Finalists Revealed for the 2024 National Dairy Awards in Portlaoise
Source: The DairyNews
The finalists for the 2024 National Dairy Awards have been announced today, with the awards ceremony scheduled for this evening at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. This marks the second annual event celebrating the significant achievements within the dairy sector, encompassing primary producers, artisanal creators, sector services, and dairy processors.
Among the diverse categories, the Farmer Awards and Dairy Network Awards stand out, sponsored by notable industry leaders such as Kerry Dairy Ireland. This year’s awards spotlight dairy farmers who have excelled in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship, with finalists including Rachel and James Creighton from Co. Kildare, Shane FitzGerald from Co. Waterford, Thomas Stack from Co. Limerick, and Bruce Thompson from Co. Laois.
In the realm of technological innovation, the Animal Health Tech Innovator Award, sponsored by MSD, acknowledges dairy farmers who have significantly integrated new technologies into their operations. Finalists include Seamus Barry and Owen O'Sullivan from Co. Kerry, John Hanrahan from Co. Limerick, and Thomas O’Harte from Co. Monaghan.
The AHV Ireland Animal Health Dairy Farmer of the Year Award celebrates high standards of animal health, with finalists like Peter Clarke from Co. Tipperary and Bill George from Co. Laois.
The Germinal Responsible Dairy Grassland Manager of the Year Award recognizes exceptional grassland management, with nominees such as Damien Haverty from Co. Galway and Martin Ryan from Co. Tipperary.
The Young Farmer Award, sponsored by Mullinahone Co-op, highlights the dedication of dairy farmers under the age of 35 to herd health and welfare, with nominees including Rikki Bayer and Nicole Keohane from Co. Cork.
The Dairy Farm Manager Award from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) credits farm managers like Michael Bryson from Co. Wexford and Kevin O’Hanlon from Co. Wexford for outstanding leadership and management.
Additionally, the awards will honor excellence in artisan cheese production, with nominees like Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese and Knockanore Raw Milk Smoked Mature Cheddar.
The prestigious Business Post Best Dairy Producer/Co-op of the Year Award will recognize top performers in quality, sustainability, and animal welfare, with finalists including Dairygold and Glenisk.
The National Dairy Awards continue to highlight the excellence and innovation within Ireland’s thriving dairy industry, providing a platform for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its community.
In the realm of technological innovation, the Animal Health Tech Innovator Award, sponsored by MSD, acknowledges dairy farmers who have significantly integrated new technologies into their operations. Finalists include Seamus Barry and Owen O'Sullivan from Co. Kerry, John Hanrahan from Co. Limerick, and Thomas O’Harte from Co. Monaghan.
The AHV Ireland Animal Health Dairy Farmer of the Year Award celebrates high standards of animal health, with finalists like Peter Clarke from Co. Tipperary and Bill George from Co. Laois.
The Germinal Responsible Dairy Grassland Manager of the Year Award recognizes exceptional grassland management, with nominees such as Damien Haverty from Co. Galway and Martin Ryan from Co. Tipperary.
The Young Farmer Award, sponsored by Mullinahone Co-op, highlights the dedication of dairy farmers under the age of 35 to herd health and welfare, with nominees including Rikki Bayer and Nicole Keohane from Co. Cork.
The Dairy Farm Manager Award from the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) credits farm managers like Michael Bryson from Co. Wexford and Kevin O’Hanlon from Co. Wexford for outstanding leadership and management.
Additionally, the awards will honor excellence in artisan cheese production, with nominees like Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese and Knockanore Raw Milk Smoked Mature Cheddar.
The prestigious Business Post Best Dairy Producer/Co-op of the Year Award will recognize top performers in quality, sustainability, and animal welfare, with finalists including Dairygold and Glenisk.
The National Dairy Awards continue to highlight the excellence and innovation within Ireland’s thriving dairy industry, providing a platform for acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its community.
