Dairy farmers Laurence Dorian, his nephew Patrick Lynch and Miriam Lynch of Mullins Cross, Dunleer, have won the Best New Entrant category in the prestigious Lakeland Dairies Milk Quality Awards. The Awards are public recognition of the achievements of Lakeland Dairies’ milk suppliers who are committed to quality in all aspects of their milk production.
The winners in the various categories emerged from among 3,200 farm families across 17 counties who produce milk for the 2bn litres Lakeland Dairies milk pool. Lakeland Dairies has welcomed over 400 new milk producers to the co-operative in recent years.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “It’s an excellent achievement to be acknowledged by your own co-operative for producing superior quality milk. That kind of quality doesn’t just happen overnight.
“It’s an enduring commitment, involving a lifetime’s dedication to unmatched standards each time you walk the fields, check on your herd or enter the milking parlour. I express my admiration for Lakeland Dairies’ farming families. They form the foundation of an impressive cross-border operation, making a remarkable impact both locally and internationally.
“I am also very pleased to note that sustainability is a driving force for Lakeland Dairis and a platform for their ongoing progress and success through the production of world-class food.”
Paying tribute to the award winners, Lakeland Dairies Chairman, Niall Matthews said: “As dairy farmers, we produce the 2 billion litres of nutritious milk that serve as the foundation for a very wide range of Lakeland dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the globe.
“Dairy farming is a profession that spans generations, providing sustenance for families, fuelling rural economies, and playing an essential role in environmental sustainability. We are proud of the very high quality of our milk pool.
“I extend my congratulations to all of our dedicated dairy farmers for their commendable achievements and their invaluable, ongoing contribution to our farmer-owned dairy co-operative.”
