Flahavan’s announces oat growers of the year for 2025

Martin O'Regan from Coolyrahilly, Kinsale, Co Cork, celebrates being awarded Flahavan’s Conventional Oat Grower of the Year 2025 Award alongside his father Jim O’Regan and his two sons, Aaron and Bobby O’Regan. 

The "exceptional skill, dedication, and stewardship" shown by the growers who supply Ireland’s favourite oats was celebrated at Flahavan’s Oat Grower of the Year awards.

This year’s awards honoured excellence across two categories: Conventional Oat Growers and Organic Oat Growers. Competition was exceptionally strong, reflecting the depth of talent within Flahavan’s grower community.

Independent judging was carried out by Ciarán Collins (Teagasc, Tillage Specialist) for the Conventional category and Martin Bourke (Teagasc, Organic Tillage Specialist) for the Organic category.

Entries were assessed first on grain quality — including kernel content, bushel weight, moisture, aroma, flavour, colour, and cleanliness. Finalists were then evaluated for grower excellence, assessing agronomy knowledge, field practice, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The judges remarked on the exceptional calibre of this year’s submissions, praising the consistently high standards delivered by Flahavan’s growers, who play a central role in maintaining the quality expected of Ireland’s market leader in oat-based foods.

The 2025 Conventional Oat Grower of the Year was awarded to Martin O’Regan from Co Cork. Martin delivered outstanding performance across his Isabel Oat supply, consistently producing exceptionally clean grain underpinned by strong agronomy and a keen focus on environmental care.

Ciarán commended Martin as a standout contributor year after year, noting that his reliability and passion set a benchmark across the grower group.

Organic Oat Grower of the Year was awarded to James O’Connell of Thurles, Co Tipperary. James’ Husky Oat crop performed to an exceptional standard, consistently delivering bushel weights in excess of 60kph.

Martin highlighted James’ impressive achievement of top marks across all categories — environmental sustainability, grain quality, and grower knowledge — reflecting both his technical approach and deep respect for the land.

Commenting on the awards, Flahavan’s operations manager, Johnny Flahavan, said: “Our growers play a crucial role in everything we do. 

"Their knowledge, hard work and commitment to doing things the right way mean we can continue to deliver consistent, high-quality Irish oats to our customers at home and abroad. We’re pleased to recognise this year’s winners, and we appreciate the ongoing effort from all growers across the country.”