From feed beans to food grade oats, the annual Quality Grain Awards programme recognises the excellence of the top-class Irish crops delivered by Tirlán’s 1,100 growers each year.
“The excellence of our suppliers is something we in Tirlán never take for granted. Generations of commitment, knowledge and expertise are what set us apart from growers all over the world. We’re passionate about what we do and it shows in the high-quality produce that comes from our family farms.
Our standard-setting growers are the cream of the crop. We commend them on the exceptionally high standards they have set and for their continued dedication to quality, best practice and sustainability and their commitment to the sector.” – John Murphy, Tirlán Chairman.
The Premium Spring Barley top award is a new award for 2022 and reflects Tirlán’s increasing assembly of premium grains for customers in the brewing and distilling industry. It went to James Hill and family who farm at Dunganstown Castle, Dunganstown, Co. Wicklow.
James and his wife Anne run a mixed tillage and sheep farm on a combination of owned and rented land. The 300 acres is given over to wheat, barley and oats and a combination of root crops such as swedes and turnips. James runs a flock of 500 ewes which lamb in spring. The root crops which are grown mainly for the sheep flock provide an ideal break crop for winter wheat.
James is a well-known member of the Irish Farmers’ Association and has served on their national grain committee for a long number of years. Their Tirlán agronomist is Tom Hession.
Pictured above: Premium Spring Barley category winner in the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards, James Hill, Dunganstown Castle, Dunganstown, Co Wicklow pictured at the awards with his wife, Ann, and Tirlán Vice Chairman, Brendan Hayes; Dr Michelle Collins, R&D Director and the Hill’s Tirlán agronomist Tom Hession.
