The O’Riordan family from Ballynoe in Kilbrin are among 14 farming families who have reached the finals of the 2023 National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Five other Cork families have been shortlisted for the award alongside the O’Riordans in what has been dubbed, the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’.
The prestigious awards, now in their twelfth year, honour farming families who work hard every day to produce top quality dairy using sustainable production methods. In recent years, additional criteria have been added to acknowledge dairy farmers who prioritise animal welfare, sustainability and hygiene on their farms.
James O’Riordan farms with his father, Martin, in Kilbrin, Kanturk with a sizeable herd of 184 cows. James is husband to Bríd and father to Lucy, Emily, Ellen and Oliver. His father, Martin, is a dedicated presence on the farm, reinforcing age-old farming traditions while warmly welcoming the winds of change. James is an advocate for biodiversity initiatives, he engages in beekeeping and recognises the pivotal role of hedgerows on the farm.
James places paramount importance on sustainability, balancing quality dairy production with environmental preservation. firmly rooted in the belief that farming is, above all, a family affair.
OTHER NOMINEES
Nearby farmers who have also been shortlisted include Gavin Dower who farms in Clashmore, Youghal, Co Waterford alongside his parents Eileen and Declan.
In 2011, Gavin entered a partnership on the farm with his father, having delved into business and accounting for four years before attending Agricultural College. Overlooking the local village of Clashmore and the Knockmealdown Mountains, their farm encompasses dairy, beef and tillage.
At Drangan More, Cahir, Co Tipperary, John Lonergan lives on the farm with his wife Martina and their daughter Cora, who are also shortlisted for the awards.
Officially taking the reins of the family farm at 27, John now hopes to pass the farm down to Cora, who shares an equal love for the land. Martina plays an integral role in the farm and the Lonergan’s close-knit relationship fosters a strong partnership between the three.
HOSPITAL FINALISTS
County Limerick’s John MacNamara and his wife Olivia and their four children Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe and Padraic who farm in Gormanstown, Hospital, have also been shortlisted.
The MacNamara farm’s legacy traces back to John’s father Pat, who entrusted John with its care after he completed the Green Cert at Teagasc, Kilmallock. John’s passion for farming was instilled from an early age and as the eldest of six children, he developed a robust work ethic and love for the land.
RECOGNISING GOOD FARM PRACTICES
Following nomination from their respective co-operative, each farming family participated in an intensive 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.
In recognising the strengths of Ireland’s family dairy farming system, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards also represent a celebration of the very best of Irish food production, which quality and sustainably produced dairy is very much at the heart of.
Widely considered one of Ireland’s leading culinary destinations, the award-winning Ballymaloe House will host this year’s special awards ceremony, where the overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced.
