The annual CellCheck Milking for Quality Awards, which are given to the 500 milk suppliers nationally with the lowest weighted annual average somatic cell count (SCC) for the previous year’s supply, are proudly displayed in homes throughout this country.
Winners of the six CellCheck awards.
Animal Health Ireland chair Michael Magan opened proceedings by congratulating the winners on their achievements, but also called on them to look after themselves as well as they looked after their cows.
Inception
Since the inception of the awards, the maximum SCC of award recipients has fallen each year from 103,000 cells/ml in 2014 to 76,500 cells/ml in 2018. This the sixth year of the awards and it is testament to the dedication of Irish dairy farmers that there were several sixth-time awardees in attendance.
CEO of sponsors FBD Fiona Muldoon acknowledged the importance of recognition for farmers: “At FBD Insurance, we know that awards such as this help to reward farmers for following the right path on their farms and I wish all of the participants the very best for this coming year.”
Presentations were made during the awards ceremony to the best-performing supplier from each of the participating milk processors.
Western Duhallow - most improved discussion group.
In addition to the individual awards being presented, the Western Duhallow Discussion Group from Cork won the most improved discussion group, while the Bunratty Discussion Group from Clare took the best SCC group award.
Bunratty Discussion Group - winners of best discussion group at CellCheck awards.
CellCheck programme manager Finola McCoy said: “Even during all the extreme weather events of 2018, these farmers managed to keep the udder health of their herds to the usual high standard, which goes to show, with good routines and attention to detail, it can be done.”
Teagasc dairy specialist George Ramsbottom said: “Over 20 discussion groups competed in this year’s CellCheck discussion group competition. The standards they set in reducing and maintaining low somatic cell count will serve to motivate others to achieve similar levels of technical excellence on their dairy farms."
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The annual CellCheck Milking for Quality Awards, which are given to the 500 milk suppliers nationally with the lowest weighted annual average somatic cell count (SCC) for the previous year’s supply, are proudly displayed in homes throughout this country.
Winners of the six CellCheck awards.
Animal Health Ireland chair Michael Magan opened proceedings by congratulating the winners on their achievements, but also called on them to look after themselves as well as they looked after their cows.
Inception
Since the inception of the awards, the maximum SCC of award recipients has fallen each year from 103,000 cells/ml in 2014 to 76,500 cells/ml in 2018. This the sixth year of the awards and it is testament to the dedication of Irish dairy farmers that there were several sixth-time awardees in attendance.
CEO of sponsors FBD Fiona Muldoon acknowledged the importance of recognition for farmers: “At FBD Insurance, we know that awards such as this help to reward farmers for following the right path on their farms and I wish all of the participants the very best for this coming year.”
Presentations were made during the awards ceremony to the best-performing supplier from each of the participating milk processors.
Western Duhallow - most improved discussion group.
In addition to the individual awards being presented, the Western Duhallow Discussion Group from Cork won the most improved discussion group, while the Bunratty Discussion Group from Clare took the best SCC group award.
Bunratty Discussion Group - winners of best discussion group at CellCheck awards.
CellCheck programme manager Finola McCoy said: “Even during all the extreme weather events of 2018, these farmers managed to keep the udder health of their herds to the usual high standard, which goes to show, with good routines and attention to detail, it can be done.”
Teagasc dairy specialist George Ramsbottom said: “Over 20 discussion groups competed in this year’s CellCheck discussion group competition. The standards they set in reducing and maintaining low somatic cell count will serve to motivate others to achieve similar levels of technical excellence on their dairy farms."
Read more
50% of mastitis cases happen at dry-off
Top tips for winter health and safety
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