With a pedigree herd of 59, Caroline O’Neill’s farm, Le Chéile Dairy, at Crohane, Ballinascarthy, in West Cork, is solidly focused on quality over quantity. Run as a business, efficiency and profitability are crucial and family members have paid roles with clearly defined responsibilities. Children Caitlin, Daniel, Leanne, Conor and Louise are heavily involved and work on the farm is balanced with pursuing other passions, including GAA. “The cows have to work around the matches,” Caroline says
Supplying into Lisavaird Co-Op, Le Chéile had an impressive average TBC of 6 and SCC of 90 across 2024.
No stranger to awards, Caroline has previously been recognised for grassland management, milk quality, and sustainability and she utilises technology to streamline operations. Le Chéile Dairy is both a family home and a centre of excellence.
