Tom Power takes Milk Award title

Waterford farmer Tom Power has been chosen as 2016 National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award winner ahead of a competitive field of top-quality milk farmers.

Milking 200 cows on 124 hectares with 65 hectares used for grazing and an average herd yield of 6,200 litres in Cappagh, West Waterford, Tom delivered almost 1.2m litres of milk to Glanbia last year.

Tom is the fifth generation of Powers at Drumhills farm. Most of the grazing platform is between 700 and 800 feet above sea level, bringing with it weather challenges.

In 2004, he installed a 20-unit DeLaval herringbone jar plant with automated cluster removers in 2004. He says new technologies help maximise the potential of his farm. He has enough storage and facilities to cater for 250 cows.

“The unit works well and ensures every cow is milked properly,” said Tom.

“We look after the plant, servicing it routinely and it has given us 12 years of milking twice daily. We change liners three times a year and are very happy with the service. The DeLaval cluster removers are also a big advantage.”

Tom is registered with Bord Bia’s Sustainable Assurance Scheme. He is married to Moya and they have two young daughters, Ella and Chloe.

Tom’s parents, Jim and Bríd, also bring experience to the farm.