Athlone father-and-son honoured at annual Milk Quality Awards

A Westmeath father-and-son has been recognised for the oustanding quality of its milk at the Aurivo 19th annual Milk Quality Awards.

Micháel and Kevin Fagan, from Ballinagee Farm in Glasson, Athlone, received the Milk Quality Award (Over 600,000 Litres) at the awards, highlighting their exceptional standards in milk quality and farm management.

Operating a progressive dairy enterprise, the father-and-son team milk 133 British Friesian cross cows. With farming roots spanning at least three generations, the farm transitioned to dairying over a decade ago and has since developed into a high-performing operation.

Aurivo Dairy said that the achievement underscores the continued growth of dairying, with counties like Westmeath seeing increasing interest from those entering the sector.

The Aurivo Milk Quality Awards recognise the outstanding commitment and performance of its dairy suppliers, celebrating excellence across key areas including milk solids, sustainability, SCC count and exceptional animal welfare standards throughout 2025. There was also a winner from Co Roscommon with Thomas and Anne Gormley, from Elphin, receiving an award for Excellence in Udder Health.

Congratulating all the winners Stephen Blewitt, General Manger Aurivo Dairy, said: “Our farmers are at the heart of everything we do, and their commitment to quality is evident in the consistently high standards of milk produced across our network. At Aurivo, we are proud to work alongside dairy farmers who continue to raise the bar for quality and sustainability across the Irish dairy sector.”