Food Grade Oats grower recognised at Tirlán Quality Grain Award Winners 2024

At this year’s prestigious Tirlán Quality Grain Awards, Anne Cooke of Mullaghmoy, Suncroft, The Curragh, Co Kildare, was awarded the coveted Food Grade Oats overall prize. Anne, farming alongside her sons David and Trevor, exemplifies the dedication and expertise behind Ireland’s superior oats.

Their diversified farming enterprise integrates dairying, tillage, and beef, using sustainable crop rotations that include gluten-free oats, winter wheat, and Cassia winter barley. 

John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said Tirlán remains Ireland’s largest buyer and user of native Irish grains. “It is wonderful to get the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the ‘cream of the crop’ among our dedicated and passionate growers here at the Guinness Storehouse today. 

Innovation in the Marketplace 

“Innovation in the marketplace is key at Tirlán and we’re seeing significant growth opportunities for our oat-based drinks in Asia and the US in particular. Our functional oat flours are also gaining more traction in new markets. It is this commitment to investing in facilities and innovation that allows Tirlán to grow its premium grains portfolio to target new markets and deliver premium grains opportunities for our growers.” 

Tirlán’s Oat-Standing™ portfolio has expanded with specialty oat ingredients used in beverages, chocolate, ice cream and so much more. The oats portfolio and plant-based offerings are sought after in the marketplace, offering strong traceability from Irish farms, and clean label benefits that resonate with health-conscious consumers.

Focus on quality

Ailish Byrne, Chief Agribusiness Officer at Tirlán, said: “It is wonderful to see the commitment of our growers to excellence and delivering high quality grains for the marketplace. The growers recognised here today are reflective of hundreds of Tirlán growers continuously striving to nurture their lands to deliver the best crops for consumers to enjoy.