Local farmer, Philip Rosbotham of Donaghcloney, has been awarded the John Finnan Oat Quality Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to growing sustainable, high-quality conventional oats for Co. Armagh-based White’s Oats.

For over 15 years, Philip and his late father, Woods Rosbotham, have worked in close partnership with White’s Oats, consistently delivering locally grown premium quality oats. From the 2024 harvest, they supplied 150 tonnes of standard Mascani Oats to White’s.

Now in its tenth year, the John Finnan Oat Quality Award was established by White’s Oats in memory of Dr John Finnan, Senior Crop Researcher at Teagasc Crop Research Centre. Dr Finnan’s pioneering work played a vital role in advancing oat production in Ireland and supporting the local oat industry. The award continues to serve as a benchmark for excellence, guiding White’s growers in producing oats to the highest standards for its award-winning porridge oats and oat cereals.

Speaking on the award, Philip said: “I am very proud to be part of White’s Agri supply chain partnership, which has helped raise the bar in growing and producing the highest quality oats possible. My father who we sadly lost earlier this year was instrumental in setting up our partnership with White’s. He was also very much involved in the 2024 oat harvest.

This award is a validation of the hard work and dedication that my father put into growing oats, values that continue to guide us as we carry forward his legacy.”

The judging criteria for the Grower of the Year award spans five key areas:

• Mill quality (including Hullability, Kernel Content, and Bushel weight)
• On-farm compliance
• Sustainable agriculture aligned with high environmental standards
• Food and farming practices
• Technical development, including commitment to oat research and trials

Steven McAllister, White’s Agri Supply Chain Coordinator who works in partnership with White’s growers, commented: “White’s Grower of the Year is someone who demonstrates a passion for growing high-quality oats. Oat Quality from the 2024 harvest overall was strong, despite the poor weather last year, and challenges on farms. The oats produced from the Rosbotham farm stood out across all assessed metrics. A truly deserving winner of the 2024 Harvest award, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the years ahead.”