Tipperary farmer crowned regional winner at Dairygold Milk Quality Awards

Taoiseach Micheál Martin presented Dairygold Milk Supplier Fergus Austin with the award for best quality milk in the Tipperary region and third overall in the Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards held in the Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co Cork.

The Austin family are farming 150 acres in one block in Bellpark, Co Tipperary, milking 94 cows currently with the assistance of one full time employee.

READ MORE: Trophies galore for ‘dynamic’ Cashel Community School choir

The judges remarked on the excellent milk quality on the farm and the frequency of milk recording which has contributed to that.

The judges also commented on Fergus’ emphasis on breeding, with his breeding decisions contributing to excellent milk solids and herd health.

There is also a strong focus on sustainability on the farm, with clover swards established via reseeding and use of a dribble bar to spread slurry on the farm effectively.

Tipperary was also home to this year’s Special Recognition Award winner, Eamon Norris with the judges crowning him the winner for the implementation of exceptional leanfarm practices across the farm.

Eamon, his father Michael and mother Eileen are milking 49 cows in Shortcastle, Co Tipperary.

The judges pointed to numerous excellent examples across the farm that demonstrate both Eamon and Michael’s ingenuity when it comes to make their farm a safer and easier place to work.

Some of those included Eamon’s designing and manufacturing of his own milk cart, cost effective alterations to cow housing to make the separation of milking and dry cows as well as movement to the milking parlour more efficient.

Michael has also installed multiple slipways within their cattle crush to allow for the safe and effective handling of stock.

READ MORE: A long-time supporter of Comhaltas is presented with an award at Tipperary County Fleadh

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, guest of honour at the event, commended the role of family farming in Ireland and the importance of supporting it for future success: “The success we see in Irish farming today is a testament to the professionalism and resilience of our farm families. The dairy sector is a cornerstone of our rural economy, and it is farmers like those honoured today who are securing its future. Sustainability is central to that future and the evidence of the commitment of these farmers to more sustainable farming practices is very encouraging, as they lay the groundwork for the next generation to thrive.”

Speaking about the awards, Dairygold Chairperson Pat Clancy said: “These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and consistency of our Milk Suppliers, who strive for excellence in milk quality. Their efforts are the foundation of Dairygold’s success. This year, we are especially proud to introduce the Young Farmer of the Year Award, a reflection of the emerging talent within our Co-Op and our commitment to fostering the next generation of dairy farmers.”

Congratulating the winners, Dairygold Chief Executive Michael Harte added: “Our Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards are a highlight of the year for the Business, an opportunity to recognise the hard work of our Milk Suppliers who make it possible for Dairygold to produce the best in class products our Customers have come to expect from us.

"The efforts of all of our Milk Suppliers recognised here tonight show that quality milk production and sustainability can go hand in hand. These award winners are not only leading by example today but helping shape the future of sustainable dairy farming among our Dairygold Members.

"It is also encouraging to see the widespread adoption of more sustainable farming practices across our Milk Supplier base, which were clearly demonstrated as part of this awards process. These practices not only enhance water quality and further bolster the argument for the retention of the nitrates derogation, they also go a long way towards reducing our sectoral emissions and achieving our Climate Action Targets.”

The awards were based on 2024 milk quality data from Dairygold’s 2,500 Milk Suppliers across Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Waterford. Eighteen finalists were shortlisted from each of the six Dairygold regions and assessed by a team of expert judges.