Buttimer Family's Dairy Farm Achieves Top Milk Quality in Ireland
The Buttimer family's dairy farm, located in Lyre, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, has garnered attention for its outstanding milk quality and sustainable practices. In 2025, the family was awarded the Carbery Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards and was a finalist in the 2026 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Their farm spans 140 hectares, with 245 cows producing an average of 6,398 liters of milk per cow at 4.47% fat and 3.74% protein, leading to 540 kg of milk solids per cow.
Despite challenging weather conditions in the region, the Buttimer farm maintained strong production levels while adhering to nitrate banding parameters. Key to their success is a strict focus on hygiene, evidenced by their low somatic cell count (SCC) of 93,000 cells/ml, total bacterial count (TBC) of 10,000 CFU/ml, and thermoduric counts of 95 CFU/ml. The farm achieves these metrics without complex parlour add-ons, relying instead on consistent milking hygiene practices and equipment maintenance.
The farm's management strategy includes selective dry cow therapy, with 66% of the herd receiving this treatment. They conduct milk recording five times a year and perform bi-annual culture and sensitivity testing. High-dry-matter silage is fed prior to dry-off to minimize infection risks.
Animal comfort is also prioritized, with 250 cubicles available for the 240 cows, ensuring adequate rest. Automatic scrapers and Bobman bedders are used to maintain cleanliness. The farm's efforts in sustainable grassland management and family collaboration serve as a model for modern dairy farming in Ireland.
