Milk quality award for local farmer
A Ballinahown farmer was a runner up in a the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards recently.
Kieran Duffy was chosen as the highly commended runner-up in the over 500,000 litre producer Republic of Ireland category in the prestigious awards.
The Milk Quality Awards are public recognition of the achievements of Lakeland Dairies’ milk suppliers who are committed to quality in all aspects of their milk production. The winners emerged from among 3,200 farm families across 17 counties who produce milk for the 2bn litres Lakeland Dairies milk pool.
The Supreme Champion of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards was announced as Stephen Cargill Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, who claimed the accolade for the exceptionally high quality of milk produced on his farm throughout the past year. Mr Cargill also took home the over 1m litre producer category award in Northern Ireland.
The awards were presented by Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Affairs, Heather Humphreys, with Lakeland Dairies Chairman Niall Matthews and Group Chief Executive Colin Kelly.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Heather Humphreys said: "It's an excellent achievement to be acknowledged by your own co-operative for producing superior quality milk. That kind of quality doesn’t just happen overnight. It's an enduring commitment, involving a lifetime's dedication to unmatched standards each time you walk the fields, check on your herd or enter the milking parlour. I express my admiration for Lakeland Dairies’ farming families. They form the foundation of an impressive cross-border operation, making a remarkable impact both locally and internationally. I am also very pleased to note that sustainability is a driving force for Lakeland Dairis and a platform for their ongoing progress and success through the production of world-class food."
Lakeland Dairies Chairman, Niall Matthews paid tribute to the award winners: "As dairy farmers, we produce the 2 billion litres of nutritious milk that serve as the foundation for a very wide range of Lakeland dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the globe. Dairy farming is a profession that spans generations, providing sustenance for families, fuelling rural economies, and playing an essential role in environmental sustainability. We are proud of the very high quality of our milk pool. I extend my congratulations to all of our dedicated dairy farmers for their commendable achievements and their invaluable, ongoing contribution to our farmer-owned dairy co-operative."
Republic of Ireland
Peter and Enda Duffy, Cornahoe, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan won the Over 500,000 litre producer category award in the Republic of Ireland.
The highly commended runner-up in the Over 500,000 litre producer category was Kieran Duffy, BallinahownSeamus McNally, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan was the winner of the Under 500,000 litre producer category.
Thomas and Colm Mallon Lislum, Kenagh, Co Longford were the highly commended runners-up in the Under 500,000 producer category.
Killian Brennan of CDR Farms, Kilcogy Upper, Co Longford won the Lakeland Dairies Sustainability Award for outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production and environmental and economic sustainability.
Dairy farmers Laurence Dorian and Patrick Lynch Mullins Cross, Dunleer, Co. Louth, were declared winners of the Republic of Ireland Best New Entrant Category.
Northern Ireland
Stephen Cargill Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim won the over 1m litre milk producer category in Northern Ireland
Smyth McCann, Bangor, Co Down was the highly commended runner-up in the over 1m litre producer category of the awards in Northern Ireland.
Derick and Hall Donnell, Ballymagorry, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, won the Under 1m litre producer category in Northern Ireland.
Michael Quinn 48 Newry Road, Mullaghbane, Newry, Co Down was the highly commended runner-up in the Under 1m litre producer category in Northern Ireland.
Gary Agnew, Kingstown, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh won the Northern Ireland Best New Entrant Category