The Fitzgeralds, who supply Kerry Agribusiness, were presented with the National Dairy Council and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup and €5,000 at an awards ceremony in the RDS by GAA star Bernard Brogan and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Tom Hayes.

Edward is the fifth generation of his family to farm at Tobernea. He took over the running of the family farm in 2008. The NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards aim to highlight and reward milk quality excellence.

Fourteen farms from eight counties were also acknowledged at the awards ceremony (see role of honour panel).

The Fitzgeralds’ milk quality results for 2012 were exceptional, with somatic cell count staying well below 100,000 for most of the year and rising to 160,000 for October and November when milk yield slows down. On the Fitzgerald farm, a very small amount of milk is supplied in December as most of the herd is dried off.

FACT FILE

  • Farming system: in 2012, milking 64 cows in spring milk production supplying Kerry Agribusiness, 150 acres farmed (61ha), family labour, 7,243 litres (1,593 gals) per cow delivered at 4.10% fat and 3.35% protein.
  • Parlour: eight-unit herringbone.
  • SCC results: average 89,000 for 2012 with seven months averaging less than 100,000.
  • TBC results: average 10,000 for 2012.
  • Fitzgeralds’ best milk quality tip: “Use the information from milk recording to identify high cell count cows and we always separate them out before milking so that we milk them last.”

    • Meet the winners

    Edward & Olivia Fitzgerald

    Tobernea, Effin,

    Kilmallock, Co Limerick

    Suppling milk to Kerry

    Agribusiness

    Edward Fitzgerald is the fifth generation of his family farming on the same land. His great-great grandfather, Edmond Fitzgerald, first started renting the land in 1875 and his great-grandfather, James, continued the lease until 1903 when he bought the farm for £1,550. James passed it on to his son, James, and then to Edward’s father, Michael, who took over the farm at the age of 14.

    One of a family of five, Edward was the only one who wanted to follow in the family footsteps into farming. His two brothers and two sisters took different career paths, both at home in Ireland and overseas.

    Although he knew he always wanted to work on the family farm, Edward was encouraged to continue his education and initially completed a diploma in mechanical engineering before finishing his Green Cert. He then worked at an engineering works locally while part-time farming with his father, Michael.

    In 2008, at the age of 34, Edward took over the running of the family farm although his father, now aged 66, is still involved. Edward feels fortunate to have someone so supportive who knows the farm inside out, saying that either one can step into the other’s shoes and cover the farm.

    The cows would normally be out on grass from March to November, grazing on approximately a 23-day rotation during high grass growth periods. The total farm area is 150 acres (61ha) with a total grazing area of 60 acres (24ha) around the parlour. Edward rents 40 acres (16.2ha) and owns the rest of the land.

    Role of honour

    The judges awarded five national category prizes:

  • David and Kathleen Boland, Horseleap, Moate, Co Westmeath (Aurivo Co-operative Society) — All Year Round Milking National Category Award.
  • John and Deirdre McCarthy, Butlerstown, Bandon, Co Cork (Barryroe Co-op) — All Year Round Milking Category (joint national runners-up).
  • Ronald and Betty Shorten, Woodfield, Clonakilty, Co Cork (Lisavaird Co-op) — All Year Round Milking Category (joint national runners-up).
  • Glenn and Sandra Chapman, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (Glanbia Ingredients Ireland) Manufacturing Milking Category (joint national runners-up).
  • John and Margaret Mary O’Gorman, Hugginstown, Co Kilkenny (Glanbia Ingredients Ireland) — Manufacturing Milking Category (joint national runners-up).

    • Three farms were highly commended for specific achievements:

  • Denis and Rose Collins, Letterlickey, Bantry, Co Cork (Drinagh Co-op) — Highly Commended for Best Quality supplying less than 200,000 litres.
  • Conor and Grainne Molony, Thurles, Co Tipperary (Centenary Thurles Co-op) — Highly Commended for Best Protein.
  • Denis and Rioghna O’Gorman, Ballinagoul, Kilmallock, Co Limerick (Kerry Agribusiness) — Highly Commended for Best SCC.

    • Five national finalists were also commemorated at the awards ceremony:

  • Kevin and Breda Bourke, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co Tipperary (Tipperary Co-op).
  • Richard and Nora Fitzgerald, Gortnahown, Mitchelstown, Co Cork (Dairygold Co-op).
  • Noel and Anne Jennings, Clancoole, Bandon, Co Cork (Bandon Co-op).
  • Thomas and Mary Mahon, Geeha North, Kinvara, Co Galway (Arrabawn Co-op).
  • Gerard and Frances Murphy, Cahermaculick, Shrule, Co Mayo (Aurivo Co-operative Society).