The 16th annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards saw the highest accolade of Aurivo Milk Supplier of the Year presented to Mayo dairy farmer Michael Gordon, who operates a family run dairy farm in Crossmolina. Michael was recognised by judges for his dedication to animal welfare, excellent milk quality, and sustainable farming practices. He has been farming in Crossmolina since 1998. He converted from beef to dairying in 2018 and now milks 75 crossbred cows on 50 hectares. Michael’s wife Ita and their children, Emily, Kevin, Ciara and Aoife are all involved in the farm. The family take great pride in their herd and practice the highest standards of animal welfare from calf to cow. 

Michael will now represent Aurivo at the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards which sets out to celebrate the best milk suppliers in Ireland.

In addition to the overall award, Michael received the Excellence in Udder Health award. Michael credits his success in this category to his continuous and close monitoring of his herd’s cell count.

Also taking home a top prize was Dolan Farming Ltd, a fifth-generation family farm in Hollymount run by Louis, his wife Bernie, and their son David were recognised for their continuous focus on sustainability and the farm’s low emission trajectory at this year’s Annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards.

 Louis credits the success to their focus on crossbreeding to produce high protein and fat output, which allows them to have less reliance on feed. The family has also reduced the use of nitrogen on the farm by using protected urea and 30% of their grazing platform has clover included and they hope to increase this year on year. Other sustainable farming practices utilised by the Dolan’s include rainwater harvesting and biological pest control by the way of owl boxes.