‘Being as good as the Downings doesn’t happen overnight’
PRODUCING exceptional milk isn’t something that can happen overnight. That’s the verdict from Dairygold advisor Maeve O’Connor, who has been working with the Downing farm for 10 years.
Maeve told the that the farm’s breeding system has been key to their success and that this is something that Kevin’s late father Michael instilled in the farm from early on.
“Many farmers aspire to be like the Downings and to be as good as them but it isn’t something that can happen overnight,” she said.
“They achieved 560kg milk solids last year whereas most farmers are aspiring to achieve 480-500kg milk solids. They use the top AI sires and gene Ireland bulls and that’s one of the reasons they are doing so well.
“Going back to Kevin’s father’s time, there was always that tradition of milk quality.
“The farm is an excellent example of how a good management system helps boost quality.
“They have excellent calving, breeding and fertility. It’s not all about the milking; it’s how you care for the cow, too.”
According to Maeve, the working relationship between Kevin and farm manager Tom Carr has been key to the overall success of the farm.
“Tom plays a very active role on the farm and knows the whole system inside out. Having a man like that is key,” she said.
“Tom and Kevin get on like a house on fire and teach other things.
“Tom has been there for over 30 years and has trained many students in agricultural colleges and has a vast history of achievement.”
Maeve noted that the Downing family are a reflection of the hard-working and innovative Dairygold suppliers all over Munster.
“All our suppliers have a proud history of high standards and are conscious that once the milk leaves their farm, it is turned into ingredients or a product that is sold on the shelf,” she said.
“€4.3m in bonuses were paid out in 2017 and this is increasing each year. Farmers are dedicated and take pride in their products.”