15

May, 2024

Aurivo’s 17th annual Milk Quality Awards
Celebrates Hard Work and Dedication in Dairy Farming.

The 17th annual Milk Quality Awards hosted by Aurivo was held on the 7th May to honour commitment, dedication, and overall excellence in dairy farming. A total of eight farms were awarded for their work in 2023, ranging from Champion of Sustainability to most improved SCC. Each of these farms have been recognised by Aurivo for factors such as their dedication to animal welfare, sustainable farming practices, and excellence in milk quality

Dara Killeen, Overall Winner and Aurivo Champion of Sustainability
Dara and Beatrix Killeen, of Bawnmore farm in Co. Galway, were chosen as the overall winner, and were honoured for their commitment to excellent milk quality and sustainability across all aspects of farming practice.

Sustainability is brought into everyday practice through milk-recording, the use of EBI and DBI indexes when making breeding decisions, participating in the National Genotyping Programme and protected urea use. The inclusion of clover and multi species swards has reduced the amount of chemical fertiliser used on farm. There is ample space for nature, with 10km of hedgerows, allowing biodiversity to flourish.

Having been passed down for four generations, Bawnmore farm is a true family affair, with Dara relying heavily on the help and support of his parents Mary and Charlie, wife Beatrix, and two children, Isabella and Oliver. Dara began milking in 2019, leaving the world of sheep and beef farming behind, and now has 160 high EBI, cross-bred cows on 120 hectares.

He will now go on to represent Aurivo at the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, which seeks to celebrate excellence in milk suppliers.

Aurivo Milk Quality Awards Overall Winners 2023, Isabella, Dara, Oliver and Beatrix Killeen of Bawnmore Farm in Co. Galway

 

Donal Tierney, Chief Executive of Aurivo, sincerely thanked the farms involved for their commitment, stating “Without the hard work and dedication afforded to us by our farming families, Aurivo would not be able to produce some of the best quality dairy products in the world. It is an absolute pleasure to honour our awardees who have thrived despite a difficult 2023 that involved challenging weather and declining milk prices. As we continue into 2024, I look forward to our enduring partnerships that allow us to maintain producing the highest quality dairy products while simultaneously protecting and safeguarding the environment around us.

The seven other milk suppliers honoured for their excellence in dairy farming include:

 

Michael Marley, Excellence in Udder Health:
Hailing from Templeogue, Co. Sligo, the Marley family have been farming for three generations. With 26 Holstein Friesian cows, Michael attributes his success in udder health to good hygiene practices, including clean mats; liming twice a day, and post-spraying. In addition, he prides himself on his attention to detail, watching closely for clots in filter socks.

 

Ian McKeague, Lowest TBC in Liquid Milk:
Ian McKeague farms 100 Pedigree Holstein cows in Culdaff, Co. Donegal. The McKeague family have been farming since records began, and as such, have developed a surefire way to ensure their liquid milk contains the lowest TBC possible. The practice involves three hot and one cold wash after every four milkings with the auto washer maintaining consistency in the wash routine. Ian’s attention to detail and excellent hygiene practices guarantees low levels of bacteria in his milk.

Back: Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Lawrence McNamee Aurivo Board Member, Lisa McKeague, Ian McKeague, Donal Tierney Aurivo CEO, Paul Cullinan Aurivo Dairy Advisor.
Front: Anna, Grace and Rose McKeague.

 

Kevin Madden, Most Improved SCC
Kevin Madden has been honoured for the most improved somatic cell count on his farm in Roxborough, outside Roscommon town. He milks 110 Holstein Friesian cows with the help of his wife Lyndsey and son, Owen. Kevin attributes his improved SCC to strident milk-recording and hygiene practices including dipping clusters after each cow and stripping each cow every morning.

Raymond Barlow Chairman Aurivo, Tommie Devine Dairy Advisor Aurivo, Michael Kenny Aurivo Board Member and Aurivo CEO Donal Tierney with Kevin Madden and his family from Co. Roscommon, awarded for Most Improved SCC at Aurivo Milk Quality Awards.

