Richard is winner of NDC & Kerrygold Milk Quality Awards

Richard Starrett, Dairy Farmer of the Year. Photo Clive Wasson

Now in its eleventh year, the awards are an annual national programme which recognise dairy farming excellence - the most prestigious awards ceremony for Irish dairy farmers.

Dairy co-operatives nationwide put forward their top suppliers for the awards each year. Nominated farms undergo a detailed assessment by an expert judging panel based on milk quality, sustainable farming practices, technical knowledge and animal welfare on-farm practices.

Donal Tierney, Chief Executive, Aurivo said: “I would like to personally congratulate Richard and the Starrett family on their success as the winner of the 2020 NDC & Kerrygold Milk Quality Awards. Richard and his family are outstanding ambassadors for Aurivo and the dairy farming sector and their commitment to quality, sustainable on-farm practices and high standards make them well-deserved winners.

“Aurivo is very proud of its quality milk pool and that’s down to the commitment of over 1,000 suppliers, such as Richard, across Ireland. The pride, passion and dedication of our farmers is the vital ingredient to the success of Aurivo and our brands.”

Pat Duffy, Chairman, Aurivo said: “I am honoured and delighted to congratulate Richard and his family on this achievement as it is the first time in the history of the awards that an Aurivo Co-op supplier has taken home the NDC and Kerrygold Milk Quality Award.

“The high standard of milk produced, and products made by Aurivo are a credit to each one of our farmers and the vast amount of work they put into their farms every day. The result presents as the highest quality of milk produced, and so for your hard work we are truly thankful.”

Richard Starrett was named the Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year and the Champions of Sustainability winner before going on to represent Aurivo at the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, 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.

Aurivo is one of Ireland’s leading co-operatives, with businesses in Consumer Foods, Dairy Ingredients, Retail Stores, Animal Feeds, and Livestock Trading.