Darren Buttimer and his family have been announced as the overall winners of the 2025 Carbery Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards.
The awards are an opportunity for Carbery to recognise the dedication of their famer shareholders and their commitment to achieving the highest standards in milk quality and sustainability.
Darren and Caroline Buttimer farm just outside Clonakilty with their children, Matthew (16), Rachel (15), Leah (13), and Hannah (12). The farm was one of several bought by Darren’s father, Ernest, and his four brothers from Rossmore, all within a 10-mile radius.
Darren joined the partnership in the early 2000s and took over fully in 2007/08. Today, he farms 240ac alongside a full-time farm manager.
Talking about his approach to farming, Darren said “It’s a great quality of life. There are two busy seasons, once calving and silage are done, things ease up and you can take time off.”
Sustainability
Some 93% of Carbery’s milk pool coming from farmers participating in the Carbery FutureProof sustainability bonus. On-farm emissions fell by a further 1.56%, reflecting the innovation and commitment of west Cork’s farming families.
Jason Hawkins, Carbery CEO, said: "As we mark 21 years of celebrating our farmer shareholders with these awards, it’s clear that their resilience and innovation have never been more important.
The dairy industry continues to face challenges – from creating a more sustainable future to market volatility – yet our farmers consistently rise to meet them.
“In the Buttimers, and in all of this year’s finalists, we see a steadfast commitment to quality, respect for the land, and a shared ambition to leave the industry stronger for the next generation.”
Carbery Group chair, Vincent O’Donovan, added: “What makes these awards so special is the sense of pride and community they embody. Each year, we see the dedication and care that our farmers bring to their livelihoods.
“For more than two decades, these awards have recognised that commitment – the families who uphold the highest standards of quality and stewardship of the land. Their spirit and resilience continue to sustain rural life in west Cork, and we are proud to honour that contribution.”
The finalists from the four west Cork co-ops were:
Drinagh Co-op
The Cullinane Family Farm, Kealkil, Bantry. The O’Donoghue Family Farm, Maultahrane, Leap ( Drinagh winner). The Hill Family Farm, Clounties, Leap.
Barryroe Co-op
The Roche Family Farm, Ballinspittle, Kinsale. The Galvin Family Farm, Knockgorm, Kinsale. The Kirby Family Farm, Ballinascarthy (Barryroe winner).
Bandon Co-op
The Kelleher Family Farm, Tullyland, Bandon (Bandon winner). The Crowley Family Farm, Ardkitt, Ballineen. The Jennings Family Farm, Cashelbeg, Enniskeane. Lisavaird Co-op
The Buttimer Family Farm, Lyre, Clonakilty ( Lisavaird and overall winner). The Crowley Family Farm, Hollyhill, Ballineen. The Lisavaird Farm, Darragh Kennedy and family, Kippagh, Dunmanway.
Darren Buttimer and his family have been announced as the overall winners of the 2025 Carbery Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards.
The awards are an opportunity for Carbery to recognise the dedication of their famer shareholders and their commitment to achieving the highest standards in milk quality and sustainability.
Darren and Caroline Buttimer farm just outside Clonakilty with their children, Matthew (16), Rachel (15), Leah (13), and Hannah (12). The farm was one of several bought by Darren’s father, Ernest, and his four brothers from Rossmore, all within a 10-mile radius.
Darren joined the partnership in the early 2000s and took over fully in 2007/08. Today, he farms 240ac alongside a full-time farm manager.
Talking about his approach to farming, Darren said “It’s a great quality of life. There are two busy seasons, once calving and silage are done, things ease up and you can take time off.”
Sustainability
Some 93% of Carbery’s milk pool coming from farmers participating in the Carbery FutureProof sustainability bonus. On-farm emissions fell by a further 1.56%, reflecting the innovation and commitment of west Cork’s farming families.
Jason Hawkins, Carbery CEO, said: "As we mark 21 years of celebrating our farmer shareholders with these awards, it’s clear that their resilience and innovation have never been more important.
The dairy industry continues to face challenges – from creating a more sustainable future to market volatility – yet our farmers consistently rise to meet them.
“In the Buttimers, and in all of this year’s finalists, we see a steadfast commitment to quality, respect for the land, and a shared ambition to leave the industry stronger for the next generation.”
Carbery Group chair, Vincent O’Donovan, added: “What makes these awards so special is the sense of pride and community they embody. Each year, we see the dedication and care that our farmers bring to their livelihoods.
“For more than two decades, these awards have recognised that commitment – the families who uphold the highest standards of quality and stewardship of the land. Their spirit and resilience continue to sustain rural life in west Cork, and we are proud to honour that contribution.”
The finalists from the four west Cork co-ops were:
Drinagh Co-op
The Cullinane Family Farm, Kealkil, Bantry. The O’Donoghue Family Farm, Maultahrane, Leap ( Drinagh winner). The Hill Family Farm, Clounties, Leap.
Barryroe Co-op
The Roche Family Farm, Ballinspittle, Kinsale. The Galvin Family Farm, Knockgorm, Kinsale. The Kirby Family Farm, Ballinascarthy (Barryroe winner).
Bandon Co-op
The Kelleher Family Farm, Tullyland, Bandon (Bandon winner). The Crowley Family Farm, Ardkitt, Ballineen. The Jennings Family Farm, Cashelbeg, Enniskeane. Lisavaird Co-op
The Buttimer Family Farm, Lyre, Clonakilty ( Lisavaird and overall winner). The Crowley Family Farm, Hollyhill, Ballineen. The Lisavaird Farm, Darragh Kennedy and family, Kippagh, Dunmanway. 
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