Dairy Farmer of the Year shortlist – 2

LIAM O’Donovan is a leading figure in dairy farming circles in West Cork, having scooped this year’s Drinagh Milk Quality Award as well as being runner up for Carbery’s quality award. 

Achieving his Green Cert from Darrara Agricultural College in 1993, he spent the following year gaining experience in New Zealand before returning home in 1995. 

Ten years later saw him take over the family farm, which at the time had a herd of 95 cows along with beef cattle.

As quotas freed up, their herd was expanded and they gradually cut back and then eliminated the beef cattle. Today, Liam milks a herd of 270 Jersey cross cows on the farm he grew up on. 

Slow to draw attention to himself, his peers would describe him as progressive and forward thinking while he would say he’s working to improve efficiencies across the board. 

Married to Dolores, who as well as being a nurse in Bantry Hospital also helps on the farm, theirs is a busy household with children: Annie, 5; 7 year old twins Ruby and Eve and 9 year old Emma. 

In his spare time – not that it’s something Liam has too much of – he is involved with Caheragh GAA. He played junior football with Tadhg Mac Carthaigh and now also acts as a mentor.

• The winner of the Dairy Farmer of the Year award, sponsored by AIB, will be announced at The Southern Star and Celtic Ross Hotel West Cork Farming Awards presentation at 1pm on Sunday, September 24th, at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery.