Local farmer honoured at Milk Quality Awards

A local farmer has been acknowledged for his contribution to dairy farming excellence at the Aurivo Milk Quality Awards.

Justin Claffey from Athlone received the award for Most Improved SCC (Somatic Cell Count).

Justin Claffey began milking his third-generation farm in Co Westmeath in 1996. Justin’s four children, Donagh, Rían, Evin and Laoise, help out on the farm, where they milk 60 Holstein Friesian cows on, 90 hectares of land. Justin credits his most improved SCC award to good hygiene and good farm practices.

Now in its 13th year, the Aurivo Milk Quality awards recognise the standard of excellence in dairy farming by Aurivo milk suppliers, as well as their dedication and commitment to milk production in the previous year.

Stephen Blewitt, General Manager, Aurivo Dairy said: “Aurivo is very proud of its quality milk pool and that’s down to the commitment of over 1,000 suppliers across Ireland. Each of our category winners are outstanding ambassadors for Aurivo and the dairy farming sector, by achieving and maintaining the highest standards of milk production, enabling Aurivo to develop quality products and unlock new opportunities for our milk.

“The annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards serve to highlight and reward dairy farming excellence in our region, the dedication and commitment of our milk suppliers, to the production of the highest quality milk throughout 2019. I would like to personally congratulate Justin on his success, which is well deserved.”