Local farm families win in Lakeland Dairies Supreme Milk Quality Awards
Two farm families in Westmeath have been recognised for producing the highest quality milk in the Lakeland Dairies Supreme Milk Quality Awards.
The Milk Quality Awards are public recognition of the achievements of the farmers who supply Lakeland Dairies, who are committed to quality in all aspects of their milk production.
The winners emerged from among 3,200 farm families in 16 counties who produce for the 2bn litres Lakeland Dairies milk pool.
The awards were presented by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, and Lakeland Dairies chairman Niall Matthews and group chief executive Michael Hanley yesterday, Thursday 23 June.
Minister McConalogue said: “To win an award where you are recognised by your own co-op for having produced a top-quality product is a truly remarkable achievement. Producing high-quality milk is not something that is done overnight – it is a lifetime’s achievement and the result of a commitment to excellence every time you step into the parlour and every breeding decision you make.
“I commend all the Lakeland Dairies farm families – they are the bedrock of a hugely impressive cross-border operation. The co-op is a shining beacon of sustainably, exporting world-class products across the globe. Sustainability is a key priority for the Lakeland Dairies farm families and the entire co-op and I pay tribute to this drive for continuous improvement. Both I and the rest of the Government will back this sustainability agenda while continuing to support the production of world-class food.”
Lakeland Dairies Supreme Milk Quality Champions
The Supreme Champions of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards are William and Alan Nicholson, Drumacrib, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.
>500,000 Litre Category Winners
• The Nicholsons also took home the >500,000 litre producer category award in the Republic of Ireland.
• The highly commended runners-up in the >500,000 litre producer category were Richard and Joan Greene, Killeen, Multyfarnham.
<500,000 Litre Category Winners
• Sean Higgins, Trim, was the winner of the <500,000 litre producer category.
• Micheal Smith, Lishenry, Ballyjamesduff, was the highly commended runner-up in the <500,000 producer category.
Sustainability Award Winners
Rosemary and David Moran, Glasson, won the Lakeland Dairies Sustainability Award for their outstanding commitment to sustainable milk production and environmental and economic sustainability.
Best New Entrants
Lakeland Dairies has welcomed over 350 new milk producers to the co-operative in recent years.
• Dairy farmers PJ, Peter Jnr and Donal Grogan, Leamore, Tullamore, were declared winners of the Republic of Ireland Best New Entrant Category.
• Kevin and John McDonnell, Brookeboro, County Fermanagh, won the Northern Ireland Best New Entrant Category, for their high quality of milk supplied to Lakeland Dairies.
Mr Matthews paid tribute to the award winners: “Dairy farmers produce the 2 billion litres of wholesome milk that we use to create a diverse range of dairy products for our customers worldwide. Dairy farming crosses the generations, creating a livelihood for families while contributing to rural economic development and environmental sustainability.
“We are proud of the high quality of our milk pool as exemplified by the winners of the Lakeland Dairies milk quality awards. I congratulate all of our dairy farmers for their achievements and for their excellent ongoing contribution to our farmer owned dairy co-operative.”
Mr Hanley added: “The population of the world relies on the quality and integrity of the global food supply chain from farm to fork. This demand continues to grow and dairy provides the solution. Quality and sustainability are the building blocks of our entire business and this underpins the trust that our customers and consumers place in us. The milk producers of Lakeland Dairies have always met this responsibility with great dedication. I’m delighted to pay tribute to their achievements as we recognise our milk quality award winners.
“Despite higher costs, those farmers who have continued to spread fertiliser and to feed cows as normal, are being handsomely and profitably rewarded with the record high milk prices throughout this year.”