Waterford farmer makes it to the final of National Dairy Awards

A Waterford farmer is nominated for a farming award in this year's 2nd National Dairy Awards recognising the quality and talents of the county's dairy farmers and producers

Waterford boasts a total of six finalists in this year's awards.

The dairy sector is the jewel of the Irish agricultural industry but it is facing many challenges. 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:

Kerry Dairy Ireland Biodiversity Dairy Farmer of the year

• Shane FitzGerald, Portlaw

Dairy Farm Manager of the year

• Emmet Prendergast, Dungarvan

Best Artisan Dairy Cheese 2024

• Edward Lonergan (Knockanore Raw Milk Smoked Mature Cheddar)

In the Kerry Dairy Ireland Biodiversity Dairy Farmer of the year category Shane FitzGerald is named a finalist. Under the ACRES scheme, Shane has implemented various measures, including installing owl boxes, planting 460 meters of hedgerows, creating extensive field margins, and establishing riparian buffer strips to protect watercourses. He also manages intensive grasslands next to watercourses to support aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

Emmet Prendergast is a finalist in the Dairy Farm Manager of the Year. His journey began humbly relief milking, as a young enthusiast eager to learn the intricacies of dairy farming.

He now manages Ashdale Farm in Dungarvan milking a healthy Holstein Friesian, 600-cow herd, demonstrating a commitment to quality and sustainability.

Edward Lonergan is once again a finalist in this year’s Best Artisan Dairy Cheese 2024 of the year. Edward Lonergan is an artisan cheesemaker based in Knockanore, Co Waterford.

They produce cheese on-site, only using the fresh milk from their 160 cow Friesian Herd. They are a family run farm and business that have been farming nearly 70 years and producing farmhouse cheese since 1987.

The second National Dairy Awards gala evening presentations will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Thursday June 13, 2024.