Dale Farm Celebrates Innovation and Excellence at Balmoral Show ‘Take 5’ Awards

Held during this year’s show, the awards recognised producers across four categories for their outstanding efforts in sustainability, animal welfare, diversification and encouraging the next generation of dairy farmers.

The ‘Take 5’ competition invited producers to submit short videos showcasing the positive work taking place on their farms and offered a unique insight into innovation and day-to-day life across the Dale Farm cooperative.

Tobermore farmer William Wallace was named winner of the Sustainable Dairy Farming category. William milks a 120-cow pedigree Holstein herd and impressed the judging panel with his strong focus on renewable energy and efficient farm systems.

The farm features solar and wind energy systems supported by battery storage, alongside technology including heat exchangers and plate coolers to improve energy efficiency and milk quality. Judges also praised William’s focus on sustainable grassland management, including the use of Westerwolds and Italian ryegrass following maize crops to support soil health, carbon absorption and forage availability.

Winner of the Positive Animal Welfare category was Timmy McAuley from Ballymoney, who farms alongside his father Shaun and fiancée Gail. The family currently milk a 107-cow Holstein herd through a 16-point swing-over parlour.

The judging panel was impressed with Timmy’s commitment to hygiene, milk quality and calf welfare, including the introduction of a teat sanitising brush which has helped reduce bactocount levels and secure the bactocount bonus. Judges also praised the use of milk recording data to support herd management decisions, as well as investments in calf comfort and labour-saving technology including a Milk Kart feeding system.

The On-Farm Diversification category was awarded to Rachel Rea from Portglenone. Rachel farms alongside her father David and husband Dan and, in 2021, diversified the family business into agri-tourism with the development of Stonewall Hideaway, a shepherd’s hut accommodation experience located on the farm.

The judges praised Rachel’s forward-thinking approach and vision for connecting visitors with modern dairy farming through educational and immersive on-farm experiences, alongside plans for future expansion.

The Young Farmers category was awarded to the Boyd family, whose entry showcased life growing up on a modern dairy farm. The young farmers demonstrated how robotic milking systems, cow monitoring collars and welfare-focused technology support the day-to-day running of the family farm, while also sharing their enthusiasm and passion for the dairy industry.

Speaking at the awards, Fred Allen, Dale Farm Chair said: “Across every category, this year’s ‘Take 5’ competition highlighted the innovation, passion and forward-thinking approach that exists right across the Dale Farm cooperative. It is an opportunity to showcase the family farms that are part of the fabric of our community.

“From sustainability initiatives and animal welfare improvements to diversification and the next generation of dairy farmers, the standard of entries was incredibly high.

“These awards are about recognising the positive work happening on farms every day and celebrating the producers who continue to drive the industry forward through innovation, care and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all of our winners and everyone who took part.”

Cormac McKervey, Head of Agriculture, Ulster Bank, sponsors of the awards, added: “Ulster Bank is proud to support initiatives that recognise the innovation and dedication of Northern Ireland’s farming community. The Dale Farm ‘Take 5’ competition provided a brilliant platform for producers to showcase the outstanding work taking place across local dairy farms and demonstrate how the industry continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, whose entries reflected not only strong farming practices, but also a real passion for the future of the dairy sector.”