Waterford has four finalists in National Dairy Awards

Waterford has four finalists in this year's National Dairy Awards, which recognises the quality and talents of the county's dairy farmers and producers.

While the dairy sector is often viewed as the jewel of the Irish agricultural industry, it is facing many challenges according to the award organisers.

The National Dairy Awards recognise and celebrate those who have embraced these challenges and are driving the sector on to a brighter and sustainable future.

The Waterford finalists are-

Germinal Responsible Grassland Manager of the Year

Kevin Moloney (Harvestgate Farms)

Best Artisan Cheese 2023

Edward Lonergan, Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese

AHV Ireland Animal Health Dairy Farmer of the year

Margaret Keane (PMK Farm Ltd)

Herdwatch Tech Innovator Dairy Farmer of the year

David Foran (Kilmeadan, Waterford)

In the Germinal Responsible Grassland Manager of the Year category, Kevin Moloney, below, is using protected urea while also using Multi Species Swards and Low Emission Slurry Spreading as part of his farming system.

Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese, below, represents Waterford in the Best Artisan Cheese 2023 category, producing raw milk cheddar cheese on their family farm since 1987.

In the AHV Ireland Animal Health Dairy Farmer of the year category, Margaret Keane, below, from Carrick-on-Suir uses a proactive approach to herd health management that can minimise the incidence of disease, reduce treatment costs and increase profitability.

Finally, David Foran of Kilmeadan is a finalist in the Herdwatch Tech Innovator Dairy Farmer of the year. David uses a solar energy fence concept based on the vertical installation of a double-sided solar module which utilises light shining on both sides to produce electricity.

The inaugural National Dairy Awards gala evening presentations will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Thursday June 15, 2023.