The Banville's family farm lands Award for Best Milk Quality

A Glanbia Ireland farm family with a reputation for the highest quality milk within GI and who has also cut its carbon footprint by 20 per cent over four years has scooped the prestigious Best Milk Quality Award and finished runners up overall in the NDC Ornua 2021 Awards.

The Banville Family from Barry’s Cross, Co. Wexford scored exceptionally high for Milk Quality. The NDC judging panel (Dr Paddy Wall UCD, DR Jack Kennedy IFJ and Dr David Gleeson Teagasc) review over 18 months of data on SCC, TBC, Thermoduric, Residues and compositional results during their on farm visit to make their choice. In addition, the judges review EBI reports, milk recording results, BB SDAS audits and the farm Carbon footprint data. The Banvilles were also acknowledged for the work completed on sustainability on the farm including for the focus on water quality and carbon footprint awareness in the annual national award programme that recognises standards of excellence in dairy farming.

Competition was intense and 12 finalists were shortlisted for the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2021, which sets out to find and celebrate the top quality milk farmers in Ireland.

John Jordon CEO of Ornua and Zoe Kavanagh congratulated the participants on being the very best ambassadors for Irish farming. In every sense Patrick and Carmel Banville and their children John, Brian and Orla aim for the best on farm every day - with a huge emphasis on early adoption of best practices for sustainability and milk quality.

The eighth of eleven children, Patrick always showed a huge interest in the farm following in the footsteps of both his Father and Grandfather (who was regularly called on in the local area to assist at calvings and cure cases of milk fever).

A lover of the outdoors, Patrick believes he inherited his relatives’ love and gift for caring for animals, and every day he, Carmel and their children focus on keeping animal health and welfare at the heart of their farm. The family ethos of working hard at whatever you do in life is very evident today in every aspect of their farm.

Along with been recognised for top quality milk, stand out areas on their farm included water quality and carbon footprint awareness. Their carbon footprint improved by 20% between 2017 and 2020. Water quality is a main focal point on farm and having recently invested heavily in roadways and in controlling roadway run off, they have initiated regular kick testing in the stream running through their farm in line with ASSAP best practices. 

John Murphy, Glanbia Group Chairman, congratulated the Banville family on their win. “The Banvilles have showcased the very best of practices of our farms across the GI region for these awards. . Their approach to family farming, along with obvious attention to detail every day on farm highlights their understanding andapplication of latest farm management practices and innovation on farm making them worthy recipients of this award. We’re delighted to see the Banville family recognised at this year’s awards and wish them every success for the future.”

Zoe Kavanagh, CEO National Dairy Council, commented, “I am delighted to congratulate this year’s nominees who once again have demonstrated the excellence of Irish dairy farming. Dairy farming has been going on in Ireland for over 4,000 years, it’s a part of our national identity.

“Our grass-fed family farming system is ideally suited to the Irish climate and delivers world class produce. The farmers who have been awarded this year represent the highest standards as food producers delivering an exceptional product that is enjoyed at home and revered by consumers all over the world.”

The award winners were announced at special awards ceremony hosted during the Teagasc Moorepark 2021 Dairy Open Days, representing the very best of Irish dairy, and which was attended by special guest Kellie Harrington, 2020 Olympic Champion 60kg.

For further information and full details on the results from each farm please visit www.qualitymilkawards.ie

First Published: 17 September 2021