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Michael & Mary Ita McCarthy

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

This is a modern, well run and sustainable family farm, with scope to expand the herd comfortably with existing land and facilities or by reducing the number of beef stock.

Michael and Mary Ita are the 7th generation farming at Kilmurray and have four children – Alex (age 27) is the eldest, Michelle, Catherine and James. They say they are 'never short of a helping hand'.

The McCarthys are members of Ballingarry Discussion Group and are registered with the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme supported with regular testing, efficiencies, and initiatives such as tree planting around the farm.

Quality milk has always been a top priority on the farm. “I believe that routine is imperative to maintain high standards. I like things kept simple and easy to manage so as to not over complicate things,” says Michael.

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Michael and Mary Ita both agree they couldn’t imagine doing anything else. “We love what we do, it’s our passion.”

Farm Fact File:

Farm: 107 hectares, 105 hectares grazing

114 cows, average milk yield 6,668 litres

TBC: 12

SCC: 103

Butterfat: 4.05%

Protein: 3.56%

Lactose: 4.78%

Thermadurics: 212

Find out more about all the winners.