The Buttimer family, Lisavaird Co-op announced as overall winner at the 21st Carbery Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards

West Cork, 19 November 2025: Darren Buttimer and family have been announced as the overall winners of the 2025 Carbery Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards.

Showcasing the best of Irish dairy farming, the Awards are an opportunity for Carbery to recognise the dedication of their famer shareholders and their commitment to achieving the highest standards in milk quality and sustainability.

Just 5km outside Clonakilty, Darren and Caroline Buttimer farm with their children, Mathew (16), Rachel (15), Leah (13), and Hannah (12) on well-sheltered land that’s been in the family since the 1960s. The farm was one of several bought by Darren’s father, Ernest, and his four brothers from Rossmore, all within a 10-mile radius. Darren joined the partnership in the early 2000s and took over fully in 2007/08. Today, he farms 240 acres alongside full-time farm manager Richard, with his mother Dianna, living just down the lane.

Talking about his approach to farming, Darren said “It’s a great quality of life. There are two busy seasons, once calving and silage are done, things ease up and you can take time off.”

Last year, Carbery’s farmer shareholders continued to lead in sustainability and quality, with 93% of Carbery’s milk pool coming from farmers participating in the Carbery FutureProof sustainability bonus. On-farm emissions fell by a further 1.56%, reflecting the innovation and commitment of West Cork’s farming families.

Jason Hawkins, Carbery CEO, said of the finalists: “As we mark 21 years of celebrating our farmer shareholders with these awards, it’s clear that their resilience and innovation have never been more important. The dairy industry continues to face challenges – from creating a more sustainable future to market volatility – yet our farmers consistently rise to meet them.

In the Buttimers, and in all of this year’s finalists, we see a steadfast commitment to quality, respect for the land, and a shared ambition to leave the industry stronger for the next generation.”

Carbery Group Chairman, Vincent O’Donovan, added: “What makes these awards so special is the sense of pride and community they embody. Each year, we see the dedication and care that our farmers bring to their livelihoods,

For more than two decades, these awards have recognised that commitment – the families who uphold the highest standards of quality and stewardship of the land. Their spirit and resilience continue to sustain rural life in West Cork, and we are proud to honour that contribution.”

The judges for this year’s competition, Barry Ryan,. Carbery Quality Manager, Don Crowley, Teagasc West Cork and Darragh O’Donovan, Carbery Farm Sustainability Manager, noted the high standard on all farms and the consistency appield to achieving huigh quality in milk production.

Carbery would like to congratulate all of the finalists from the four West Cork Co-ops. They were:

Drinagh Co-op

The Cullinane Family Farm, Kealkil, Bantry

The O’Donoghue Family Farm, Maultahrane, Leap ( Drinagh winner)

The Hill Family Farm, Clounties, Leap

Barryroe Co-op

The Roche Family Farm, Ballinspittle, Kinsale

The Galvin Family Farm, Knockgorm, Kinsale

The Kirby Family Farm, Ballinascarthy (Barryroe winner)

Bandon Co-op

The Kelleher Family Farm, Tullyland, Bandon ( Bandon winner)

The Crowley Family Farm, Ardkitt, Ballineen