Former Glanbia Quality Milk Award winner is this year’s NDC Quality Milk Award competitor

Corporate

Third generation Westmeath-based farmer, Gerard Heery, is Tirlán representative in this year’s National Dairy Council Quality Milk Awards.He is described as “an absolute all-rounder on and off farm” by Gordon Grey, Regional Milk Supply Manager, Northern region, ahead of the national competition this week.

Animal welfare and doing the simple things right the first time are very much to the forefront in Gerard’s thinking, Gordon said after visiting the 60 hectare farm in recent weeks.  Milk quality has always been to the fore and the family farm won the Glanbia Quality Milk Award in 2006 when Gerard milked 70 cows.

“Gerard’s cows were in very good condition with full rumens, and no evidence of lameness. There was also ample space in the cow accommodation, with 110% cubicles. The calves were a credit, kept in small groups on straw beds. They could only be described as shining. Gerard's philosophy is that by looking after his animals’ welfare the best he could, he would be rewarded with an efficient, long-lasting herd that was not only ‘good for his pocket’ but good for the environment too.

“Gerard also has a genuine interest in the environment, with 2.5 ha fenced off for conservation and increasing biodiversity. He is very passionate about milk recording and selective breeding in order to improve efficiency, and ultimately the herd’s carbon footprint.”

The Heerys have a great relationship with Tirlán. “We dealt with Sean Smith for years until his retirement and our new Milk Supply Manager, Andrew Geraghty,  is a neighbour from just down the road. Thankfully we’ve not had to call on them much over the years but it’s reassuring to know they are always in the background, if needed.”

The family farm lies beside Mullaghmeen Forest in Co Westmeath. His grandfather had the land set for some years, then started to stock sheep and cattle. “When my father took over, he continued mixed farming but also started milking, sending the first milk to Oldcastle creamery in 1957.

“In the early seventies my father and mother sold the sheep and cattle and concentrated on building the dairy herd. They reared a family of six and we all did our bit on the farm after school and during holidays. I got a herd number in 1996 and was able to get milk quota to continue the increase in milk production on a gradual basis over the years.

“My father took early retirement in 2001 as he was heavily involved in Athletics. He was President of Athletics Ireland from 2002-2008.At present my nephew, Michael Flood, helps me at weekends and during holidays and my wife, Geraldine, and brother, Martin, help when needed.”

He’s a big fan of white clover and says adding more is a natural progression on the farm. He’s also examining the feasibility of solar PV and other energy-saving measures on-farm as energy prices spiral.

Gerard says he has a great work/life balance and the former athletics competitor for Ireland says he still get in the odd run. “We’re happy the way things are. Milk price has jumped more than the inputs so we’re making a nice living at the moment. The Springtime is busy alright and August and September are that bit quieter. It will be great to recharge the batteries over Christmas and the new year.

“We’ve plenty forestry around us so it’s great to get out for a run, though I’m not running as far or as fast as I used to in my day but it’s a great pastime and it’s important to have an outlet outside of the farm,” he quipped.

Gerard and his family are looking forward to the NDC competition, to meeting with like-minded farm families and say the pictures taken and memories made will endure for a lifetime.

First Published: 13 September 2022

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