NDC and Kerrygold quality awards for top 10 farms

A model farm where baskets of flowers welcome visitors to the 20-unit milking parlour has won Ireland’s top prize for best quality milk.

Inside, Tom Power walks and trains heifers through the parlour every day during the build-up to calving, to reduce stress on the animals as part of his focus on having clean and healthy cows.

2016 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards winners Tom and Moya Power milked 200 cows in 2015 at Drumhills Farm Ltd, Ballymullala, Cappagh, Co Waterford.

Moya works in marketing at the nearby Flahavan and Sons oats milling business in Kilmacthomas, and Tom’s parents, Jim and Bríd, play an important support role on the farm. Tom’s cousin Shane Flavin works full-time on the farm.

Tom is the fifth generation to farm the 124 hectares, of which 65 hectares is used for grazing.

Cows are at grass from February or March to December.

The average herd yield is 6,200 litres (1,362 gallons) and milk is supplied to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland.

Average 2015 figures were: TBC 5, SCC 102, butterfat 4.43%, protein 3.67%, and lactose 4.82%.

Tom says he practices “preventative maintenance” — aiming to keep all stock healthy, with emphasis placed on vaccinating.

The farm has facilities to cater for 250 cows, since an expansion in 2006. Tom intends to invest in a new cubicle house and to convert existing cubicles into a calf house.

The farm is registered with the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, and uses milk recording. he Powers take part in a dairy discussion group.

On Tuesday in Dublin, the Powers were presented with their prize of €5,000 and the coveted NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup. Presentations were also made to nine other top dairy farmers.

Three farms received ‘Excellence in Milk Quality’ Awards:

Tom and Moya Power.

Ian and David Lambeton, Fahan, Co Donegal, suppliers to Aurivo Co-op

Arthur, Ann and Conor O’Leary, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, Kerry Agribusiness.

Seven farms received National Category Awards:

Highest milk solids per hectare:

Sean and Treasa Moher, Croughmore Lower, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, Dairygold Co-op.

Development:

John, Margaret and Denis O’Dwyer, Knockgorman, Donohill, Co Tipperary, Tipperary Co-op.

Sustainability:

Thomas and Laura Griffin (Griffin Dairy Farms Ltd), Ballinroher, Timoleague, Bandon, Co Cork, Barryroe Co-op.

Highest Protein:

Tim and Breda Hurley and family, Cahirbeg, Rosscarbery, Co Cork, Lisavaird Co-op.

Lowest TBC:

Jim and Derry Byrne, Clonmore, Bree, Co Wexford, Glanbia Ingredients Ireland.

Lowest SCC:

Gary, Emma and Martin Horan, Slevoyre, Terryglass, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Arrabawn Co-op.

Lowest SCC runner-up:

Nicky and Philip Thornton, Dualla, Cashel, Co Tipperary, Centenary Thurles Co-op.