: 575,185 TBC (weighted): 4,000 SCC (weighted): 112 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.55 Protein % (weighted): 3.71
Heery Farm Co. Westmeath | Tirlán
7
“If you look after the land; it’ll look after Brianyou.”Hogan
Hogan Farm Co. Tipperary | Centenary Thurles Co-op
FARM FACTS Herd Size: 133 Milk Supply: 858,171 TBC (weighted): 11,000 SCC (weighted): 140 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.48 Protein % (weighted): 3.71
Brian, a fourth-generation farmer from Thurles, Co. Tipperary, works side-by-side with his father, Pat, on the family farm. Joining Brian on the Hogan farm are his wife, Lorraine, and three children, Caoimhe, Bríana and Liam. Brian has been helping his father out since the age of six and has always shown a keen interest in taking over the family farm. Having travelled and witnessed other dairy farm operations, Brian was eager to bring his learnings back home. The family have a huge respect for all the effort and passion that has gone into maintaining the land before them. The Hogans are committed to marrying invaluable learnings from times gone by with new and innovative ideas and practices.
FACTS Herd Size: 78 Milk Supply: 469,997 TBC (weighted): 8,000 SCC (weighted): 118 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.24 Protein % (weighted): 3.53
NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
8 farming“We’re Gearóidit.”jobandenvironmenttheit’sourtoprotectMaher
Gearóid Maher’s family farm is in Cappamore, Co. Limerick. He lives there with his wife, Sarah and young daughter, Sally Kate. A fourthgeneration farmer, Gearóid’s family have been farming the land since the mid-1800’s. Having completed an Agricultural Science degree in 2011, and after participating in the European Innovation Project, Gearóid became a Farming for Nature ambassador. Ever the optimist, Gearóid’s outlook on life is to make the most of what you do and to enjoy yourself while doing it. A family man, he prioritises finishing at a normal hour to spend quality time with his wife and daughter every evening. Gearóid credits Sophie, a neighbour studying Farm Management, for her dedication and support on the farm.
Maher Farm Co. Limerick | Dairygold Co-op
FARM
9
“I’ve wantedalwaystobe a dairy farmer.”
Maurice Moynihan
Maurice Moynihan farms with his father, Timmy, in Tralee, Co. Kerry. A third-generation farmer, Maurice began helping his father around the farm at the age of 11, and fell in love with farming life. His brothers, Teddy, Michael, Kevin and Thomas would help out when needed, especially at silage time. Animal husbandry comes naturally to Maurice, who feels that the health of the herd is key to a smooth-running operation that produces top quality milk. Maurice is open-minded and feels that it is necessary to move with the times in order to ensure continual improvement across all aspects of farming. Maurice considers farming a community affair and feels he would not be where he is today without the help and involvement of his neighbours and community.
Moynihan Farm Co. Kerry | North Cork Creameries
FARM FACTS Herd Size: 75 Milk Supply: 496,271 TBC (weighted): 12,000 SCC (weighted): 87 Butterfat % (weighted): 3.78 Protein % (weighted): 3.39
“You have to love Alannature.”yournatureworknature,withanddobestforNicholson NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards FARM FACTS Herd Size: 117 Milk Supply: 743,502 TBC (weighted): 7,000 SCC (weighted): 133 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.15 Protein % (weighted): 3.48
Alan Nicholson’s family farm is in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. He lives there with his wife, Andrea, and children, Sam and Amelia. Alan’s father, William, and his wife, Caroline, also live on the farm and are heavily involved in the day-to-day operation of the farm. Alan is a fifth-generation farmer, and operates a spring calving, grass-based system. He took over the running of the farm from his father in 2010 and has been continually improving its infrastructure. His children Sam, 7 years, and Amelia, 3 years, have begun to show a huge interest in the farm and love nothing more than bringing in the cows and feeding calves. The generational element is incredibly important to Alan; he grew up seeing his father and grandfather at work and hopes that his children can also learn the importance of loving what you do.
10
Nicholson Farm Co. Monaghan | Lakeland Dairies
Eric and his son, Austin, are based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, and have been farming together for the past number of years. Eric’s wife Tina, and their other children, Emer, Hazel and Rachel also reside on the family farm. Eric, a fifthgeneration farmer, took over the farm when he was just 15 years old. Austin is currently studying Agricultural Science in Tralee and is passionate about working on and taking over the family farm in the future. The farm is steeped in history - the original house was built over 300 years ago, and Eric’s father and uncle, who farmed the land before him, previously delivered milk around Tralee by pony. The family’s love for farming is evident in their passionate care of their cows above all else.
AustinyearhealthyhappyanimalssureMakingtheareandallround.”O’Brien
Co. Kerry | Lee Strand Co-op
FARM FACTS Herd Size: 70 Milk Supply: 425,752 TBC (weighted): 3,000 SCC (weighted): 82 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.14 Protein % (weighted): 3.44 11
O’Brien Farm
“Cow comfort is importantvery to us.
