Waterford farming family celebrate Tirlán award of Milk Supplier of the Year
Tirlán, a farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, celebrated excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards.
John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, County Waterford were presented with the Milk Supplier of the Year award. John is the fifth generation of his family to farm there and says the family farm is very special to him.
'We put huge emphasis on animal health, whether it be the calves or the cows. We try to keep their nutrition right at all times,' said John. 'Grass is number one and we try to get as much quality grass into them as we can. If we don't look after this country and this earth, nobody else is going to. We have to keep things right on farm. The vast majority of farmers are doing that and doing it very well.'
A total of sixteen awards were presented across a variety of categories at the awards, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year.
John Murphy, chairperson of Tirlán, congratulated all recipients, saying: 'These awards are a celebration of the passion, care and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day.
'It all starts on the family farm and it's about so much more than milk. It's about the family farm business. It's about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing.
'The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. It's something we're very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day.'
Seán Molloy, CEO of Tirlán, added: 'We are incredibly proud of our suppliers and their commitment to quality and sustainability. They are the reason our products are trusted across Ireland and around the world.
'Working with our suppliers, we continue focus on innovation, enhancing biodiversity, protecting our waterways, embracing new technology and new ways of working to reduce carbon. Our strong focus on farming with nature and animal welfare ensures we are building a better, more resilient future for Irish dairy.'
Tirlán family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including the number one dairy brand, Avonmore.
Suppliers have also been adopters of new technologies and continue to further enhance sustainability on their farms through a focus on reducing on-farm emissions and allowing space for nature. Over 99pc of Tirlán milk suppliers are signed up to the cooperative's Sustainability Action Payments initiative.
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