Martin O’Regan from Coolyrahilly, near Ballinspittle has been awarded the 2025 Flahavan’s Oat Grower of the Year in the conventional category, for his ‘outstanding performance’ across his Isabel Oat variety supply, consistently producing exceptionally clean grain ‘underpinned by strong agronomy and a keen focus on environmental care’.

Mr O’Regan was commended as a ‘standout contributor’ year after year by Teagasc Tillage specialist Ciarán Collins, who noted that it was Martin’s ‘reliability and passion’ that set a benchmark across the grower group.

He was joined by the organic oats category winner, James O’Connell from Thurles in Tipperary, who was likewise commended for the exceptional standard of his crop, consistently delivering bushel weights of over 60kph.

 The Flahavan’s award winners were announced last week, where the exceptional skill, dedication, and stewardship shown by growers and Irish oat suppliers was recognised. This year, the competition was exceptionally strong, reflecting the depth of talent within Flahavan’s grower community.

 Independent judging was carried out by Ciarán Collins, tillage specialist with Teagasc for the Conventional category, with Martin Bourke organic tillage specialist overseeing the Organic category.

Entries were assessed first on grain quality, including kernel content, bushel weight, moisture, aroma, flavour, colour, and cleanliness.

Finalists were then evaluated for grower excellence, assessing agronomy knowledge, field practice, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The judges remarked on the exceptional calibre of this year’s submissions, praising the consistently high standards delivered by Flahavan’s growers, who play a central role in maintaining the quality expected of Ireland’s market leader in oat-based foods..

 Commenting on the awards, Johnny Flahavan, Operations Manager at Flahavan’s, said that the company’s growers ‘play a crucial role in everything we do.’

‘Their knowledge, hard work and commitment to doing things the right way mean we can continue to deliver consistent, high-quality Irish oats to our customers at home and abroad. We’re pleased to recognise this year’s winners, and we appreciate the ongoing effort from all growers across the country.’

Over three million servings of Flahavan’s are consumed each week, and the porridge it is also exported to over 20 countries worldwide.

The company’s conventional oats are sourced from local farmers within a 60-mile radius of the mill in Kilmacthomas in county Waterford, some of whom have been supplying the mill for many generations.