Antrim farmer recognised for dairy farming excellence

Eight Aurivo milk suppliers from seven counties were recognised for their excellence in milk production at Aurivos 9th annual Milk Quality Awards hosted in the Clarion Hotel in Sligo. The Milk Quality Awards identify and reward Aurivo milk suppliers who exemplify excellence in milk quality. Matt Millar from Randalstown, Co. Antrim was recognised as the Best Performing Northern Ireland Supplier at the awards. Pictured at the ceremony, from left to right: Billy McMahon, Aurivo Board Member; Emma Millar; Matt Millar; Richard Gibson; David Nesbitt, Aurivo Farm Services in Northern Ireland.

Matt who milks a herd of 120 Holsteins on his Antrim farm, won the ‘Best Performing Northern Ireland Supplier’ category at the awards. He is a second generation dairy farmer, having taken over the enterprise from his father.

Zoe Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council, was guest speaker at the event.

The top award was won by brothers Ian and David Lamberton from Fahan, Co. Donegal. They were crowned Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year 2015 and they also picked up the award for the ‘Most Improved SCC’. They milk 270 Holstein Friesians on their farm in Donegal and the brothers are supported on the farm by their sons Gareth and Christopher.

Speaking at the awards, Aaron Forde, Chief Executive of Aurivo said: “Aurivo processed record volumes of milk in 2015 and we continued to build strong partnerships with retail customers, while also growing our brands. We are rightly proud of the quality of our milk pool in Aurivo, delivered by our 1,000 milk suppliers.”

He concluded: “From Aurivo’s portfolio of local, regional and national dairy brands to our dairy products destined for Africa, Afghanistan or Central America, all of our customers expect perfection in every litre of milk and every kilogramme of product. We can only do that with the work, support and excellence of our supplier base.”

Tom Cunniffe, Chairman of Aurivo, said: “Each of our category winners are outstanding ambassadors for Aurivo and the dairy farming sector, by achieving and maintaining the highest standards, enabling Aurivo to develop quality products and unlock new opportunities for our milk. The annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards serve to highlight and reward dairy farming excellence in our region for the dedication and commitment of our milk suppliers, to producing the highest quality milk throughout 2015.”