Quality is central to industry’s future success

NEVER before in the history of the Irish livestock and meat industry has the issue of quality become so central to its future success, Bord Bia’s new chief executive Aidan Cotter has told producers.

He was speaking at the presentation of the Bord Bia quality beef and lamb producer awards to overall winners Derek and Mary Deane, Tombeigh, Hacketstown, Co Carlow (beef) and James and Helen Power, Ballinamintra, Dunmore East, Co Waterford (lamb).

Mr Cotter said the role of the market post decoupling, the overwhelming shift in focus to discerning European markets and the prospect of continuing competition from low cost regions were just three reasons why the awards assumed a new significance.

"In honouring the winners' outstanding achievements, we are sending a strong signal that the future belongs to those who understand what the market wants and can deliver it to the very highest standards of quality and efficiency," he said.

The Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc co-sponsored the awards and each overall winner received 5,000 and a specially commissioned Bord Bia trophy.

Overall Winners:

Beef: Derek and Mary Deane, Tombeigh, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow.

Lamb: James and Helen Power, Ballinamintra, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.

Beef: Section Awards Eamon and Monica Power, Clonwalsh, Powerstown, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (finishing), Raymond and Margaret Palmer, Carrick, Castlefinn, Co. Donegal (weanling),

Merit Awards James and Denise Duggan, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo (quality assurance), John and Joan Finlay, Ballycuddy, Ballacolla, Co. Laois (marketing), John Cleary, Ballycolliton, Puckane, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary (labour efficiency), Richard and Catherine Bergin, Dangans, Mountmellick, Co. Laois (grass management), David and Jennifer Merrin, Annacroff, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan (development)

Lamb: Merit Awards Edward Plunkett, Clonegal, Tullow, Co. Carlow (quality assurance), Pat and Paddy O'Brien, Culleen, Headford, Co. Galway (labour efficiency).