Kinisla would like to extend our congratulations to Kinisla milk suppliers, William and Mary Dennehy and family from Currow, Co. Kerry, following their outstanding success at the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2026.
The Dennehy’s were recognised with two of the evening’s most prestigious awards, winning both the Overall Winner title and the Improving Water Quality category.
The awards celebrate farmers who are leading the way in environmental sustainability while operating productive and profitable farm businesses.
The family have developed a highly efficient dairy enterprise that combines excellent production performance with a strong commitment to protecting natural resources including the Brown Flesk River, which flows through the farm. Milking a high-EBI, compact spring-calving herd, they have focused on improving soil fertility, maximising grass growth, enhancing biodiversity and reducing emissions across their farm.
Sustainability is embedded throughout the farm system and as a participant in the Kinisla Evolve RegenDairy programme, the Dennehy’s continue to demonstrate how the programme’s focus on soil health, water quality, biodiversity and farm efficiency can help deliver both environmental and financial sustainability on farm
Clover is established across much of the grazing platform, helping to reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen fertiliser, while regular soil testing, targeted nutrient management and precision slurry and fertiliser applications ensure nutrients are used efficiently.
In 2025, the farm grew 13.9 tonnes of dry matter per hectare while operating on just 157kg of chemical nitrogen per hectare, with 98% applied as protected urea.
Protecting water quality is a key priority on the farm. The Dennehy’s carefully manage livestock and farming activities, maintaining buffer zones and implementing a range of measures designed to safeguard local waterways. In 2024, they installed a reedbed system to treat greywater from the farmyard, while roadways have been designed to divert runoff away from drains and watercourses.
The farm’s commitment to biodiversity is equally impressive. More than 500 metres of hedgerows have been established, native trees have been planted and habitats continue to be enhanced across the farm. Renewable energy also plays a role, with solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage helping to reduce electricity imports by around 30%.
Beyond their farming achievements, the family are actively involved in social farming, opening their farm to participants and providing valuable opportunities for connection and engagement within the wider community.
The Dennehy’s dedication to continuous improvement, environmental stewardship and sustainable milk production makes them a deserving winner of these awards. Their achievements demonstrate that environmental responsibility and farm performance can go hand in hand, providing a positive example for the wider farming industry.
Congratulations again to William, Mary, Kate and Tommy on this fantastic achievement. Everyone at Kinisla is proud to see one of our supplier farmers receive national recognition for their commitment to sustainable dairy farming.
