A Co Laois tillage farming couple who created a carbon sink in 2025 while producing premium gluten-free oats have been crowned Tirlán Grain Grower of the Year. Bobby and Denise Miller, growers from Rathmore, Stradbally, were crowned Tirlán’s top tillage farmers at a special event at Cork’s Castlemartyr Resort and Midleton Distillery Experience. “It's known for its high bushel, which helps them to process it in the mill; the high bushel makes life easier for them and gives them a better quality product,” Mr Miller said. “I’d hate to have to turn my back on tillage farming… We don’t want to go down that route; it’s in the blood,” Mr Miller said. The awards aim to recognise the very best of Tirlán’s grain suppliers and celebrate excellence across barley, wheat, oats, beans and oilseed rape.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 10:19 UTC