Mayo farming family finalists in ‘Oscars of the dairy world’
A MAYO family is among 14 farms who have reached the finals of the 2023 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Representing Aurivo Co-op, the Gordon family from Crossmolina has been shortlisted for the award, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the dairy world’.
Representing seven counties and 14 dairy co-ops nationwide, the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards recognise and celebrate the highest standards of dairy production with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.
Michael Gordon runs the family farm at Lowvalley, Crossmolina, along wife Ita, daughters Emily, Ciara and Aoife and son Kevin.
Their farming journey began in 1998, and in 2018, the Gordons transitioned from beef to dairying. Today, they milk a herd of 75 cows.
The Gordon family know the importance of allowing biodiversity to co-exist within their productive farming system, nurturing habitats through beekeeping, birdfeeders and hedgerows.
Notably, Kevin stands out as a passionate advocate for technology and statistics in farm management and the father and son duo employ a meticulous approach to herd management, continuously and closely monitoring their cows. They lean on data driven insights to ensure the utmost health and welfare of their cows, which allows them to produce top quality milk.
Following nomination from their respective co-operative, each farming family participated in an intensive judging process examining a broad range of criteria including environmental management, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core indicators.
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, said: “It’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the incredible hard work, commitment and energy that is demonstrated 24/7 by Ireland’s 17,500 dairy food producers. The finalists for this competition demonstrate the highest standards of sustainable dairy production.”
Award-winning Ballymaloe House will host this year’s awards ceremony next month, where the overall winner will be announced.