 

Craig Finnerty, Highest Average Milk Solids
Craig comes from a first-generation farm in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway where he farms 70 Jersey-cross cows. Craig receives a helping hand from his father Paddy, mother Collette, wife Laura and his five boys, Jamie, Luke, Kyle, Charlie and Leo. Having secured the award for the highest average milk solids, Craig believes his success comes from the farms grass quality, grazing the right covers, a good baseline of stock, breeding the best quality cow, and a compact calving rate.

Back: Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Kevin Callanan Aurivo Board Member, Craig Finnerty, Colette Finnerty, Paddy Finnerty, Killian Bannon Aurivo Dairy Advisor, Donal Tierney Aurivo CEO.
Front: Luke, Jamie and Kyle Finnerty.

 

Vincent Diskin, Best New Entrant
Vincent took over his fourth-generation family farm near Tuam, Galway in 2015, making the decision to convert to dairy farming in the process. He now milks 60 high-EBI Holstein Friesians on his farm in which he lives with wife, Andrea and their three children, Luke, Keith, and Ella, as well as his father Paddy. Vincent credits his success to several factors including his attention to detail on grass, hygiene practices on the farm and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Killian Bannon Aurivo Dairy Advisor, Andrea, Ella, Luke, Vincent, Keith, Carmel and Paddy Diskin, Seamus Killoran Aurivo Board member (back), Donal Tierney Aurivo CEO.

 

William McCollum, Best Northern Ireland Supplier
William has been farming at Carin Farm in Coleraine, Co. Derry for 50 years, now milking 300 Holsteins with his son Andrew. Having been recognised as the best Northern Ireland Supplier for 2023, William attributes his success to his strident focus on genetics, closely followed by optimal management to keep SCC low, as well as dry cow management. His aim is always to keep his cows in positive energy, resulting in high fat and protein.

Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Allister Erskine Aurivo Dairy Advisor, Andrew and Jane McCollum, Lawrence McNamee Aurivo Board Member, Donal Tierney Aurivo CEO, David Nesbitt Aurivo Dairy Advisor.

 

Michael Gibbons, Lowest TBC in Manufacturing Milk
Michael, from Claremorris in Mayo, currently milks 40 Holstein Friesian cows. He is a second-generation farmer, having took over the farm from his father. During the 38 years Michael has been perfecting his craft, he has come up with a robust approach to lower TBC in manufacturing milk. This includes a strict hotwash routine of caustic and descale in place, ensuring the correct temperatures at the start of hot wash and discarding the water at the right temperature, having the right equipment for cooling the milk using a variable speed pump and plate cooler and regular inspections of the milking equipment.

Raymond Barlow Aurivo Chairman, Simona Ciorita Aurivo Dairy Advisor, Michael Gibbons, Eamon Gibbons, Siru Vannemaa, Aurivo CEO Donal Tierney.

 

 

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Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Lung, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

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Homeland, Ballaghaderreen
4 College Ct, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, F45 DR13, Ireland

Contact Name: Francis McDonagh
Address: Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
Phone: 094 9860081
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Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane
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Monday - Friday - 9am-5.30pm
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Homeland, Ballina
Crossmolina Rd, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Donal Tuohy

Address: Crossmolina Rd, Ballina, Co Mayo.
Phone: 096 73588
Fax: 096 73589
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Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane
Mobile: 087 185 4535

Opening Hours:
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Homeland, Castlebar
Glencar, Fortfield, Moneenbradagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Manager: Larry Hughes
Address: Springfield, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Phone: 094 9022311
Fax: 094 9022910
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Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan
Mobile: 087 367 4073

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.45pm
Sat: 9am - 4.30pm

Homeland Plus, Westport
5 Castlebar Rd, Carrowbeg, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Alan Gibbons
Address: Lodge Rd, Westport, Co. Mayo
Phone: 098 27535
Fax: 098 27543

Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan
Mobile: 087 367 4073

Opening Hours:

Monday - Sat - 9am-5.30pm

Homeland, Swinford
2 Fraunhill, Swineford, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Darragh Halligan
Address: Swinford, Co Mayo.
Phone: 094 9251360
Fax: 094 9251360
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane
Mobile: 087 185 4535

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday - 9am-6pm
Saturday - 9am-5pm

Homeland Agri, Achonry
Achonry, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Address: Achonry, Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo
Phone: 071 9184127

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Thurs, Sat: 9am - 1pm
Closed for Lunch from 1.30pm to 2.15pm

