Quality award for local farmer

The awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, were presented at the Balmoral Show.

The competition was open to all Northern Ireland members of the United Dairy Farmers Co-operative, and the top prize went to Brian McAuley from Donaghadee, County Down.

Speaking at the presentation, John Dunlop, Chairman United Dairy Farmers, said: “It is tradition for Dale Farm to recognise our members each year at the Balmoral Show. This year we wanted to highlight milk quality. Their exceptional work and attention to detail every day of the year is crucial to the excellence of our Dale Farm products.

“On behalf of everyone at United Dairy Farmers, I would like to congratulate our overall winner Brian McAuley and all of the other winners and runners-up.”

Kenton Hilman, Head of Corporate & Property with Ulster Bank, added: “Ulster Bank is delighted to sponsor the Dale Farm awards once again, having done so for many years. We understand the importance of producing quality milk, especially in these difficult economic times.

“Farmers and their families are at the core of the dairy sector, and we at Ulster Bank continue to do our best to support them in any way we can.

“Congratulations to all of the winners – we appreciate your hard work in striving to maintain the strong reputation of Northern Ireland’s dairy products.”