A COUNTY Limerick family are among the 13 finalists who have qualified for the final of this year’s Quality Milk Awards which recognise excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.
The Maher Family from Killuragh, Cappamore will be in the line-up at the national final in Ballyvolane House, Cork on Wednesday, September 14 for what is known as the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’.
The awards, sponsored by Kerrygold and the National Dairy Council (NDC), acknowledge farmers who operate a sustainable dairy operation with clear evidence of excellent technical practices in care for the environment and animal welfare; facilities and hygiene.
Gearóid Maher lives on the family farm with his wife, Sarah and young daughter, Sally Kate. A fourth-generation farmer, his family have been farming in Killuragh since the mid-1800’s.
Having completed an Agricultural Science degree in 2011, and participated in the European Innovation Project, Gearóid was then scouted to become a Farming for Nature ambassador.
Ever the optimist, his outlook on life is to make the most of what you do and to enjoy yourself while doing it. A family man, he ensures he finishes at a normal hour to spend quality time with his wife and daughter every evening. Gearóid credits Sophie, a neighbour studying Farm Management, for her dedication and support on the farm.
National Dairy Council chief executive Zoe Kavanagh said that with more scrutiny than ever on how farmers produce milk, dairy’s reputation depends upon demonstrating greater commitment to practices that protect the environment.
“The Quality Milk Awards highlight and reward the high standards of dairy production being carried out by dairy farmers all over the country, respecting the land, protecting the precious biodiversity and operating at the highest standards of responsible food production. It is in all our interests to continue to nurture that approach and support future generations to farm with excellence.”