Homeland Plus, Deep Water Quay, Sligo
Icos House, Finisklin Rd, Cartron, Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: Andrew Hodgson
Address: Deep Water Quay, Sligo
Phone: 071 9161879
Fax: 071 9150274
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat - 9am - 5.30pm

Homeland Agri, Athleague
R362, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

Contact Name: Tony White
Address: Athleague, Co Roscommon.
Phone: 090 6663322
Fax: 090 6663580
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Kelly
Mobile: 087 272 3636

Farm Commercial Specialist: Mark Whelan
Mobile: 087 608 2036

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 4pm
Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland Agri, Castlerea
Longford House, Longford, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

Manager: John Ruane
Address: Castlerea, Co Roscommon.
Phone: 094 9620162
Fax: 094 9620978
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 4pm
Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland, Rathscanlon
R294, Rathscanlan, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: Francis Gallagher
Address: Ballina Rd., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 9185571
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice
Mobile: 086 600 1400

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 4.30pm

Homeland Agri, Riverstown
Cuiltylough, Riverstown, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: David Currid
Address: Riverstown, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 9165103
Fax: 071 9165334
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 1.00pm
Closed for lunch 1.30pm - 2.15pm

Homeland Agri, Ballymote
R293, Keenaghan, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: Tim Lavin
Address: Ballymote, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 9183452
Fax: 071 9183023

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Tues - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Mon, Sat: 9am - 1pm
Closed for lunch 1.30pm - 2.15pm

Homeland Agri, Skreen
N59, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: Conor Dunleavy
Address: Skreen, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 9166711
Fax: 071 9166796

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice
Mobile: 086 600 1400

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 4.45pm.
Closed Wed and Sunday.

Homeland, Claremorris
2 Clareville, Clare, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Shane Kivlehan
Email:
Address: Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Phone: 094 9371292
Fax: 094 9371292

Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan
Mobile: 087 367 4073

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm

Homeland, Ballinrobe
Abbey View, Abbey Rd, Friarsquarter West, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Michael Canny
Address: Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo
Phone: 094 9541134
Fax: 094 9520015
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan
Mobile: 087 367 4073

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm

Homeland Agri, Kinlough
2 Spa Brae, Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Contact Name: Ernan McGarrigle
Address: Kinlough, Co. Leitrim
Phone: 071 9841413
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9am - 5.30pm
Closed Thurs
Closed through lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland Agri, Kilbarron
Nagin House, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Hugh McGarrigle
Address: Cashelard, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
Phone: 071 9851296
Fax: 071 9852448
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.15pm
Sat: 9am - 4pm.
Closed for Lunch 1.15pm to 1.45pm

Homeland Agri, Athlone
Moydrum Rd, Blyry Upper, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Contact Name: Stephen Browne
Address: Moydrum Business Park, Cavan Exit, Main Dublin Road, Athlone.
Phone: 090 6465652
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Kelly
Mobile: 087 272 3636

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm
Sat 9am - 4.30pm (Open through lunch)
Closed for lunch 1pm - 1.45pm

Homeland Agri, Gurteen
R293, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: Kevin Kane
Address: Gurteen, Co Sligo.
Phone: 071 9182007
Fax: 071 9182054
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Thurs & Sat: 9am - 1pm
Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland Agri, Killala
Quay Rd, Townplots East, Co. Mayo, Ireland

 

Contact Name: Eamon Killeen
Address: The Quay, Killala, Co Mayo.
Phone: 096 32044
Fax: 096 32315

Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane
Mobile: 087 185 4535

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm

Homeland Agri, Boyle
Station Rd, Termon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland

Contact Name: Paul Fahy
Address: Boyle, Co Roscommon.
Email:
Phone: 071 9662427

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Wed, Sat: 9am - 1pm
Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland, Ballyhaunis
N83, Kilmannin, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Contact Name: Joe Slattery
Address: Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo
Phone: 094 9630166
Fax: 094 9630274
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Mark Whelan
Mobile: 087 608 2036

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm

Homeland Agri, Easkey
R297, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Contact Name: John Holmes
Address: Castletown, Easkey, Co Sligo.
Contact:
Phone: 096 49043

