LISTEN: NDC Milk Quality Open Day on the Power Family Farm

The event will focus on the practical steps taken by the Power family to win the national title.

Tom, Moya, Jim and Breda Power, Drumhills Farm, Cappagh, Co. Waterford, the 2016 national winners of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards will host a farm walk on the afternoon of Wednesday 14th June 2017 (starting at 2pm).

The Power family have expanded their herd to over 200 cows and supply their milk to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd (GII). The event is signposted from the Dungarvan Ring Road and all are welcome.

Organised by Teagasc, Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, the National Dairy Council and Ornua, the farm walk will address the following topics:

• Farm performance;
• Correct washing routines for minimising TBC, thermodurics and residues;
• Achieving low SCC in a large dairy herd;
• Family dairy farming including farm succession and workload/labour requirements;
• Sustainable dairy farming focusing on SDAS and Carbon footprint

Milk quality is extremely important to the Power family: “One of the key elements I took from farming alongside my parents is their emphasis on attention to detail in every aspect of farming practices,” said Tom. “I believe that if you are doing it, do it right. Another crucial element to our farm is our helping team. Although my father, Jim, has taken a step back over the years he is still a machine to work with and an encyclopaedia of knowledge alongside my mother Breda.”

John Moloney, Teagasc said that “the farm walk will allow dairy farm families see at first-hand the types of achievable steps which can raise quality standards and which can help to maintain those standards throughout the year. Many other farmers can learn from the practical steps taken by the Power family. They use the available information to make the right decisions and carry out the recommended actions correctly”.

Zoë Kavanagh, Chief Executive NDC highlighted the role of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards in raising standards: “Through this award programme we see the passion for progressing and learning the newest and best way of doing things; combined with a heartfelt wish to take care of and develop the farm, so that it can be passed on to next generation with care and pride.”

Fionnuala Malone, GII said: “The progress made by Jim and Tom in terms of milk quality is proof that improvements in milk quality are possible. While milk quality was always good on this farm, it has moved to a higher level in recent years. The national award won by the Powers is recognition of the effort put into improving milk quality over the years.”

First Published 8 June 2017