Shorten Farm Co. Cork | Lisavaird Co-op
Size: 119 Milk Supply: 859,838 TBC (weighted): 4,000 SCC (weighted): 77 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.29 Protein % (weighted): 3.47
FARM
Brian Shorten farms with his father, Ronald, and mother, Betty, in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Brian, a Dairy Business graduate from UCD, has farmed alongside his father since finishing college in 2017. The father-son duo work well as a team and Brian believes he would be lost without the help and advice of his father. The land was originally purchased by Ronald’s great-grandmother, Eliza, for her son Barnabas who then passed it on to his son, Jack. They are now third and fourth generation farmers and are keen to see their land passed on to the generations to come. Their operation is self-sustainable as they grow their own crops and work closely with Ronald’s brother, Karl, a beef farmer. Producing top quality milk is Ronald’s passion, while Brian brings a fresh approach to the farm with his interest in modern technologies.
Herd
NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
12 “If you BrianaheadmovingelseEverythingbackwards.you’restandingstaystill,goingisofyou.”Shorten
FACTS
13
Toohey Farm Co. Offaly | Arrabawn Co-op
Eoin and Colette Toohey live in Cloughjordan, Co. Offaly, with their four sons, David, Killian, Brian and Cathal. Eoin’s father purchased the land in 1971 and both Eoin and Colette have been farming it since 2001. Secondgeneration farmers, the Toohey operation is a family one through and through. The family still farms Colette’s land 20 miles away, as well as owning and operating a fully-functioning heifer-rearing and beef enterprise in North Kilkenny. True advocates of all things nature, the Tooheys are ever conscious of nurturing the environment around them and building towards a more sustainable future.
“We are Eoinstop.”worldweproducers.foodIfstop,thewouldToohey FARM FACTS Herd Size: 210 Milk Supply: 1,319,451 TBC (weighted): 9,000 SCC (weighted): 100 Butterfat % (weighted): 4.49 Protein % (weighted): 3.66
14
Dr. Jack Kennedy is Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal which he joined in October 2002. His main areas of responsibility span across the publication’s products, outlining the best existing and emerging technology inside, and outside, the farm-gate to Irish farmers.
He previously worked as a researcher at Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre at Moorepark. He hails from a farming background in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. He has a degree in Agriculture from University College Dublin and a doctorate from Moorepark and UCD. Jack’s interests outside of farming are cycling and following all sports.
Dr. Jack Kennedy Deputy Editor, Irish Farmers Journal
“It is clear the high standards achieved in milk quality are not a one-off special result. The track record of producing consistently high-quality standards not only this year but in previous years, reflects, through great attention to detail, the finalists’ dedication to providing top quality milk for consumers.”
Meet the Judges
NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
David is presently leading a number of research projects and has published over eighty peer-reviewed research papers. His previous research interests include machine milking, milking frequency, calf-rearing and farm labour efficiency. He hails from a farming background in Newport, Co. Tipperary. He has an MSc from University College Cork and a PhD degree from University College Dublin.
He was the first Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and contributed to the establishment of this science-based consumer protection agency, created in response to the BSE crisis. He was a founding member of the management board, and the second Chairperson of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) based in Parma, Italy. He was on the oversight committee for food safety at the Beijing Olympic Games and is a member of the international scientific advisory committee of the Chinese National Agency for Food Safety and Risk Assessment. He is also on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
“Every year, entrants to the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards impress the judges with high-calibre production practices and commitment to sustainable farming. Each finalist was put through intense scrutiny, including a thorough analysis of milk quality reports and technical data spanning twelve months. The judging process also included an inspection on farm to gain insights into areas such as animal welfare and sustainability. All finalists clearly demonstrated excellent standards in all facets of food production and are true ambassadors for Irish dairy.”
Dr. David Gleeson is a Research Officer in the Livestock Systems Department, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre at Moorepark. He is currently responsible for a research area with a focus on improving the quality of milk produced on dairy farms, with specific focus on milk hygiene, milk storage, teat disinfection, cleaning of milking equipment, detergents, minimizing residues at farm level and udder health.
He is chairperson of Independent Milk Laboratories, a joint venture between Progressive Genetics and the UK National Milk Records Group (NMR). He is on the board of management of Agri Aware and, since the onset of the pandemic, has been a director of the HSE Covid Control Centre located on the UCD campus.
15
Professor Patrick Wall Professor of Public Health at UCD
“When choosing a winner for this competition, the key parameters are top milk quality, a high standard of hygienic milking facilities, an economically sustainable system, consideration for the environment and the ability to take on the role of Ambassador for the dairy industry”
Prof. Patrick Wall is both a vet and a medical doctor. He is Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin, and a member of the UCD Institute for Food and Health. His research areas include food safety, nutrition and managing lifestyle related disease through behavioural change. As a doctor, he is a specialist in Communicable Diseases and was Head of the Foodborne Diseases Division of the UK CDC.
Dr. David Gleeson Research Officer Livestock Systems, Teagasc
#MadeForThis This booklet commemorates the 2022 national awards ceremony for the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, held on 14th September 2022. For more information please contact the team at www.qualitymilkawards.iequalitymilkawards@ndc.ie
