Kenneth Greene of Greene’s Family Farm was thrilled to take gold at the Blas na hÉireann awards for his free range eggs.
The traditional Rath-owen farmer whose happy hens spend their days in the grassy fields and farm forest explained why having the happiest hens make the tastiest eggs and why it is great to have this recognised by recognised chefs with a national award.
“It’s one of the top awards for local food producers in Ireland so it’s a great accolade to get, especially two years in-a-row. It’s hard to come by so we really appreciate it and of course, we appreciate the support we get all around the Midlands. So many businesses and people buy our eggs in the area, it’s a real local business. We have customers further afield as well. We’re on the Food Academy programme with SuperValu. I think we do really produce a premium, premium free range egg and it’s great that it is recognised by the judges.”
The Greene farm is run mainly by family members with just four employees, all passionate about bringing the very best product to market while working hand-in-hand with nature.
“If you open our pack and read it, you’ll see we’re very much into traditional farming methods. I’ve been in food farming all my life and the people before me always worked with nature. We’re lucky to understand the whole husbandry side, that’s my background – poultry. All the aspects of disease prevention, health, wellness and welfare. We stick to the traditional farming methods.
“Hens are a very unique animal. They love being outside, that’s their natural habitat. They came originally from the forest, we have forests here as well as the grasslands. We have lots of little plantations around the place, so they’re in the open pastures all day long, and we put them in at night. There’s special fencing surrounding all the areas to protect against the foxes, pine martens and all those things. We have limestone water, whole grain wheat and natural feeds, everything that keeps our hens happy, giving us the tastiest eggs.”
The judges, who are all in the food trade, give comments to the winners and Kenneth said it was the rich taste of Greene’s Free Range Eggs that impressed them.
“Our yolks have a lovely orangey, rich colour and the bloom is lovely and upstanding when you crack open your egg. Happy hens give special eggs every day and we’re lucky to be working here, developing a business from it and getting all the support. This award recognises all of that.”
Blas na hÉireann 2024 finalists and winners celebrated in Dingle, with four producers winning from County Westmeath sponsored by Westmeath LEO.
The awards took place from Thursday, 3 October to Saturday, 5 October, celebrating the very best of Irish food and drink. The winners from Westmeath were Greenes Free Range Eggs, Bonny Bó, Mr Crumb and An Olivia Chocolate with Bonny Bó awarded Best in County.
