Waterford farm family up for award in Dairy 'Oscars'

A Waterford family is among 14 farms who has reached the finals of the 2023 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

Representing Tirlán, the Dower family from Craggs, Clashmore, Youghal in Co Waterford has been shortlisted for the award, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’.

Gavin Dower, pictured below, farms in Clashmore, Youghal, Co. Waterford, alongside his parents Eileen and Declan. Gavin’s wife Una is a primary school teacher and also comes from a farming background. Gavin followed academic pursuits, delving into business and accounting for four years, before attending Agricultural College.

In 2011, he entered a partnership on the farm with his father, solidifying his role as the next steward of the land. Gavin’s values extend beyond tradition, as he champions the quality of their grassland system, embracing sustainable practices that harmonise with nature.

Their picturesque farm overlooks the local village of Clashmore and the Knockmealdown Mountains. Diversity thrives on their farm, encompassing dairy, beef, and tillage. Gavin is actively involved in local discussion groups. He envisions a future where Irish farmers rise to meet the challenges of environmental sustainability. 

Representing seven counties and 14 dairy co-ops nationwide, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise and celebrate the highest standards of dairy production with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.

The prestigious awards, now in their twelfth year, honour farming families who work hard every day to produce top quality dairy using sustainable production methods. In recent years, additional criteria have been added to acknowledge dairy farmers who prioritise animal welfare, sustainability, and hygiene on their farms.

Following nomination from their respective co-operative, each farming family participated in an intensive judging process examining a broad range of criteria including environmental management, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core indicators. The judging panel for this year’s awards included Karina Pierce, Professor of Dairy Production in University College Dublin School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr Patrick Wall is Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin; and Dr David Gleeson of Teagasc. 

Commenting on the finalist announcement, Donal Buggy, Interim Chief Executive, Ornua, said: “As Ireland’s largest dairy exporter and proud owner of Kerrygold, we at Ornua see first-hand how much Irish dairy is valued and appreciated by consumers worldwide. Ireland’s global reputation as a leading producer of quality dairy products would not be achievable without the passion, commitment and expertise of Irish farming families who produce the best quality milk in the world. We are pleased to continue to shine a light on the immense qualities of Ireland’s family dairy farming system that underpins that global reputation, through the annual NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.”

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council said:  “It’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the incredible hard work, commitment and energy that is demonstrated 24/7 by Ireland’s 17,500 dairy food producers. The finalists for this competition demonstrate the highest standards of sustainable dairy production. Dairy farming has been going on in Ireland for over 4,000 years, it’s a part of our national identity. Our grass-fed family farming system is ideally suited to the Irish climate and delivers world class produce. The farmers who have been shortlisted this year represent the highest standards as food producers delivering an exceptional product that is enjoyed at home and revered by consumers all over the world.”

In recognising the strengths of Ireland’s family dairy farming system, the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards also represent a celebration of the very best of Irish food production, which quality and sustainably produced dairy is very much at the heart of. Widely considered one of Ireland’s leading culinary destinations, the award-winning Ballymaloe House, will host this year’s special awards ceremony next month, where the overall winner of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will be announced.