Farming: Waterford finalists for National Dairy Awards
Edward Lonergan, Knockanore Raw Milk Smoked Mature Cheddar, is nominated in the Best Artisan Dairy Cheese 2024 category.
Waterford dairy farmers are the ‘cream of the crop’ as the Déise boasts a total of six finalists in this year's National Dairy Awards, recognising the quality and talents of the county's dairy farmers and producers.
The National Dairy Awards recognise and celebrate those who have embraced challenges and are driving the sector on to a brighter and sustainable future.
The Waterford finalists are Shane FitzGerald, Portlaw, in the Kerry Dairy Ireland Biodiversity Dairy Farmer of the Year category; Emmet Prendergast, Dungarvan, in the Dairy Farm Manager of the Year category; and Edward Lonergan, Knockanore Raw Milk Smoked Mature Cheddar, in the Best Artisan Dairy Cheese 2024 category.
Under the ACRES scheme, Shane FitzGerald has implemented various measures, including installing owl boxes, planting 460 metres of hedgerows, creating extensive field margins, and establishing riparian buffer strips to protect watercourses.
He also manages intensive grasslands next to watercourses to support aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
Emmet Prendergast’s journey began humbly relief milking, as a young enthusiast eager to learn the intricacies of dairy farming. He now manages Ashdale Farm in Dungarvan milking a healthy Holstein Friesian, 600-cow herd, demonstrating a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Edward Lonergan is an artisan cheesemaker based in Knockanore, Co. Waterford. They produce cheese on-site, only using the fresh milk from their 160-cow Friesian Herd. They are a family-run farm and business that have been farming nearly 70 years and producing farmhouse cheese since 1987.
The second National Dairy Awards gala evening presentations will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Thursday, June 13.
