Donegal farmer scoops top award

Aurivo has announced Richard Starrett from Co. Donegal as its Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year 2020. Eight Aurivo milk suppliers have been acknowledged for their contribution to dairy farming excellence at the 13th annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Oct 2020, 08:45 BST
Pictured Richard Starrett with his family and Aurivo Farm Advisors Paul Cullinane and Majella McCafferty. Photo Clive WassonPictured Richard Starrett with his family and Aurivo Farm Advisors Paul Cullinane and Majella McCafferty. Photo Clive Wasson
Pictured Richard Starrett with his family and Aurivo Farm Advisors Paul Cullinane and Majella McCafferty. Photo Clive Wasson

The top award, Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year, was won by Richard Starrett who was also named winner of the Champions of Sustainability category, due to his relentless focus on sustainable farming techniques on his Co. Donegal farm.

Having grown and developed the farm over the years, today Richard milks a dairy herd of over 160 on 66 hectares.

Richard’s farm has been used as an example farm on several occasions. Most recently his farm was the venue for the Teagasc CellCheck on farm event in 2019.

Richard Starrett pictured with his father John.Richard Starrett pictured with his father John.
Richard Starrett pictured with his father John.

Stephen Blewitt, General Manager, Aurivo Dairy said: “Aurivo is very proud of its quality milk pool and that’s down to the commitment of over 1,000 suppliers across Ireland.

“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 2019. I would like to personally congratulate Richard on his success as Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year, which is well deserved.”

Richard will now represent Aurivo in at the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards which sets out to find and celebrate the top milk quality farmers in Ireland – the most prestigious awards ceremony for Irish dairy farmers.

Award winners in the eight categories included:

Champions of Sustainability and Milk Supplier of the Year 2020: Richard Starrett, Co. Donegal

Excellence in Udder Health: Joe Higgins, Co. Leitrim

Lowest TBC Liquid Milk: Louis Macken, Co. Mayo

Most Improved SCC: Justin Claffey, Co. Westmeath

Highest Average Milk Solids: Joseph Dunphy, Co. Sligo

Best New Entrant: Austin and Yvonne Connelly, Co. Galway

Best Northern Ireland Supplier: Robert and Stuart Smith, Co. Derry

Lowest TBC Manufacturing Milk: Pat Monaghan, Co. Galway

Related topics:Donegal