Local dairy farmers recognised for quality

Dale Farm hosts an award presentation each year at Northern Ireland’s biggest agricultural show, and the country’s leading dairy company chose to specifically focus on milk quality for 2016.

The competition was open to all Northern Ireland members of the United Dairy Farmers Co-operative, and the top prize went to Brian McAuley from Donaghadee, Co Down.

In addition to the overall winner, one winner and one runner-up were chosen from four geographic areas, across Northern Ireland. The competition was judged on milk quality results over the last 12 months.

John Dunlop, Chairman of United Dairy Farmers, presented the winners as follows;

l Overall Winner: Brian McAuley from Donaghadee, Co Down

l Area 1: Winner – William Gillespie from Portglenone, Co Antrim ; Runner-up – Joe Close from Rasharkin, Co Antrim

l Area 2: Winner – Brian McAuley from Donaghadee, Co Down; Runner-up – Adrian McClure from Ballywalter, Co Down

l Area 3: Winner – William and Alan Stockdale from Clogher, Co Tyrone; Runner-up – David McMullan from Dungannon, Co Tyrone

l Area 4: Winner – Sam Armstrong from Garvagh, Co Londonderry; Runner-up – Stanley and David Brodison Stewartstown, Co Tyrone

Speaking at the presentation, John Dunlop said: “It is tradition for Dale Farm to recognise our members each year at the Balmoral Show. This year we wanted to highlight milk quality. Their exceptional work and attention to detail every day of the year is crucial to the excellence of our Dale Farm products.

“On behalf of everyone at United Dairy Farmers, I would like to congratulate our overall winner Brian McAuley and all of the other winners and runners-up.”

Kenton Hilman, Head of Corporate & Property with Ulster Bank, added: “Ulster Bank is delighted to sponsor the Dale Farm awards once again; having done so for many years. We understand the importance of producing quality milk, especially in these difficult economic times. Farmers and their families are at the core of the dairy sector, and we at Ulster Bank continue to do our best to support them in any way we can.

“Congratulations to all of the winners – we appreciate your hard work in striving to maintain the strong reputation of Northern Ireland’s dairy products.”