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Florence & Caitriona McCarthy

National finalists, presented with a commemorative plaque to acknowledge their excellence in dairy farming and achievement

Florence & Caitriona McCarthy are the third generation on their family farm and have five children aged from 21 to 14, Florence, Eoin, Kieran, David and Marie.  “We love it and could never see ourselves doing anything else,” says Florence.

This herd is treated with the best of care, which is reflected in his quality and milk yield.

“The happier the cow, the more milk yield you get and the better the quality. Quality is important to us as it reflects on the animal’s health and wellbeing,” says Florence.

Florence is a dedicated farmer who is continuously raising the standard of his farm and herd.

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Stocking rate is at its maximum so no expansion is on the horizon but Florence has tried to maximise output of milk with excellent farming practices and to make his farm sustainable by getting involved in REPS, the Lee Strand discussion group and registering with the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme. Regular testing, efficient practices and conservation extending to the erection of bird boxes are just some features on the farm.

Farm Fact File:

Farm: 34 hectares, 16 hectares grazing

67 cows, average herd yield of 6,670 litres

TBC: 5

SCC: 160

Butterfat: 3.72%

Protein: 3.2%

Lactose not provided

Thermodurics: 1

Find out more about all the winners.