Tullamore farmers win 'best newcomers' prize at Lakeland Dairies milk awards

Farmers PJ, Peter Jr, and Donal Grogan, from Leamore, Tullamore, have been named as the Republic of Ireland winners in the 'Best New Entrants to Dairying' category at Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards.

The Grogans were among 350 new milk producers which Lakeland Dairies has welcomed to the co-operative in recent years.

They were presented with the honour at the dairy co-op's Milk Quality Awards which were attended by the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue yesterday (Thursday).

Farm families in Monaghan, Westmeath, Cavan, Meath, Offaly, Fermanagh, Down, Tyrone, Armagh and Antrim picked up awards at the event in recognition of the quality of their milk.

The top award - Supreme Champions of the Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards - was won by William and Alan Nicholson of Drumacrib, Castleblayney, Monaghan.

The winners were chosen from among the 3,200 farm families, across sixteen counties, who produce milk for the 2-billion litre Lakeland Dairies milk pool.

Speaking at the awards, Minister Charlie McConalogue said: "To win an award where you are recognised by your own co-op for having produced a top-quality product is a truly remarkable achievement.

"Producing high-quality milk is not something that is done overnight. It is a lifetime's achievement and the result of a commitment to excellence every time you step into the parlour and every breeding decision you make.

"Sustainability is a key priority for the Lakeland Dairies farm families and the entire co-op, and I pay tribute to this drive for continuous improvement.

"Both I and the rest of the Government will back this sustainability agenda while continuing to support the production of world-class food," said the Minister.