Sixty (60) Lakeland Dairies farmers have been recognised and rewarded for their commitment to excellence at the recent Animal Health Ireland (AHI) CellCheck awards.

The AHI CellCheck awards are presented to milk suppliers nationally with the lowest weighted annual average somatic cell count (SCC) for the previous year’s supply.

The 60 Lakeland Dairies CellCheck winners are spread right across the co-operative’s milk supply catchment area in the Republic of Ireland.

Lakeland Dairies’ Chairman Alo Duffy paid tribute to the 60 farmers, their families and the top-quality milk they produce, saying.

“Since the inception of the AHI CellCheck awards, it’s important to note the maximum SCC of award recipients has fallen each year from 103,000 cells/ml in 2014 to 76,500 cells/ml in 2018. This is testament to the dedication of Irish dairy farmers that there were several sixth-time awardees in attendance.

“On behalf of everyone at Lakeland Dairies, I want to congratulate all of the Lakeland winners for their historic achievement at this year’s CellCheck awards. As well as winning the pride and acclamation of the dairy industry, the farmers will receive a plaque to place in their parlour that will act as a reminder of their fantastic achievements and commitment to excellence.

“Being a CellCheck winner shows that you have a dedication to producing high-quality milk every day. These awards are one of the biggest achievements a dairy farmer can win,”