Farmer Ambassador Programme

The National Dairy Council Farmer Ambassador Programme brings together a team of people involved in the production of Irish dairy, who act as advocates and spokespeople for Ireland’s family-farm-based, grass-fed dairy production system.

They are champions for the many initiatives being employed to make Irish dairy ever more sustainable and environmentally-friendly – and they are all keen to speak about what they are doing and what needs to be done.

Connelly Family

Austin and Yvonne Connelly farm with their four daughters, Ava, Anna, Jane and Kate, in Tuam, Co. Galway. Fifth-generation farmers, they are relatively new to dairy farming having made the transition just five years ago, after previously operating a suckler beef and sheep enterprise.

Enda Walsh

Dairy Farmer Enda Walsh studied Dairy Business at University College Dublin, and now farms alongside his father Henry and mother Patricia.

Christopher Tuffy

NDC Farmer Ambassador Christopher Tuffy from Co. Sligo was crowned FBD Young Farmer of the Year in 2022.

Paddy O’Kelly

After attending agricultural college in Pallaskenry, Paddy O’Kelly spent 3 years working on farms in Kerry and Cork with the farm apprenticeship board. Today, Paddy is a 7th generation dairy farmer in Broadford, Co. Limerick. At 89 years of age, his dad is still very involved around the farm.

James Flaherty

James Flaherty’s family have farmed here since 1850, and James is the next generation to carry on the farming tradition.

Gearoid Maher

Gearoid Maher farms in partnership with his wife Sarah and his two daughters, and they milk 110 pedigree British Friesian cows on 200 acres

Miriam Gunn

Miriam, farmer and mum of four, believes that Women in Dairy is about recognition – her grandmother worked on the farm but would never have considered herself a farmer. “It’s about women standing up and saying, hold on, we’re doing this too, and being acknowledged for it.” She’s also keen to see country kids being encouraged to participate in dairying and to be proud to be part of it.

Olivia Gunn

When she’s not in school, Olivia works hard with her mum Miriam on the family farm in Co Roscommon. She tells us about her relationship with the cows and how Haribos and mini-marshmallows play an important part.

Niall Moore

“The cow is in charge of everything she does – she has to come to the robot, it’s a simple as that.” Niall talks about his move to the robotic milking system, better for him, better for his family who work with him but, above all, better for the cow. The robotic system monitors cow health and milk quality, and enables Niall to manage his pastures to ensure the best grass for his animals.

Ireland’s dairy farmers work tirelessly to care for their farms, their animals and the land that they steward. Irish dairy is synonymous with quality and is recognised globally for being produced to the highest standards.

NDC Farmer Ambassadors are spokespeople for Irish dairy and the farming practices that deliver what many people believe to be the best dairy in the world.

Irish milk has a low production carbon footprint of 0.97kg CO2 eq per litre of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM).

They are passionate advocates for:

Dairy sustainability
(including initiatives to reduce environmental impact)
Grass-fed dairy production
Cow and herd well-being
Family farming
The future of dairy farming in Ireland
Dairy products

NDC Farmer Ambassadors are available for interview and for comment. Please contact

Cathy Curran, Communications Manager, NDC – Mobile: +353 86 877 7664 or Telephone: +353 1 290 2451

Jeremy Probert, 4TC – Mobile: +353 89 700 0792

Occasions

Chef

Dairy Ingredients

MILK – The story of Ireland’s culinary
treasure, explored through recipes,
history and culture.

Irish Cheddar Cheese Toastie with Homemade Tomato Soup

Mussel & Potato Salad

Healthy Eating

Dairy - A Matrix of Nutrients

Bone & Muscle Health