PICTURES: Tipperary students visit award-winning dairy farm

22 third- and fourth-class students from Scoil na Maighne in Thurles swapped the classroom for the cowshed last week as they enjoyed a hands-on introduction to farm life at the award-winning Ryan Family Farm in Lisheen.

The farm, winners of the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, welcomed the students for an educational visit organised for schools participating in the EU School Milk Scheme. During the visit, students explored the milking parlour, met the calves, and learned how milk makes its journey from grass to glass.

The experience also included an interactive nutrition session led by Dr Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist with the National Dairy Council (NDC), where students learned about the important role dairy plays in a healthy, balanced diet.

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Dr Harrington explained: “Milk, yoghurt, and cheese provide essential nutrients including calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting growing bodies and minds. We encourage children to aim for the recommended five servings of dairy each day as part of a balanced diet.”

Farm owner Mary Ryan described the visit as a major success: “The school farm visit was a huge hit with the children, with many saying it was the ‘best school tour ever.’ Seeing them interact with the cows, calves, and grass today really showed me how beneficial farm visits are for kids. It helps them connect with farming life and understand where their food comes from.”

Supporting the visit were Elaine Townsend, NDC School Programme Manager; Caroline Crudden, NDC Trademark Project Manager; and Cathriona Maher and Peter Quealy from Centenary Co-op, Thurles.

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Similar school farm visits will take place nationwide this summer for schools taking part in the EU School Milk Scheme, helping children connect classroom learning with real-life farm experiences.

Photo caption: Mary Ryan, Farm Owner, Ryan Family Farm; Peter Quealy, Centenary Co-op, Thurles; Elaine Townsend, School Programme Manager, National Dairy Council; Dr. Mary Harrington, Senior Nutritionist, National Dairy Council; Cathriona Maher, Centenary Co-op, Thurles; and Tom Ryan, Farm Owner, Ryan Family Farm.