Limerick farm family crowned winner of quality milk awards
The Macnamara family, winner of the 2023 NDC and Kerrygold Milk Quality Awards. Picture: Clare Keogh
The Macnamara family from Co Limerick has claimed the top prize at the 2023 National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
From Gormanstown, Hospital, the farm was named the overall winner of the awards at a ceremony held at Ballymaloe House in Co Cork on Tuesday.
A total of 14 farming families from seven counties representing 14 dairy co-ops were nominated.
Following a nomination from their co-ops, each finalist participated in a judging process examining a broad range of criteria including environmental management, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management, and technical performance, among other core indicators.
The Macnamaras, who supply Kerry Agribusiness, were recognised among their peers for "demonstrating high standards of excellence across the board".
John Macnamara and his wife Olivia farm with their four children - Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe, and Padraic.
Joining the family at the ceremony on Tuesday was Mr McNamara's mother Mary, along with farm student Cathal O'Brien.
Mr Macnamara told the that the family was “shocked” at its achievements on the day.
"The quality of the contestants that were with us was exceptional. First of all, to be recognised by Kerry Agribusiness as a contestant we're very proud of that; and to be picked the winner, I’m a bit shocked," he said.
"We produce a product really well, no different to everyone else here."
The Macnamara farm also took the category award for farm infrastructure.
Mr Macnamara said that good farm roadways, water troughs, and the layout of the paddocks and fields all "probably helped us with the overall marks".
Additionally: "We bring a lot of students and a lot of classes right from playschool up as far as the ag colleges onto the farm, we’re involved in the education side of things as well," Mr Macnamara said.
"We have a serious pride and passion for what we do, the whole family is involved."
Mr Macnamara's father Pat died 10 years ago, and he was the one who "instilled all this work ethic and passion into us".
"Today is a day for him as well," Mr Macnamara added.
Zoë Kavanagh, chief executive of the National Dairy Council, said that this family farming model "is exactly why Irish dairy is so unique and special".
She said it "has been practised in Ireland for over 6,000 years and continues to ensure that Irish dairy is renowned and revered for its high quality at home and abroad".
"We need to continue to celebrate the sustainability of Ireland’s grass-based production system which sets us apart and creates a highly nutritious and affordable product, which will continue to nourish generations to come," Ms Kavanagh added.
The overall runner-up award along with the environment management category award went to the Bergin farm of Co Tipperary, which supplies Centenary Thurles Co-op.
Denis and Teresa Bergin with their son David run their family farm in Kilbragh, Cashel, supported by their son Keith and daughter Avril.
David, a fifth-generation farmer, briefly pursued a career as a jockey before returning to his true passion of dairy farming.
The farm has the ruins of a 12th-century village standing proudly, and an old church and village on the Bergins’ lane also form part of the heritage of the farm.
Denis Bergin told the that the family is "delighted" with the awards, which were unexpected for them.
The farm was not always a dairy enterprise, Mr Bergin explained.
"David was more interested in horses and went to the UK for a while as a jockey, but came back," Mr Bergin said.
"The rest is history. We’ve enjoyed it, it’s profitable, David is getting on well and I think the farm is on a sound footing going forward."
Mr Bergin acknowledges that there are "always going to be challenges" for the sector, but the biggest fears currently are around "environmental issues".
However, the family "had a big challenge in 2016 and we took it on and we conquered it, so I suppose we just have to drive on and make the most of what we have".
"It’s an honour to get to where we are, 95% of the credit goes to David because he took to it like a duck to water and has embraced all the challenges and he’s very confident going forward. You can’t beat youth," Mr Bergin said.
He said he feels the "elephant in the room" is that family farms "could be in trouble because if you look at it, a lot of farms in the 80 to 110 cows, there’s no one to take them over".
A total of seven category awards were presented to families who recorded outstanding performance in various areas.
The grassland management award went to the Brennan Farm in Co Cavan, while the adoption of technologies award went to Co Cork's Coleman farm.
The best protein and butterfat percentage award was won by the Gordon farm in Co Mayo; the lowest carbon footprint award was won by the Lonergan farm, Co Tipperary; and the highest EBI award went to the O’Leary farm, Co. Cork.
Ornua chairman Aidan O'Driscoll commended the "dedication" of the 14 finalists, "who represent the qualities of our unique grass-based family farming system and are role models for our industry and their respective communities".
"I would like to thank each of the families for their continued commitment to strengthening the high standards of dairy excellence that these awards proudly celebrate," he said.
This year’s judging panel included Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production in University College Dublin School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin; and Dr David Gleeson of Teagasc.
