Thomas and Marie Ryan have six grown up children – Michael, Patricia, Eamonn, Thomas, Maura and Matthew, saying they are all in this together: “we are a partnership in life and business.”
The Ryan family run an exceptionally clean farm with a well-bred herd of Friesian cows. They have the facilities necessary to produce top quality milk in a sustainable and environmentally friendly system, registered with the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme.
Cow numbers increased by 15 this year as the Ryan family can increase cow numbers using existing facilities by reducing their dry stock enterprise.
“I’ve always loved cows and milking. We grew up with it,” says Thomas. “Always milk the cows as if you are going to drink the milk yourself. Milk quality is our top priority as we are conscious of the markets our milk is going to.”
“Our philosophy is to do the simple things right and to introduce new ideas as appropriate.”
Farm Fact File:
Farm: 43.75 hectares, 43.75 hectares grazing
72 cows, average herd yield 5,752 litres
TBC: 10.1
SCC: 88.7
Butterfat: 4.01%
Protein: 3.46%
Lactose: 4.78%
Thermadurics: 216
Find out more about all the winners.