Major Equipment overall winner at Agribusiness Awards

Major Equipment was named the winner of the overall award in last week’s Agribusiness Awards.

Headquartered in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, Major is a manufacturer and international exporter of a comprehensive range of grass cutting, slurry handling and site equipment.

Moocall, the brainchild of farmer and Birr native Niall Austin, was another big winner, claiming two category awards for Agribusiness of the Year (Emerging) and Innovation in Agribusiness.

Moocall is the answer to sleep deprived farmers’ prayers during calving season. The ingenious sensor, attached to a cow’s tail, alerts farmers by text when the first signs of labour start.

Marie Curtin of Temple Dairy was named Agribusiness Rising Star 2016. Marie, who has lined out for Ireland’s international women’s soccer team and plays inter-county Gaelic football with Limerick, is in business with her father Sean Curtin on his farm in Rosstemple, Athlacca, Co Limerick.

Temple Dairy has successfully plugged into a global trend by bringing to market a chocolate milk recovery drink, high in protein and aimed at athletes.

Aidan Cotter, the Bord Bia chief executive, was named Agribusiness Leader 2016 (see page 21).

The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science won the award for Leadership in Agricultural Education.

Devised and organised by Event Strategies, the Agribusiness Awards are adjudicated by an independent panel of recognised and expert judges, representing Ireland’s agribusiness industry .

Category winners were as follows.

Agribusiness of the Year (Dairy):

Dairygold Co-operative Society.

Agribusiness of the Year (Cattle and Beef):

APB Food Group.

Agribusiness of the Year (Pigs and Pigment):

Oakpark.

Agribusiness of the Year (Fresh Fruit and Vegetables):

Meade Potato Company.

Agribusiness of the Year (Crops):

Quinns of Baltinglass.

Agribusiness of the Year (Equipment and Machinery):

Major Machinery.

Agribusiness of the Year (Prepared Foods):

Clonakilty Black Pudding.

Agribusiness of the Year (Food and Beverage Producer):

Manor Farm.

Agribusiness of the Year (Merchant):

Quinns of Baltinglass.

Agribusiness of the Year (Emerging):

Moocall.

Excellence in the Provision of Professional Services:

HerdPlus (rish Cattle Breeding Federation).

Excellence in Sustainability:

Carbery Group.

Best use of Technology:

Aurivo Dairy Ingredients.

Innovation in Agribusiness:

Moocall.

Excellence in Education and Training:

UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.

Excellence in Health Safety:

Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College.