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice
Mobile: 086 600 1400

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Closed for lunch: 1-2pm
Closed Tue/Sun
Sat 9am - 4.30pm (open through lunch)

Homeland Agri, Kiltoghert
R299, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Contact Name: James McDermott
Address: Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim.
Phone: 071 9622113
Fax: 071 9622249
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am - 4pm
Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland, Mohill
1 Hyde St, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 V6T4, Ireland

Contact Name: Fiona Creamer
Address: Mohill, Co Leitrim.
Phone: 071 9631194
Fax: 071 9632057

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.45pm
Sat: 9am - 5.30pm

Homeland, Letterkenny
Middle Rd, Ballyboe Lisnenan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Dominick Gallagher
Address: Ballyraine, Letterkenny
Phone: 074 9113314
Fax: 074 9124823

Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth
Mobile: 078 333 80089

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm

Homeland, Lifford
Letterkenny Rd, Lifford, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Joe Carlin
Address: Lifford
Phone: 074 9141558
Fax: 074 9141961
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth
Mobile: 0044 7833 380089

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm :
Closed for Lunch 1pm to 1.30pm

Homeland Agri, Creeslough
Sue's Cottage, Rosscad, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Mark Alcorn
Address: Creeslough
Phone: 074 9138078
Fax: 074 9138079

Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth
Mobile: 0044 7833 380089

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat - 9am - 5pm
Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2 pm

Homeland Agri, Ardara
Corner House, The Diamond, Drumbaran, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Laurence Breslin
Address: Ardara
Contact:
Phone: 074 9541888
Fax: 074 9537745

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 173 8249

Opening Hours:
Tues - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9-5pm
Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm

Homeland Agri, Omagh
10 Dromore Rd Retail Park, Omagh BT78 1RE, UK

Manager:  David Keith
Address: Dromore Rd Retail Park, Omagh
Contact:
Phone: 028 82 244184
Fax: 028 82 240909

Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth
Mobile: 0044 7833 380089

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri - 9am - 5.30pm
Sat - 9am - 5pm
Closed through lunch - 1pm - 2pm

Homeland, Kerrykeel
R246, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Contact Name: Derek Stewart
Address:  Kerrykeel
Phone: 074 9150179
Fax: 074 9150193
Email:

Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth
Mobile: 0044 7833 380089

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm
Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2 pm

Homeland Agri, Longford
Cartrongeeragh Business Park, Athlone Road, Cartronageeragh, Co. Longford, Ireland

Contact: Padraig Heany
Address: Athlone rd., Longford
Contact:
Tel: 043 3336286

Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy
Mobile: 087 092 9434

Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday - 9am - 4.30pm
Closed for lunch - 1.15pm - 2pm

Homeland Belmullet
Áras Mhaoilchiaraín, Chapel St, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Manager: Stephen Killeen
Address: Chapel Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
Contact:
Tel: 097 81109

Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice
Mobile: 086 600 1400

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri - 9-am - 5:30pm
Sat - 9am - 4pm

Homeland Agri Ballinfull
1, Carrigeens, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo, F91 K5D7, Ireland

Address: Ballinfull, Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 9163154

Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly
Mobile: 087 1738 249

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri - 9am - 5.30pm
Sat: 9am -4pm
Closed for lunch: 1- 2pm

Aurivo Livestock Mart Ballymote
Laburnum Lodge, Fairgreen Rd, Rathnakelliga, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Manager: Stephen Hannon
Tel: 0818 301 401
Bookings: Pre Booking Monday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Thursday Sale

Aurivo Livestock Mart Ballinrobe
Abbey St, Friarsquarter West, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Manager: Tom Mc Guire
Tel: 094 95 41140
Bookings: Pre Booking Friday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Wednesday Sale

Aurivo Livestock Mart Balla
N60, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Manager: Michael Murphy
Tel: 0818 301 401
Bookings: Pre Booking Wednesday for Sat Sale 9.30 am – 11.00 am for Bullocks/Heifers
11.00 am – 1.00 pm for all Cows
Pre Booking Thursday for Weanling Sale 9.30am – 1pm

Aurivo Livestock Mart Mohill
1 Cappagh, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

Manager: Stephen Hannon
Tel: 0818 301 401
Bookings: Pre Booking Tuesday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Saturday Sale